Manager, Methods Development

MP Materials Corp. • Fort Worth, TX

111d

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Manager to lead the team responsible for materials characterization expertise within the broader Magnet Technology group. This position will be focused on overseeing the development, automation, and continuous improvement of analytical methods to support the development of technologies for advanced manufacturing to produce high-performance rare earth permanent magnets. The ideal candidate has experience working in a flexible research laboratory environment including some combination of magnetometry, optical and electron microscopy, metallography, X-ray fluorescence and diffraction, chemical, and thermal analysis. This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in returning an essential manufacturing capability to the USA.

Requirements

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering, Metallurgy, Chemistry, or related field.
• 5+ years of direct experience in a materials science or metallurgy lab with a variety of analytical methods and equipment, including some combination of optical microscopy, SEM, EDS, EBSD, metallographic sample preparation, XRD, XRF, DSC/TGA, dilatometry, mechanical testing, ICP-OES, and LECO.
• Experience managing direct reports and projects.
• Experience developing methods for analytical equipment.
• Deep understanding of materials characterization and structure-property relationships in inorganic materials.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Hands-on approach to identifying and solving problems.
• Familiarity with computers, laboratory/equipment software, and laboratory data management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to effectively communicate with a range of personnel from senior leaders to technicians.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the development, validation, and optimization of analytical techniques for instrumentation such as SEM, optical microscopy, metallography, dimensional inspection, DSC/TGA, XRD, XRF, magnetometry, ICP-OES, LECO, and more.
• Recruit, hire, and manage a team of chemists and engineers to develop analytical methods and perform advanced characterization to support magnet process development.
• Manage employees, including hiring, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with process development and R&D teams to develop advanced specialty characterization solutions to satisfy internal or customer needs.
• Provide troubleshooting assistance and technical expertise for analytical equipment and test methods throughout the facility.
• Lead the generation of technical reports and standard work instructions, document and communicate findings, and build team knowledge database.
• Develop automated methods for collecting, analyzing, and reporting out data.
• Conduct gage R&R studies to evaluate the reliability of analytical test methods.
• Work closely with EHS to ensure that all work is done according to industry-leading health and safety standards, and in full compliance with relevant environmental regulations.
• Other duties, as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees