Manufacturing Project Engineer

USA Rare Earth, Inc. (Nasdaq: USAR); Stillwater (OK); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

USA Rare Earth, Inc. is seeking a Manufacturing Project Engineer to support its rare earth magnet production facility in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The role involves planning and executing manufacturing projects, requiring a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and 2–4 years of relevant experience.

The ideal candidate has strong manufacturing engineering knowledge, problem-solving skills, and proficiency in project tracking tools. Join a dynamic team dedicated to innovative solutions in a high-growth environment.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of engineering experience in manufacturing or capital project environments.
• Experience in pilot‑scale, commissioning, or scale‑up environments preferred.
• Exposure to metals, chemicals, or advanced materials processing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute manufacturing and capital projects.
• Develop and manage project scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
• Support equipment installation, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Conduct engineering reviews for process improvements.
• Track project performance and identify risks.

Skills

Manufacturing engineering understanding

Project execution in industrial environments

Problem-solving and analytical skills

Communication across teams

MS Project and Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

MS Project

Excel

Job description

Position Overview

The Manufacturing Project Engineer supports a rare earth magnet production facility during a rapid scale‑up phase within an early‑stage public company. This role executes and coordinates capital and process engineering projects that enable pilot‑to‑commercial transition and future plant expansion. The position operates in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment with significant cross‑functional interaction and increasing ownership as the engineering organization scales.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute manufacturing and capital projects across pilot, scale‑up, and early production stages.
• Develop and manage project scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
• Support equipment installation, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Conduct engineering reviews to support process improvements and facility expansion.
• Track project performance; identify risks, delays, and corrective actions.
• Analyze production and equipment data to support troubleshooting and continuous improvement.
• Prepare technical documentation (PFDs, P&IDs, work instructions, project reports).
• Coordinate internal teams and external contractors/vendors to ensure project execution.
• Support equipment selection, specification, and procurement.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards in a public‑company environment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of manufacturing engineering and project execution in industrial environments.
• Experience in scale‑up, pilot plants, or capital project delivery preferred.
• Familiarity with chemical, metallurgical, or materials processing systems a plus.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and process documentation.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills in operational settings.
• Effective communicator across engineering, operations, and vendor teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment.
• Proficiency with project tracking tools (e.g., MS Project, Excel).

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Materials, Industrial, or related field).
• 2–4 years of engineering experience in manufacturing or capital project environments.
• Experience in pilot‑scale, commissioning, or scale‑up environments preferred.
• Exposure to metals, chemicals, or advanced materials processing preferred.

Physical Demands

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision. The employee is regularly required to walk, stand, move, sit, carry, bend, kneel, reach, push, pull, lift, use hands and fingers, handle, or 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.

Work Environment

The work environment will be an office environment, manufacturing floor, and active construction site. Noise level: normal office noises, manufacturing noises, construction noises.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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 People & Culture, [e-mail], to discuss reasonable accommodations.