Project Controls - Cost Lead

MP Materials; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

MP Materials in Fort Worth, Texas, is seeking a Project Control – Cost Lead to manage financial planning for capital projects in a greenfield manufacturing setting. This role involves establishing cost control systems and collaborating across teams for effective project delivery.

The ideal candidate has a background in engineering or finance, with experience in industrial projects and ERP systems. MP Materials emphasizes a collaborative environment that fosters development and innovation.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of progressive work-related experience.
• 3-5 years of industrial project experience.
• Experience in implementing ERP or other financial systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage project financial planning for capital projects.
• Collaborate with project managers for annual planning.
• Prepare project disbursements projections and accounting accruals.
• Ensure compliance with property, plant, and equipment accounting.

Skills

Cost management expertise

Leadership and people management

Advanced Excel skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

SAP knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, finance or related field

Tools

Ares Prism

Hexagon EcoSys

Job description

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.

Position Overview

The Project Control – Cost Lead will be a member of our new Magnetics business headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. This is a rare opportunity to have an early role in developing and implementing the cost control system for greenfield advanced manufacturing facilities that are shaping the future of American manufacturing. The ideal candidate will be a hands‑on team member with experience in capex program cost management and will define and maintain the means and methods to monitor the progress and performance on individual projects, including establishing, tracking, and reporting key performance indicators and earned value assessments.

Position Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of project and portfolio financial planning for capital projects, including forecasting, tracking, and weekly status reporting.
• Collaborate with project managers to establish annual plan and provide weekly forecast updates.
• Create project tracking and reporting templates that allow seamless data‑sharing between the project management and finance teams.
• Prepare and maintain project disbursements projections and accounting accruals.
• Assist stakeholders with preparation of capital appropriation requests and monitor purchasing activity to ensure that all related capital assets engineering, acquisition, and commissioning are properly recognized in the company’s financial statements.
• Ensure compliance with company’s policy regarding property, plant, and equipment (PP&E) accounting.
• Oversee the implementation and administration of cost management database – Ares Prism, Hexagon EcoSys, or similar, ensuring its integrity and reconciliation with SAP.
• Coordinate with accounting on project set up and master data maintenance.
• Monitor the status of equipment installation and commissioning, and provide required inputs to allow fixed assets accounting team to determine in‑service dates.
• Participate in end‑of‑project reviews for lessons learned and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop cost management processes and procedures.
• Create summary dashboards.
• Occasional travel to subcontractor locations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Expertise in cost management for medium to large capex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, finance or a related field of study.
• Experience in implementing ERP or other financial systems.
• 3‑5 years progressive work‑related experience.
• 3‑5 years industrial project experience.

Desired Qualities

• Excellent leadership, people management, communication, and influencing skills.
• Ability to effectively manage, collaborate with, and influence key stakeholders.
• Adaptability and ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proactive approach to project forecasting by engaging with the internal project team and contractors.
• Advanced Excel skills, proficiency in other Microsoft Office applications and project management tools.
• Experience with SAP and Ares Prism or similar cost management system is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully leading projects and programs, on‑schedule and within budget, to completion.

Equal Opportunity / Affidavit Statement

MP Materials is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affidavit 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. 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.