Process Development Engineer (Chemical Prs)

Process Development Engineer

Mountain Pass, CA

Product Engineering

Full Time

Salary

Regular

Exempt

Principal Engineer

A rare and exciting opportunity with a mining and chemical processing facility located 50 miles south of Las Vegas, NV. MP Materials owns and operates Mountain Pass, the only integrated Rare Earth mining and processing site in North America. Rare Earths power the modern economy. They are essential components in a wide range of industrial, clean energy and information technology applications. The MP Materials facilities are currently undergoing major and rapid expansion to meet growing global demand.

The Process Development Engineer will be in the Process Technology and Engineering Department and report directly to the Principal Engineer. They will have the unique opportunity to oversee and participate in industry-leading research on rare earth processing, with the opportunity to put these learnings into commercial-scale operation. The Process Development Engineer will work to develop novel techniques as well as perform R&D aimed at improving and expanding the company’s existing rare earth processing capabilities. The Process Development Engineer will work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and will collaborate with other process development engineering staff, with, process engineers, analytical chemists, operators, and management in the development, design, implementation, startup, and optimization of various unit operations.

Essential Duties:

• Develop processes and products utilizing rare earth elements under the general direction of the Principal Engineer.
• Perform research on existing technology, processes, and products.
• Explore new process technologies and investigate their applicability in rare earth processing.
• Conceive, assemble, and execute laboratory scale, pilot scale, and plant scale testing and experiments to produce conclusive outcomes.
• Promote process safety and risk management, while participating in quality and environmental management systems.
• Coordinate with operations personnel on implementation of new processes.
• Develop and communicate cost, benefit, and risk information on processes and products.

Other Functions:

• Participate in the Management of Change process to implement process changes.
• Perform laboratory or pilot scale test work as needed to investigate, troubleshoot, and improve operations.
• Assist with process planning and development to ensure quality products and safe conditions.
• Use project management techniques to schedule and track process development work.
• Maintain safe work practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in chemical engineering, Metallurgy, or a related field. ABET accredited institution preferred.
• Minimum 2 years work experience in a Chemical, Mining, Petroleum or heavy industrial setting preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License and a good driving record are required to drive company vehicles on and off property.

Desired Qualities:

• Some experience in process and/or product development desirable.
• Experience or knowledge of leaching, clarification, filtration, ion exchange, solvent extraction, precipitation, CSTRs, evaporation, crystallization, drying, calcining, solids handling, scrubbers.
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
• Ability to complete a task with minimal supervision.
• Attention to detail and ability to learn new duties.
• Ability to work in teams with strong collaboration skills.
• Ability to work with people at all levels within the organization.
• Ability to create, read and modify PFD’s and P&ID’s
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), statistical software, AutoCAD, and PI Process Book
• Ability to travel as needed
• Ability to write technical SOP’s
• Must thrive in a high stress start-up environment
• Must be able to meet critical deadlines

MP Materials is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity 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; 6720 Via Austi Parkway, Suite 450, Las Vegas, NV 89119 to discuss reasonable accommodations.