Reliability Engineer (ONSITE)

MP Materials; Mountain Pass (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

MP Materials in Mountain Pass, CA, seeks a Senior Reliability Engineer to lead reliability programs for our mining, refining, and magnet manufacturing assets. You will develop KPIs, PM/CBM/PdM strategies, and collaborate with maintenance, operations, and engineering to boost asset performance and reduce downtime.

The ideal candidate has a strong reliability background, asset management expertise, and a proven track record of improving uptime while mentoring junior engineers and advising senior

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering; advanced degree preferred.
• Extensive experience in reliability engineering and asset management.
• Strong knowledge of reliability principles and industry standards.
• Proficient with reliability tools, CMMS, FMEA, RCA, and RCM.
• Experience leading maintenance optimization programs and projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement reliability programs to maximize asset performance.
• Conduct FMEA, RCA, and RCM analyses and identify improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with maintenance, operations, and engineering teams to optimize assets.
• Design preventive, condition-based, and predictive maintenance strategies.
• Analyze reliability data and report performance to leadership.
• Assess risk, ensure safety compliance, and implement mitigation measures.
• Monitor programs, stay current with industry trends, and drive process improvements.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior reliability engineers.

Skills

Reliability engineering

Asset management

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Advanced degree a plus

Tools

CMMS

FMEA/RCM tools

Statistical software

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. 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

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Reliability Engineer to join our team. As a Senior Reliability Engineer, you will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability and availability of our company's assets, including equipment, systems, and processes. You will be responsible for developing and implementing reliability programs, conducting analyses to identify areas for improvement, and collaborating with cross‑functional teams to optimize asset performance. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in reliability engineering, a deep understanding of asset management principles, and a track record of successfully improving reliability and reducing downtime.

Position Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive reliability programs and strategies to maximize the performance, availability, and lifespan of company assets. This includes establishing key performance indicators (KPIs), reliability metrics, and proactive maintenance plans.
• Conduct reliability analyses, including failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA), root cause analysis (RCA), and reliability centered maintenance (RCM). Identify critical assets, failure patterns, and opportunities for improvement. Utilize statistical tools and predictive maintenance techniques to assess asset health and predict failure probabilities.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including maintenance, operations, and engineering, to optimize asset performance. Identify and implement reliability improvement initiatives, such as equipment modifications, upgrades, and maintenance optimization strategies. Monitor asset performance and analyze data to identify recurring issues and develop solutions.
• Develop and implement effective maintenance strategies, including preventive maintenance (PM), condition‑based maintenance (CBM), and predictive maintenance (PdM). Establish maintenance schedules, inspection routines, and maintenance procedures to minimize unplanned downtime and maximize asset reliability.
• Analyze reliability data, maintenance records, and operational metrics to evaluate asset performance and identify trends. Prepare reports and presentations on reliability performance, highlighting areas for improvement and recommending appropriate actions to stakeholders and senior management.
• Identify and assess risks associated with asset reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance. Develop risk mitigation plans and collaborate with relevant teams to implement measures that minimize risks and ensure compliance with applicable standards and regulations.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate reliability programs and practices. Stay up‑to‑date with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies related to reliability engineering. Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement initiatives to enhance overall reliability performance.
• Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to junior reliability engineers and other team members. Share best practices, provide technical expertise, and contribute to the professional development of the team.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, preferably in mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering. Advanced degree is a plus.
• Extensive experience in reliability engineering, asset management, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of reliability engineering principles, methodologies, and best practices.
• Proficiency in using reliability analysis tools, statistical software, and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulations related to asset reliability, safety, and compliance.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting reliability analyses, such as FMEA, RCA, and RCM.
• Experience in implementing and managing preventive, condition‑based, and predictive maintenance programs.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and draw actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross‑functional teams and present findings to stakeholders.
• Project management skills, with the ability to plan, execute, and manage reliability improvement projects.
• Strong leadership abilities and the capacity to drive change and influence stakeholders.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) or Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) are desirable.

Equal Opportunity

MP Materials is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Aff…

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.

Safety Provision

Employees are responsible for following all company, industry and regulatory procedures and laws to ensure a safe work environment for themselves and the company. Employees must have a willingness to promote safety among the workforce, participate in Process Hazard Analysis procedures and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews.

(PPE) Personal Protective Equipment is required when performing work in a mine, manufacturing, outdoor, or plant environment. Required PPE may include, but is not limited to, hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, respirator, rubber steel‑toe boots, protective clothing, gloves, and any other protective equipment as required.

Working Conditions

Our facility sits at an elevation of 4,700 feet. Employees may be subject to extreme weather conditions when working in an outdoor setting (heat and cold, wind). Work is at an open pit mine or manufacturing/chemical plant setting, which may include exposure to moving mechanical parts, toxic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, explosives, fumes, or airborne particles.

Physical Demands

Manual dexterity; sense of touch; sense of smell; speaking clearly; hearing-speech range; hearing – all ranges; seeing, reading and comprehensions; seeing – distant/near; depth perception; color vision. While performing the job responsibilities, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to stand and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel and to manipulate laboratory equipment. The employee is occasionally required to walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Employees must pass a full‑face respiratory fit test. Employees must be able to lift 50 lbs. Must be able to work in PPE level C. These requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required of the employee.