Specialist, Process Controls

Company Overview

MP Materials (NYSE: MP) is rebuilding American industrial capability for a new era of autonomy, robotics, and electrification. We are the only U.S. company with a fully integrated rare earth supply chain—from mining and refining to advanced metal and magnet manufacturing. Our products include both the critical materials used to make permanent magnets and the finished magnets themselves—enabling next‑generation technologies in robotics, automation, aerospace, transportation, defense, and energy systems.

These materials are the foundation of physical AI—the convergence of computation, movement, and control. We hire ambitious, mission‑driven people who want to tackle complex challenges and shape the future of strategic industries. Our culture is rooted in teamwork, resiliency, and integrity, with a deep commitment to operational excellence and national purpose. MP is rapidly evolving from a materials producer into a leading U.S. manufacturer—and our people are driving that transformation.

MP Materials is seeking a Specialist, Process Controls to provide hands‑on support for the process control systems that drive our metal, alloy, and magnet‑making facility. This role is designed for a skilled technician with experience in troubleshooting and maintaining PLCs, HMIs, and industrial process control systems. The ideal candidate will support daily plant operations, lead equipment‑based improvements, and contribute to the implementation of OPEX projects and continuous improvement initiatives across a complex, high‑tech manufacturing environment.

• Participate and execute OPEX‑focused electrical projects aimed at improving energy efficiency, reducing utility spend, and enhancing operational reliability.
• Provide hands‑on technical support for plant process control systems, including routine checks, basic maintenance, and troubleshooting equipment or system faults.
• Provide daily technical support for plant process control systems, including troubleshooting and maintaining PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, sensors, and safety systems to ensure smooth and safe operations.
• Respond to process control‑related issues as part of an on‑call rotation, including after‑hours support as needed.
• Assist in implementing and maintaining standard operating procedures for process control systems and support response protocols.
• Support troubleshooting efforts led by engineers to minimize downtime and ensure continuous improvement of system performance.
• Document and report system issues, maintenance actions, and resolution outcomes to engineering leadership.
• Perform routine inspections of process control equipment to identify and report wear, potential failure points, or improvement opportunities.
• Support continuous improvement (CI) and OPEX projects by implementing changes to process control systems, improving equipment functionality, and reducing downtime.
• Perform hands‑on installation, testing, and calibration of process control components—such as instrumentation, control panels, and field devices.
• Read, interpret, and redline electrical schematics, P&IDs, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams for existing or modified systems.
• Support the programming, configuration, and maintenance of process control platforms including Rockwell (Studio 5000), Factory Talk View, and Siemens TIA Portal.
• Conduct preventive and predictive maintenance of process control systems; perform software backups, maintain change logs, and document all control system activities.
• Interface regularly with operators, maintenance, engineering, and EHS teams to ensure process control systems meet operational and safety requirements.
• Assist with commissioning and startup of new or modified process control systems, ensuring compliance with performance specifications.
• Use diagnostic tools (e.g., multimeters, oscilloscopes, network analyzers) to test and troubleshoot control signals and communications.
• Collaborate with other technicians, operators, and engineering staff to support safe, efficient plant operations.
• Support training efforts for maintenance and operations staff to improve system knowledge and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Oth…