Quality Engineer (ONSITE)

MP Materials; Mountain Pass (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

MP Materials is seeking a Quality Engineer for the process engineering team in Mountain Pass, California. This role focuses on driving quality and supporting operations through effective QMS practices. Applicants should have a BS or MS in chemical engineering, along with 3+ years of relevant experience, including ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification. Strong skills in QMS implementation, root cause analysis, and project management are essential. The position offers growth opportunities as the company transforms into a large industrial manufacturer.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of quality systems experience in manufacturing.
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification required.
• Experience managing internal and external audits.

Responsibilities

• Implement and sustain the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Track critical inputs to ensure on-spec product packaging.
• Lead the internal audit program and manage non-compliance actions.

Skills

Quality management systems

Root cause analysis

Project management

Lean and Six Sigma

Excellent communication

Education

BS or MS in chemical engineering or similar

Tools

QMS software

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

The Quality Engineer will be a member of the process engineering team based in Mountain Pass, California. This role is primarily responsible for driving process quality, improving product consistency, and supporting plant operations through data‑driven quality engineering practices. The successful candidate will be highly organized and detail‑oriented with experience in plant operations quality control and in the sustainment of Quality Management Systems (QMS) in compliance with internal, customer, and certification body requirements.

Position Responsibilities

• Apply and promote industry best practices in the implementation and sustainment of the Quality Management System (QMS) for the Mountain Pass Mine and Processing Facility.
• Collaborate with plant process engineers and operations to understand feed sources and product streams; track critical inputs and outputs to ensure on‑spec product packaging and production, approaching 100% first‑time yield.
• Ensure the QMS is compliant with all required third‑party standards, primarily ISO 9001 certification.
• Lead the internal audit program, including audit planning, execution, and reporting, and actively contribute with third‑party certification and audit activities.
• Collaborate closely with customer representatives to ensure that the QMS is compliant with all customer requirements and integrated with customer systems as needed.
• Lead non‑compliance corrective action activities from internal and external audits.
• Ensure all in‑house systems and procedures are updated, revised, and modified to meet the needs of internal workforce, customers, and external certification bodies.
• Drive improvements to the internal document control program, ensuring all documents impacting safety, environmental compliance, and production quality are controlled per internal and ISO 9001 requirements.
• Coordinate and execute the Management Review process, including preparation, reporting, and record retention, in compliance with ISO 9001.
• Maintain and update controlled documents, including the Quality Manual & Policy, Risks and Opportunities, and Interested Parties review.
• Ensure the latest ISO 9001 standard revision and amendments are obtained, reviewed, and integrated with the mine‑site QMS.
• Develop and implement quality systems learning and training tools.
• Perform any other task as directed by management.

Basic Qualifications

• BS or MS in chemical engineering or a similar engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of quality systems experience under relevant quality regimes in a manufacturing environment.
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification.
• Experience managing both internal and external (customer and surveillance) audits.
• Understanding of standard manufacturing and safety compliance processes.
• Valid driver’s license to drive company vehicles on and off property.

Desired Qualities

• 3+ years experience in a quality or process engineering role in a heavy industrial chemical plant operation.
• Experience implementing a QMS software solution.
• Experience and management of root cause analysis, corrective, and preventative action programs.
• Project management skills.
• Accreditation by professional organizations.
• Lean and Six Sigma experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).

Equal Opportunity Statement

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. 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.

Application Assistance

Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. Contact Human Resources Department at 702‑844‑6111; dial 7 when prompted for HR; 1700 South Pavilion Center Dr., 8th Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89135 to discuss reasonable accommodation.

Safety Provision

Employees are responsible for following all company, industry and regulatory procedures and laws to ensure a safe work environment. They must promote safety, participate in Process Hazard Analysis procedures and Pre‑Startup Safety Reviews.

Working Conditions

The facility sits at an elevation of 4,700 feet. Employees may be subject to extreme weather conditions when working outdoors (heat, cold, wind). The work environment includes an open‑pit mine or manufacturing/chemical plant setting, potentially exposing workers to moving mechanical parts, toxic chemicals, electrical shock, explosives, fumes, or airborne particles.

Physical Demands

Manual dexterity; sense of touch, smell, hearing, speaking, and vision for reading and comprehension. The job requires standing, using hands and fingers, handling laboratory equipment, walking, reaching, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Vision abilities include close vision. The employee must pass a full‑face respirator fit test, lift up to 50 lbs, and work in PPE Level C. These requirements are representative and not all‑inclusive of the knowledge, skill, and ability required for the job.