Design Engineer IV

MP Materials; Fort Worth, Northern (TX, KY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

MP Materials is seeking a hands-on Design Engineer to join our team in Fort Worth, TX. This role supports the design and construction of a greenfield metal, alloy, and magnet-making facility, combining mechanical design with on-site implementation to ensure reliable operation.

The ideal candidate has a strong mechanical background, experience with CAD, FEA, and industrial automation, and can lead design activities from concept through commissioning while collaborating with process, controls, and

Qualifications

• BS or MS degree in mechanical or chemical engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of process design and automation experience in manufacturing.
• Experience automating industrial processes and material handling.
• Experience in machine design and testing.
• Knowledge of statistical process control and control systems design.
• Broad knowledge across multiple CAD tools.
• Excellent spatial visualization and ability to solve bespoke problems.
• Project management with hands-on project execution.
• Knowledge of Process Safety and safety best practices.
• Understanding of human factors in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Member of the Physical Design Engineering team.
• Collaborates with process, controls, and manufacturing to create automated processes with integrated flow.
• Supports and leads design, manufacturing, installation, and commissioning from concept to operation.
• Delivers finished designs, drawings, and specifications for supplier bidding and vendor compliance.
• Leads Design Engineering technicians to achieve tasks.
• Participates in design reviews, supplier evaluations, and audits to relevant standards.
• Performs CAD, FEA, and durability simulations to inform prototype selection and commissioning.
• Researches and implements automation systems and equipment deployment.
• Works with EHS to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
• Documents work for handoff and compliance with change management procedures.
• Leads continuous improvement for safety, uptime, and product quality.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Process design

Automation

Machine design

CAD tools

Statistical control (SPC)

Project management

Process safety

Human factors

Entrepreneurial mindset

Education

BS or MS in mechanical or chemical engineering

Tools

CAD tools

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Fort Worth, TX, US

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:

MP Materials is seeking a hands-on Design Engineer to be an integral part of the team designing and building a new metal, alloy, and magnet-making facility. This is a rare opportunity to have a central role in the development of a greenfield advanced manufacturing facility, and helping to define the future of American manufacturing. The ideal candidate is strongly mechanically inclined, and a natural tinkerer. This position will require a combination of both strong technical skills to design the machines needed for material movement and plant layout, and a hands‑on nature to ensure that the successful sourcing, construction, and commissioning of the designs.

The new facility will contain a broad range of chemical, mechanical, and thermal processes, including electrowinning, strip casting, powder production, pressing & sintering, machining, and assembly. Because of the broad range of processes in use, it is important that the Design Engineer have a diverse technical background with the ability to engage with a broad range of technical specialists and gain a working understanding of the physical processes, key control metrics, and potential hazards involved. The successful candidate will also be passionate about pairing design work with much of the actual “dirty hands” work to ensure that everything works as intended initially and over time.

Position Responsibilities:

• Member of the Physical Design Engineering team.
• Works closely with broader process engineering, controls engineering, and manufacturing teams to create automated processes with an integrated process flow.
• Supports and leads the design, manufacturing, installation, and commissioning activities to deliver projects from concept to fully operational in the plant.
• Delivers finished designs, detailed drawings, and engineering specifications for supplier bidding, and leads vendor compliance efforts after purchase.
• Ability to lead Design Engineering technician(s) to achieve required tasks.
• Conducts and participates in technical design reviews, supplier evaluations and internal and external compliance audits to relevant industrial standards (ASTM, ISO etc).
• Perform CAD, FEA, and durability simulations as required of concept designs to provide recommendations for physical prototype candidates, execute testing, and ensure successful commissioning and ongoing operation.
• Research and implement automation systems, detailed design, component sourcing, manufacture, and deployment of manufacturing equipment.
• Works closely with EHS to ensure that all work is done to ensure world class health and safety, and full compliance with relevant environmental regulations.
• Documents all work for seamless handoff to end users, prepares technical reports, and follows all corporate change management procedures.
• Lead and support continuous improvement activities to produce ongoing, meaningful improvements to worker safety, process uptime, and product quality.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS or MS in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or related field.
• At least 5 years process design and automation experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge in automation of industrial processes and materials handling.
• Experience in machine design and testing.
• Knowledge of statistical process control, and experience in designing control systems.
• Broad knowledge and experience across multiple CAD tools.
• Excellent spatial visualization and reasoning skills, with a history of conceiving of successful creative designs for bespoke problems.
• Project Management and hands‑on approach to projects.
• Sound knowledge of Process Safety.
• Good understanding of human factors in manufacturing.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Ability to develop and maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety precautions.

MP Materials is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Aff…- EEO is The Law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Underrepresented groups/Women/Disabled/Veterans are encouraged to apply. Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the position’s requirements will still be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation.

Your Right to Work – In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment verification document form upon hire.