Senior Process Engineer, Finishing

MP Materials • Fort Worth, TX

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About The Position

MP Materials is rebuilding American industrial capability through an integrated rare earth supply chain spanning mining, refining, and advanced metal and magnet manufacturing. The company’s materials support technologies in robotics, automation, aerospace, transportation, defense, and energy systems.

The Senior Process Engineer, Finishing supports the development and optimization of machining processes for magnetic materials, with a focus on machining metal and ceramic materials. The role provides technical coordination and support to the part machining operation to meet customer requirements. The position requires hands-on machining experience and the ability to conduct failure analysis, continuous improvement, equipment fault diagnosis, and process development.

The new facility will include chemical, mechanical, and thermal processes such as electrowinning, strip casting, powder production, pressing and sintering, machining, and assembly. The engineer will work with technical specialists across these areas to develop a working understanding of relevant physical processes, control metrics, and hazards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in process engineering roles focused on machining.
• Strong knowledge of machining principles, cutting tool materials, and machining parameters relevant to carbide and ceramic materials.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software for toolpath generation and machining simulation, such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Mastercam.
• Experience with CNC machining centers, grinding machines, and other precision machining equipment.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis tools and methodologies for process optimization, such as Six Sigma and Design of Experiments.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to analyze complex technical issues and develop practical solutions.
• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration skills with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree.
• Specialization in carbides and ceramics in process engineering or machining experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize machining processes for magnetic materials, including sawing, slicing, and grinding.
• Design and implement tooling solutions optimized for the materials, accounting for tool wear, material removal rates, and surface-finish requirements.
• Collaborate with design and manufacturing teams on material selection, component geometry, and machining feasibility during product development.
• Conduct feasibility studies and process simulations to assess the manufacturability of new designs and identify challenges or improvement opportunities.
• Define machining parameters, tooling specifications, and quality standards to support consistent production and meet customer requirements.
• Implement process monitoring and control systems to maintain machining conditions, minimize scrap, and maximize throughput.
• Troubleshoot machining issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to resolve production disruptions and improve process robustness.
• Provide technical support and training to production personnel on machining techniques, equipment operation, and safety procedures.
• Coordinate and provide technical support to the part machining operation to meet customer requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior