Chemist, Methods Development

Saved job description

Salary Range: $82,915.30 to $100,000.00 

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:

The Method Development Chemist is responsible for developing and maintaining methods and standard operating procedures for all laboratory equipment in the analytical laboratory. They receive a wide variety of non-routine samples each day from operations and the R&D team, and these samples may need new methods developed to ensure accuracy of reported results.  The method development chemist will also create new quality control samples and verify their accuracy before implementing into daily lab operations.  They must be proficient at maintaining and troubleshooting all laboratory equipment and training staff on new procedures and methods.

Position Responsibilities:

Develop methods for qualitative Rietveld XRD analysis

Develop methods for SEM

Qualify new methods for non-routine samples

Review analytical and QC data quality, determine root cause of discrepancies, and report any anomalous results to the Analytical Laboratory Supervisor

Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation

Perform lab housekeeping and routine inspections

Actively participate in the safety management programs and adhere to all appropriate laboratory safety and operations procedures; comply with all health, environmental, and safety regulations, company policies, processes, and procedures

Flexible shifts and hours may be occasionally required based on operational or R&D needs

Maintain safe work practices

Completes any other tasks as needed or directed by management

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry preferred

Previous experience with analytical techniques and instrumentation used in an analytical laboratory, including prep and operation of ICP-OES, ICP-MS, XRD, XRF, and SEM

Basic computer skills, Microsoft Office, manufacturer’s instrument software, and LIMS database software

Valid driver’s license and good driving record required to drive company vehicles on property

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.

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.