Project Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer

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.

Position Overview:

The Project Engineer will be a member of our new Magnetics business. This is a rare opportunity to have an early role in developing and maintaining various capital project deliverables for greenfield advanced manufacturing facilities that are shaping the future of American manufacturing. The ideal candidate will participate and support the project through conception stage, have accountability for contributing to all strategic and tactical management of project delivery after release for execution, and assist with coordination and oversight of external contractors from scope development to start-up and commissioning.

The role requires significant interaction with selected Design Firms; OEMs;
Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractors;
Equipment and Service Contractors; as well as extensive internal collaboration. This role will have overall accountability for delivering projects safely, with high quality standards, on time, and within budget.

Position Responsibilities:

* Manages and supports Capital Project Engineering efforts for infrastructure and equipment.

* Engage with Procurement and Engineering teams for appropriate project resourcing.

* Collaborates with Capital Projects Team, Research and Development, and Manufacturing Engineering teams, and provides leadership in development of best practice project and capital management.

* Directs integration of engineering and technical activities in support of project development and execution.

* Supports other programs and management systems including reliability centered maintenance, safety, mechanical integrity, preventative and predictive maintenance and continuous improvement.

* Supports construction activities by inspecting and validating engineering trade design requirements are performed per the scope of work.

* Supports developing, promoting, and carrying out of policies to ensure that the facility is in compliance with regulatory requirements.

* Incorporates safety, health, and environmental best practices and regulatory compliance into all engineering and project management activities, and ensures adherence to engineering principles, practices, and standards.

* Provides technical and engineering support to plant, including conducting of engineering studies and development of capital cost estimates.

Other Functions:

* Develop capital project processes and procedures

* Occasional travel to subcontractor/vendor locations

* Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications:

* B.S. or higher in Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical Engineering.

* Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate information from engineering drawing and documentation.

* Ability to deal effectively and confidently with ambiguity, assess situations rapidly, and take quick and appropriate action.

* 3 - 5 years experience in a project leadership role within industrial and high-tech manufacturing environments, including subject matter leadership for some combination of Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation & Controls, Materials, and/or Chemical disciplines.

* Industry knowledge in high tech manufacturing facilities preferred.

* Medium to large sized capital project experience preferred.

* Familiarity or experience with commissioning and start-up of equipment and facilities.

* Must be able to understand and discuss cost estimates, budgets, actualized costs, forecasts and schedules.

* Proficiency in Microsoft Applications (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, MS Project)

* Demonstrated skill/knowledge in the following areas:
Capital project management, Manufacturing plant support, Construction, Plant Engineering, Equipment design, Material handling equipment, Piping, Pneumatic equipment, Materials of construction, Structural design.

* Excellent communication skills

Desired Qualities:

* Team Player

* Desire and willingness to Learn

* Leadership experience and/or contributor on various subject matters

* Self-starter, proactive management style

* Excellent analytical problem-solving skills

*…