Principal Process Engineer

MP Materials; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is on the lookout for a Principal Process Engineer to join its Magnetics team in Fort Worth. This role is pivotal in leading engineering efforts to optimize manufacturing processes for rare earth magnets. The ideal candidate will bring over a decade of experience in process engineering, showcasing expertise in powder production and metallurgy. You'll not only guide the technical direction but also mentor a talented group of engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and quality. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of American manufacturing while working in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in process engineering in high-tech manufacturing.
• Deep technical knowledge in powder metallurgy and metal finishing.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering efforts for manufacturing processes of rare earth magnets.
• Mentor and manage process engineers, fostering continuous learning.

Skills

Problem Solving

Process Improvement

Statistical Process Control

Communication Skills

Team Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering discipline

Advanced degree in relevant engineering discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Company Overview:

MP Materials (NYSE: MP) is on a mission to restore the full rare earth supply chain to the United States of America. From electric cars to wind turbines and drones, rare earths are essential to the low-carbon, electrified technologies that power modern life. We hire ambitious, mission-driven people motivated to solve problems and affect change. Our values are grounded in teamwork, resiliency, and integrity, with an enduring commitment to our employees, community, and the environment. In the coming years, MP Materials will grow from a core materials and chemical processing company into a large industrial manufacturer. Our employees will lead this exciting transformation and grow professionally with us.

Position Overview:

MP Materials is seeking a highly skilled, hands-on and experienced Principal Process Engineer for its Magnetics business located in Fort Worth, TX. The Process Engineering team is responsible for starting up, maintaining, and continuously improving all the manufacturing processes at MP’s “Independence” facility for producing NdFeB magnets. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise and working experience across powder production, powder metallurgy, and metal finishing manufacturing in a production environment. The Principal Process Engineer will lead the engineering efforts related to starting, running, and optimizing a diverse array of manufacturing processes, and drive consistent quality and innovation on the factory floor. The Principal Process Engineer will also be expected to mentor and direct a talented group of process engineers within their areas of responsibility. This is an opportunity to be a part of building our team, our factory, and our culture as the Magnetics team helps to define the future of American manufacturing.

Position Responsibilities:

• Provides expert technical guidance on manufacturing processes for sintered rare earth permanent magnets, with a focus on powder production, pressing and sintering, machining, and surface treatment.
• Leads cross functional teams to commission and startup/validate each manufacturing process, working closely with the Quality team to successfully PPAP each process and machine.
• Monitors KPIs to identify challenges and opportunities for process improvement.
• Mentors and manage process engineers in the fulfillment of their duties, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
• Lead the team in investigating and resolving quality issues from powder manufacturing to finished magnets.
• Manages continuous improvement projects.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant engineering discipline.
• 10+ years of experience as a process engineer and/or engineering leader in a high-tech manufacturing environment.
• 5+ years of experience leading engineering teams.
• Deep technical knowledge in powder production, powder metallurgy, and/or metal finishing.
• Working knowledge of statistical process control, and proven ability to implement and execute SPC in an industrial setting.
• Hands-on experience in design, implementation, and operation of material manufacturing processes.
• Ability to identify and solve problems and effectively advocate for those solutions to others (from engineers to operators to management).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize and present status and progress of complex projects and technical work to diverse audiences.
• Expert level user of Microsoft Office suite or similar tools.

Desired Qualities:

• Advanced degree in relevant engineering discipline.
• Deep technical knowledge of manufacturing of rare earth sintered magnets.
• Proficiency in failure mode effects analysis (FMEA) and root cause analysis (RCA).
• Six sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification.