Process Engineer - Finish Coat

What you can expect:

At USA Rare Earth, we are pioneers and problem solvers, technologists and team players. Together, we:

Build Solutions :
If our task was a simple one, it would already be done. We are creative and solution-oriented, and we think outside the box to solve important problems. We know that a range of expertise and technologies is needed for success, and we work across sectors and alongside customers to deliver world‑class solutions in sustainable ways.

Deliver Quality :
When we do things, we do them well. We believe that top‑tier quality leads to industry competitiveness and we hold ourselves to the highest quality standards. We move fast when executing, but safety, quality, and excellence always come first.

Lead responsibly :
We have a responsibility to the planet, our consumers, our country, and each other. We put safety at the center of all we do, take accountability for our actions, incorporate sustainable practices in our processes and act with the financial best interest of our investors and consumers in mind.

Win Together :
Establishing a rare earth magnet supply chain is a big undertaking – and getting there is a team effort. We communicate openly, work together and challenge each other in pursuit of our goals. With every step we take we learn and get better.

We are seeking a Process Engineer – Finish Packaging and Automation to lead the design, operation, and optimization of finished goods packaging processes within our fast‑growing magnet manufacturing start‑up. This role will oversee automated magnetizing, part handling, crating, and palletizing operations, ensuring process reliability, efficiency, and system maintainability. You’ll play a key role in integrating automation across packaging processes while supporting consistent product quality and smooth downstream operations in a dynamic, high‑growth production environment.

• Own operation and design of packaging lines, automation systems, and material handling processes.
• Ensure accurate, efficient, and safe packaging of finished products.
• Oversee automated magnetizing, transfer, and palletizing systems.
• Maintain SOPs, FMEAs, and process documentation for packaging and automation.
• Collaborate with maintenance on preventive maintenance and troubleshooting of automation systems.
• Interface with other process areas to support potential automation integration.
• Participate in equipment procurement, FAT/SAT, and vendor management.
• Monitor quality and process metrics to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Train operators and junior engineers on packaging automation and safety protocols.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in packaging throughput, reliability, and ergonomics.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Experience in packaging operations, automation, or material handling.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including data analysis and SPC.
• Proficiency in designing, operating, and optimizing automated packaging lines.
• Knowledge of SOPs, FMEAs, and quality metrics for packaging processes.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams in a fast‑paced start‑up environment.
• Experience with equipment procurement, vendor management, and training operators.
• Focus on continuous improvement in throughput, reliability, and ergonomics.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, move, sit, carry, bend, kneel, reach, push, pull, lift, use hands and fingers, handle, feel and talk and hear. May be required to lift and move boxes or packages not exceeding 20 pounds in weight.

Some work stress inherent to the position and extended work hours may be required.

The work environment will be a mix of a typical office environment, laboratory space, manufacturing floor and construction site.

Exposure will vary and include normal office noise, typical laboratory sounds (e.g., ventilation systems, equipment operation), manufacturing floor noise (e.g., machinery, forklifts), and construction site noise depending on project phase and location.

USA Rare Earth proudly supports Equal Employment Opportunities.

USA Rare Earth's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and will provide reasonable accommodations according to applicable federal, state, and/or local laws.

For assistance applying for employment through this site due to disability, please contact Human Resources,  , to discuss reasonable accommodations.