Patent Agent

MP Materials; Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

MP Materials seeks a Patent Agent in Las Vegas, NV, to manage and protect its intellectual property portfolio. As a key member of the Legal department, the Patent Agent will draft and prosecute patent applications, partner with engineers to identify innovations, and help manage a global patent portfolio. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in patent law, a relevant bachelor’s degree, and a USPTO registration. The position is fully onsite with occasional travel up to 25%.

Qualifications

• Registered to practice as a patent agent before the USPTO.
• Bachelor’s degree in materials science, chemical engineering, physics, or mechanical engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in patent preparation and prosecution.

Responsibilities

• Support execution of the Company’s patent strategy with the VP.
• Help manage a high-value global patent portfolio.
• Draft high-quality U.S. patent applications.
• Prosecute U.S. patent applications before the USPTO.
• Perform patentability searches and competitive intelligence reviews.

Skills

Patent application drafting

Technical fluency

Process innovation

Communication with engineers

Patent portfolio management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in materials science or related field

Registration as a patent agent with USPTO

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

The Patent Agent sits within the Legal department and works directly under the supervision of the Vice President, Associate General Counsel (IP). The Patent Agent will play a critical role in identifying, protecting, and strengthening the Company’s intellectual property portfolio, with a particular focus on materials science, process technology, and manufacturing methods. This is a fully in-office role requiring strong technical fluency, precision in drafting, and the ability to operate in close partnership with engineering. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment and is motivated to contribute to best-in‑class legal and engineering teams.

Position Responsibilities

• Partner with the VP, Associate General Counsel (IP) to support execution of the Company’s patent strategy aligned with core technologies and long‑term business priorities.
• Assist in building and managing a high‑value global patent portfolio focused on advanced materials, magnetics, and manufacturing processes.
• Conduct invention harvesting sessions with engineers and technical teams, with an emphasis on identifying protectable process innovations and performance improvements.
• Draft high‑quality U.S. patent applications, including specifications and claims, for complex technologies.
• Prosecute U.S. patent applications before the USPTO, including preparation of responses to Office Actions.
• Coordinate with outside counsel on international filings and prosecution.
• Perform patentability searches, landscape analyses, and competitive intelligence reviews.
• Support freedom‑to‑operate and risk assessments by gathering and synthesizing relevant technical and patent information for review by supervising counsel.

Other Functions

• Translate technical findings into clear, actionable summaries for Legal and business stakeholders.
• Develop a deep understanding of the Company’s core technologies and workflows.
• Support internal education efforts to improve invention disclosure quality and IP awareness.
• Support IP aspects of commercial and strategic transactions (e.g., licensing, joint development, supply arrangements) by preparing technical summaries and patent‑related materials.
• Assist with IP due diligence efforts, including portfolio review and documentation support.
• Help refine and scale internal IP processes, including invention disclosure intake, review, and tracking.

Basic Qualifications

• Registered to practice as a patent agent before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Bachelor’s degree in materials science, chemical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field (advanced degree strongly preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in patent preparation and prosecution, preferably with exposure to advanced materials or chemical systems and industrial processes or manufacturing technologies.
• Fully onsite position (5 days per week in Las Vegas, NV) with the ability and willingness to travel up to approximately 25% of the time, including to other Company locations and meetings with internal stakeholders or external partners.

Desired Qualities

• Demonstrated ability to draft high‑quality patent applications in technically complex subject matter.
• Experience managing or supporting global patent portfolios and coordinating with foreign counsel.
• Prior in‑house experience or experience supporting industrial/manufacturing clients is strongly preferred.
• Ability to align IP work with commercial priorities and operational realities.
• Clear and effective communicator with engineers, operators, and senior leadership.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, high‑accountability environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

MP Materials is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / affirmative action employer. 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. Under‑represented 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.