Lead Instrumentation Engineer for Advanced Manufacturing

MP Materials; Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

MP Materials is seeking a hands-on Senior Instrumentation Engineer to lead the instrumentation strategy for a new greenfield facility for rare earth metals and magnets. You will mentor engineers, drive standards, and guide cross-discipline teams in safety, cost efficiency, and environmental performance.

The role emphasizes design authority, vendor collaboration, and rigorous design reviews, with a focus on integrating instrumentation into broader systems and achieving project milestones.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years of relevant experience in the design, specification, configuration, and validation of industrial instrumentation systems.
• Proven experience reviewing and developing detailed design documents, including P&IDs, loop drawings, I/O lists, and instrument index documentation.
• Minimum 3 years of experience developing or contributing to instrumentation standards and best practices.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP).
• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple concurrent projects across different phases of design and execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead instrumentation engineering efforts throughout the full project lifecycle, from conceptual design through implementation, commissioning, and continuous improvement.
• Create and review detailed instrumentation specifications, requisitions, datasheets, and technical bid evaluations.
• Participate in vendor selection and inspection processes.
• Serve as the technical authority for instrumentation systems, ensuring alignment with internal standards, industry best practices, and process requirements.
• Perform in-depth design reviews of vendor and contractor deliverables, identifying and resolving discrepancies during critical milestones to ensure compliance and reliability.
• Drive standardization and best practices across instrumentation systems, contributing to the development of global site-wide instrumentation strategies.
• Collaborate with Process, Mechanical, Electrical, and Controls Engineering teams to ensure instrumentation is integrated into broader systems architecture.
• Partner with EHS teams to develop and implement validation and safety strategies, ensuring regulatory compliance and system robustness.
• Oversee the specification, sourcing, and implementation of instrumentation packages, coordinating with vendors and MP’s supply chain team to meet scope, budget, and schedule.
• Act as a mentor and technical leader to junior engineers—supporting knowledge transfer, design reviews, and professional development within the instrumentation team.
• Support or lead efforts to develop and maintain compliance with engineering codes, electrical standards, and hazardous area classifications.
• Champion a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement within the engineering function.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Instrumentation design

P&IDs & I/O lists

Standards development

Industrial protocols

Multi-project management

Mentoring junior engineers

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronics

Job description

MP Materials is seeking a hands-on Senior Instrumentation Engineer to lead the instrumentation strategy for a new greenfield facility for rare earth metals and magnets. You will mentor engineers, drive standards, and guide cross-discipline teams in safety, cost efficiency, and environmental performance.

The role emphasizes design authority, vendor collaboration, and rigorous design reviews, with a focus on integrating instrumentation into broader systems and achieving project milestones.