Manager, Characterization

Socket.dev; Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

MP Materials in Las Vegas, NV seeks an experienced Manager, Characterization to lead materials characterization for the Magnet Technology organization. This hands-on leadership role oversees analytical science, method development, and lab operations while guiding a growing team of scientists, engineers, and technicians.

The ideal candidate will establish characterization strategies supporting R&D, process development, and manufacturing scale-up, delivering accurate data to enable innovation and

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Materials Science & Engineering, Metallurgy, Chemistry, Physics, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in materials characterization, analytical laboratories, materials development, or related technical environments.
• 5+ years of experience leading both laboratory operations and technical development organizations.
• Deep understanding of structure-property relationships in metals, powders, magnetic materials, and other inorganic materials systems.
• Demonstrated experience with a broad range of analytical and characterization techniques (SEM, EDS, EBSD, XRD, XRF, ICP-OES).
• Experience developing, validating, and implementing analytical methods.
• Proficiency with statistical methods, measurement system analysis, and gage R&R studies.
• Strong data analysis, problem-solving, and root-cause investigation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information to both technical and executive audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Characterization function within the Magnet Technology organization, overseeing Analytical Laboratory and Methods Development teams.
• Provide technical leadership in analytical science, materials characterization, and problem-solving across the company.
• Remain actively engaged in lab activities, including data review, troubleshooting, and method development.
• Oversee development, validation, automation, and continuous improvement of analytical methods and workflows.
• Lead root-cause investigations involving materials, processes, products, and analytical methods with cross-functional partners.
• Establish laboratory operating procedures, standards, data quality requirements, and training programs.
• Drive data management, laboratory automation, and digital tools to improve efficiency and decision-making.
• Define performance metrics and deliver timely, accurate analytical results to stakeholders.
• Ensure operation and expansion of analytical capabilities, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Build and develop a high-performing technical organization through recruitment and mentorship.

Skills

Data analysis

Problem solving

Root cause investigations

Communication skills

Education

MS/PhD in Materials Science & Engineering or related field

Tools

SEM

EDS

EBSD

XRD

XRF

ICP-OES

Job description

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:

We are seeking an experienced Manager, Characterization to oversee materials characterization efforts within the Magnet Technology organization. This role is responsible for establishing and executing the characterization strategy that supports research, technology development, process development, manufacturing scale-up, and production support for advanced rare earth permanent magnet technologies.

The successful candidate will provide both strategic and operational leadership across laboratory operations, analytical method development, advanced materials characterization, and laboratory infrastructure. This individual will lead a multidisciplinary team of managers, engineers, chemists, and technicians while ensuring the delivery of timely, accurate, and actionable data that enables innovation and manufacturing excellence. This is a hands‑on technical leadership role requiring regular engagement in laboratory activities, data review, method development, root‑cause investigations, and characterization of advanced magnetic materials, while simultaneously leading and developing a growing organization of scientists, engineers, and technicians.

The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in materials characterization and analytical science, combined with demonstrated success leading laboratory organizations, developing technical talent, implementing world‑class laboratory systems and methods, and supporting manufacturing and R&D environments. This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in returning an essential manufacturing capability to the USA.

Position Responsibilities:

• Lead the Characterization function within the Magnet Technology organization, including oversight and mentorship of the Analytical Laboratory and Methods Development teams


• Provide technical leadership in analytical science, materials characterization, and problem‑solving across the company


• Remain actively engaged in laboratory activities, including reviewing data, troubleshooting analytical challenges, guiding method development, and participating in key technical investigations


• Oversee development, validation, automation, and continuous improvement of analytical methods and characterization workflows


• Lead troubleshooting and root‑cause investigations involving materials, processes, products, and analytical methods, and partner closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and EHS teams to solve complex materials and process challenges


• Establish laboratory operating procedures, analytical standards, data quality requirements, training programs, and best practices across all characterization activities in the R&D and Quality labs


• Drive implementation of data management, laboratory automation, and digital tools that improve efficiency, quality, and decision‑making


• Establish performance metrics and ensure the delivery of timely, accurate, and actionable analytical results to internal stakeholders


• Ensure the effective operation, reliability, and expansion of analytical and characterization capabilities, equipment, and laboratory infrastructure


• Build and develop a high‑performing technical organization through recruitment, coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and talent development


• Foster a culture of safety, technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement across all characterization activities


• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering, Metallurgy, Chemistry, Physics, or a related technical field


• 8+ years of experience in materials characterization, analytical laboratories, materials development, or related technical environments

• 5+ years of experience leading both laboratory operations and technical development organizations

• Deep understanding of structure-property relationships in metals, powders, magnetic materials, and other inorganic materials systems


• Demonstrated experience with a broad range of analytical and characterization techniques, including several of the following: SEM, EDS, EBSD, optical microscopy, metallography, XRD, XRF, ICP-OES, LECO, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, dimensional metrology, corrosion testing, and magnetometry


• Experience developing, validating, and implementing analytical methods


• Proficiency with statistical methods, measurement system analysis, and gage R&R studies


• Experience managing technical projects, resources, budgets, and personnel


• Strong data analysis, problem‑solving, and root‑cause investigation skills


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information to both technical and executive audiences

Desired Qualities:

• Experience working with rare earth materials, magnetic materials, powder metallurgy, sintered magnets, or advanced manufacturing technologies


• 10+ years of industrial experience in materials characterization, analytical science, metallurgy, or related disciplines


• Experience implementing laboratory automation, advanced analytics, machine learning, or digital laboratory systems


• Experience supporting pilot‑scale or commercial manufacturing operations


• Familiarity with quality systems and laboratory accreditation principles


• Demonstrated success building and scaling high‑performing technical teams


• Lifelong learner with a passion for innovation, technical excellence, and continuous improvement

MP Materials is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affir…

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.

For Assistance with Application - Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. Contact Human Resources Department at 702-844-6111; dial 7 when prompted for HR; 1700 South Pavilion Center Dr. 8th Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89135 to discuss reasonable accommodation.