Senior Commissioning Manager

MP Materials Corp.•Mountain Pass, CA

About The Position

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. The Senior Commissioning Manager is responsible for leading the safe, systematic, and efficient commissioning of industrial systems and facilities. This role ensures new and modified equipment, processes, and control systems are installed, tested, and transitioned to operations in a structured and controlled manner. The position works cross-functionally with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, EHS, and contractors to deliver fully operational, reliable systems. This role requires strong technical leadership, field presence, and the ability to drive schedule adherence while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
10+ years of experience in industrial operations, construction, or commissioning.
Experience commissioning complex systems (chemical processing, power generation, water treatment, mining, etc.).
Strong understanding of:
Process flow diagrams (PFDs) and P&IDs
DCS/PLC control systems
Electrical and instrumentation systems
Mechanical equipment (pumps, compressors, filter presses, heat exchangers, etc.)
Demonstrated leadership in fast-paced startup environments.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability.

Nice To Haves

Strong work ethic and commitment to reliability and punctuality
Positive, team-oriented attitude with a willingness to assist wherever needed
Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues
Good communication skills and ability to interact professionally across departments
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment
Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities or emergency repairs
Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision
Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement
Desire to learn and grow within a dynamic industrial setting
Sense of ownership and pride in maintaining a safe, clean, and efficient facility

Responsibilities

Lead development and execution of commissioning plans, procedures, and schedules.
Establish system boundaries and turnover packages (Mechanical Completion → Pre-Commissioning → Commissioning → Operational Readiness).
Develop and manage commissioning checklists, punch lists, and documentation.
Coordinate walkdowns and system handoffs with construction and operations teams.
Drive structured startup sequencing and operational readiness reviews.
Review and validate P&IDs, control narratives, cause & effect matrices, and interlock logic.
Oversee functional testing of electrical, instrumentation, automation, and process systems.
Lead loop checks, equipment checkout, energization plans, and first-fill/startup activities.
Identify and mitigate commissioning risks before startup.
Support troubleshooting and optimization during ramp-up.
Serve as the primary liaison between Engineering, Construction, Operations, and Maintenance during startup.
Ensure training materials and SOPs are in place prior to system turnover.
Facilitate daily commissioning meetings and progress reporting.
Align with process engineering to ensure system intent matches design basis.
Ensure all commissioning activities comply with company safety standards and regulatory requirements.
Lead Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSR).
Verify LOTO, MOC, and permitting processes are followed during energization and startup.
Develop detailed commissioning timelines and track critical path items.
Identify bottlenecks and escalate issues impacting startup.
Provide routine progress updates to senior leadership.
Drive closure of punch items and deficiencies impacting operational readiness.