Manager, Methods Development

Socket.dev; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

MP Materials seeks an experienced Manager to oversee the materials characterization team within the Magnet Technology group. The role focuses on developing, automating, and validating analytical methods to support high-performance magnet production, in a flexible research environment with magnetometry, optical and electron microscopy, XRD/XRF, and related techniques.

The ideal candidate has an MS/PhD in a relevant field with 5+ years of lab experience and a hands-on, detail-oriented leadership

Qualifications

• MS/PhD in a materials-related field with strong experimental experience.
• Experience leading a multi-disciplinary lab team.
• Proven track record developing analytical methods.
• Knowledge of safety and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee development, validation, and optimization of analytical techniques for instrumentation such as SEM, optical microscopy, metallography, DSC/TGA, XRD, XRF, magnetometry, ICP-OES, LECO, and more.
• Recruit, hire, and manage a team of chemists and engineers to develop analytical methods and perform advanced characterization to support magnet process development.
• Manage employees, including hiring, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with process development and R&D teams to develop advanced specialty characterization solutions to satisfy internal or customer needs.
• Provide troubleshooting assistance and technical expertise for analytical equipment and test methods throughout the facility.
• Lead the generation of technical reports and standard work instructions, document and communicate findings, and build team knowledge database.
• Develop automated methods for collecting, analyzing, and reporting out data.
• Conduct gage R&R studies to evaluate the reliability of analytical test methods.
• Work closely with EHS to ensure compliance with health and safety standards and environmental regulations.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Skills

Materials science

Leadership / management

Analytical problem solving

Attention to detail

Collaborative communication

Education

M.S./Ph.D. in a materials-related field

Tools

SEM

EDS

EBSD

XRD

XRF

DSC/TGA

Metallography

ICP-OES

LECO

Optical microscopy

Dilatometry

Mechanical testing

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 to lead the team responsible for materials characterization expertise within the broader Magnet Technology group. This position will be focused on overseeing the development, automation, and continuous improvement of analytical methods to support the development of technologies for advanced manufacturing to produce high-performance rare earth permanent magnets. The ideal candidate has experience working in a flexible research laboratory environment including some combination of magnetometry, optical and electron microscopy, metallography, X-ray fluorescence and diffraction, chemical, and thermal analysis. This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in returning an essential manufacturing capability to the USA.

Position Responsibilities:

• Oversee the development, validation, and optimization of analytical techniques for instrumentation such as SEM, optical microscopy, metallography, dimensional inspection, DSC/TGA, XRD, XRF, magnetometry, ICP-OES, LECO, and more.


• Recruit, hire, and manage a team of chemists and engineers to develop analytical methods and perform advanced characterization to support magnet process development.


• Manage employees, including hiring, scheduling, and performance evaluations.


• Collaborate with process development and R&D teams to develop advanced specialty characterization solutions to satisfy internal or customer needs.


• Provide troubleshooting assistance and technical expertise for analytical equipment and test methods throughout the facility.


• Lead the generation of technical reports and standard work instructions, document and communicate findings, and build team knowledge database.


• Develop automated methods for collecting, analyzing, and reporting out data.


• Conduct gage R&R studies to evaluate the reliability of analytical test methods.


• Work closely with EHS to ensure that all work is done according to industry-leading health and safety standards, and in full compliance with relevant environmental regulations.


• Other duties, as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

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


• 5+ years of direct experience in a materials science or metallurgy lab with a variety of analytical methods and equipment, including some combination of optical microscopy, SEM, EDS, EBSD, metallographic sample preparation, XRD, XRF, DSC/TGA, dilatometry, mechanical testing, ICP-OES, and LECO.


• Experience managing direct reports and projects.


• Experience developing methods for analytical equipment.


• Deep understanding of materials characterization and structure-property relationships in inorganic materials.


• Strong attention to detail.


• Hands-on approach to identifying and solving problems.


• Familiarity with computers, laboratory/equipment software, and laboratory data management.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to effectively communicate with a range of personnel from senior leaders to technicians.

MP Materials is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Assertive Action Employer- 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.