Manager, Characterization

Saved 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 an experienced Manager, Characterization to oversee materials characterization efforts within the Magnet Technology organization. This role is responsible for establishing and executing the characterization strategy that supports research, technology development, process development, manufacturing scale-up, and production support for advanced rare earth permanent magnet technologies.

The successful candidate will provide both strategic and operational leadership across laboratory operations, analytical method development, advanced materials characterization, and laboratory infrastructure. This individual will lead a multidisciplinary team of managers, engineers, chemists, and technicians while ensuring the delivery of timely, accurate, and actionable data that enables innovation and manufacturing excellence. This is a hands-on technical leadership role requiring regular engagement in laboratory activities, data review, method development, root-cause investigations, and characterization of advanced magnetic materials, while simultaneously leading and developing a growing organization of scientists, engineers, and technicians.

The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in materials characterization and analytical science, combined with demonstrated success leading laboratory organizations, developing technical talent, implementing world-class laboratory systems and methods, and supporting manufacturing and R&D environments. This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in returning an essential manufacturing capability to the USA.

Position Responsibilities:

Lead the Characterization function within the Magnet Technology organization, including oversight and mentorship of the Analytical Laboratory and Methods Development teams

Provide technical leadership in analytical science, materials characterization, and problem-solving across the company

Remain actively engaged in laboratory activities, including reviewing data, troubleshooting analytical challenges, guiding method development, and participating in key technical investigations

Oversee development, validation, automation, and continuous improvement of analytical methods and characterization workflows

Lead troubleshooting and root-cause investigations involving materials, processes, products, and analytical methods, and partner closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and EHS teams to solve complex materials and process challenges

Establish laboratory operating procedures, analytical standards, data quality requirements, training programs, and best practices across all characterization activities in the R&D and Quality labs

Drive implementation of data management, laboratory automation, and digital tools that improve efficiency, quality, and decision-making

Establish performance metrics and ensure the delivery of timely, accurate, and actionable analytical results to internal stakeholders

Ensure the effective operation, reliability, and expansion of analytical and characterization capabilities, equipment, and laboratory infrastructure

Build and develop a high-performing technical organization through recruitment, coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and talent development

Foster a culture of safety, technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement across all characterization activities

Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications:

M.S. or Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering, Metallurgy, Chemistry, Physics, or a related technical field

8+ years of experience in materials characterization, analytical laboratories, materials development, or related technical environments

5+ years of experience leading both laboratory operations and technical development organizations

Deep understanding of structure-property relationships in metals, powders, magnetic materials, and other inorganic materials systems

Demonstrated experience with a broad range of analytical and characterization techniques, including several of the following: SEM, EDS, EBSD, optical microscopy, metallography, XRD, XRF, ICP-OES, LECO, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, dimensional metrology, corrosion testing, and magnetometry

Experience developing, validating, and implementing analytical methods

Proficiency with statistical methods, measurement system analysis, and gage R&R studies

Experience managing technical projects, resources, budgets, and personnel

Strong data analysis, problem-solving, and root-cause investigation skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information to both technical and executive audiences

Desired Qualities:

Experience working with rare earth materials, magnetic materials, powder metallurgy, sintered magnets, or advanced manufacturing technologies

10+ years of industrial experience in materials characterization, analytical science, metallurgy, or related disciplines

Experience implementing laboratory automation, advanced analytics, machine learning, or digital laboratory systems

Experience supporting pilot-scale or commercial manufacturing operations

Familiarity with quality systems and laboratory accreditation principles

Demonstrated success building and scaling high-performing technical teams

Lifelong learner with a passion for innovation, technical excellence, and continuous improvement

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.

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 702-844-6111; dial 7 when prompted for HR; 1700 South Pavilion Center Dr. 8th Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89135 to discuss reasonable accommodation.