Senior Technician, Characterization

MP Materials; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

MP Materials is seeking a hands-on Senior Technician, Characterization to join the Magnet Technology group. You will support development technologies for advanced manufacturing and produce high‑performance rare earth permanent magnets.

The role involves running ICP‑OES, LECO CS/ONH, microscopy, XRD and XRF analyses, sample prep, and data reporting. Responsibilities include mentoring junior technicians, ensuring safety, maintaining instruments, and documenting methods and results to enable

Qualifications

• Associates degree in chemistry or related field required.
• 5+ years in a wet chemistry or analytical lab with sample prep and instrument operation.
• Strong attention to detail and adherence to safety practices and standard work instructions.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative research environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Run analytical tests including ICP‑OES, LECO CS/ONH, optical and electron microscopy, XRD, XRF, thermal analysis and magnetometry.
• Prepare and digest ICP‑OES samples using wet chemistry techniques.
• Prepare metallographic samples (cutting, mounting, polishing).
• Troubleshoot instrument performance and perform routine maintenance and calibration.
• Document results and methods; create reports and standard work instructions.
• Mentor junior technicians and foster continuous learning and development.
• Maintain a clean, safe workspace and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Attention to detail

Safety practices

Independence

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree in chemistry

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

We are seeking a hands‑on Senior Technician, Characterization to join the Magnet Technology group to support development technologies for advanced manufacturing to produce high‑performance rare earth permanent magnets. The Technician, Characterization will be responsible for running a variety of analytical tests to provide critical data for process development, including but not limited to ICP‑OES, LECO CS/ONH, optical and electron microscopy, metallographic sample preparation, XRD, XRF, thermal analysis, and magnetometry. This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in returning an essential manufacturing capability to the USA.

Position Responsibilities

• Perform advanced and routine analyses using ICP‑OES, LECO CS/ONH, optical and electron microscopy, metallographic sample preparation, XRD, XRF, thermal analysis, and magnetometry, ensuring accurate and reliable results.
• Prepare and digest ICP‑OES samples using appropriate wet chemistry techniques (acid digestion, fusion, etc.).
• Metallographic sample preparation, e.g., cutting, mounting, and polishing.
• Troubleshoot instrument performance issues and perform routine maintenance and calibration.
• Clearly document and communicate results and methods, including creation of reports and standard work instructions.
• Train and mentor junior technicians to ensure high‑quality execution of experimental trials and data collection, providing technical guidance in analytical techniques, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workplace.
• Handle corrosive and hazardous chemicals with proper PPE and safety protocols, and ensure laboratory safety, compliance with regulatory guidelines, and proper chemical waste handling.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in chemistry or a related field.
• 5+ years experience working in a wet chemistry lab or analytical lab, preparing samples and operating sensitive instruments.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong discipline in following safety practices and standard work instructions.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a collaborative research team.
• Comfortable with record keeping in both physical and electronic formats.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment managing multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Qualities

• 5+ years experience with one or more of the following techniques: ICP‑OES, LECO CS/ONH, optical and electron microscopy, metallographic sample preparation, XRD, XRF, thermal analysis, and magnetometry.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

MP Materials is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / affirmative action employer. EEO is the law. 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.

For Assistance With Application

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 702‑625‑5679; 1700 South Pavilion Center Dr. 8th Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89135 to discuss reasonable accommodation.