Senior Project Engineer

MP Materials•Mountain Pass, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Project Engineer is part of MP Materials’ Mountain Pass, California mine business and supports the planning, coordination, and execution of capital projects to ensure delivery on time, within scope, and within budget. The role works closely with project managers, engineers, contractors, and technical teams to track progress, resolve issues, coordinate requests for information (RFI) responses, and maintain quality standards. Responsibilities also include reviewing technical documents, managing schedule and cost updates, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements. The position is responsible for project delivery across Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning. It incorporates safety, health, and environmental best practices into engineering and project management activities and ensures adherence to engineering principles, practices, and standards. Work takes place in an open-pit mine or manufacturing/chemical plant setting, with possible outdoor work and exposure to weather and industrial hazards.

Requirements

B.S. or higher in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering.
10 to 15 years of experience in a project leadership role within industrial and/or high-tech manufacturing environments.
Subject matter leadership in some combination of Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation & Controls, Materials, and/or Chemical disciplines.
Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate information from engineering drawings and documentation.
Ability to deal effectively and confidently with ambiguity, assess situations rapidly, and take quick and appropriate action.
Familiarity or experience with commissioning and start-up of equipment and facilities.
Ability to understand and discuss cost estimates, budgets, actualized costs, forecasts, and schedules.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Visio, Access, PowerPoint, and MS Project.
Demonstrated knowledge or skill in capital project management, manufacturing plant support, construction, plant engineering, equipment design, material handling equipment, piping, pneumatic equipment, materials of construction, structural design, and electrical and instrumentation design.
Excellent communication and stakeholder skills.
Valid driver’s license; company vehicles are required on property.
Ability to meet the physical and safety requirements of the position, including passing a full-face respiratory fit test, lifting 50 lbs., and working in PPE Level C.

Nice To Haves

Medium to large-sized capital project experience.
Team-player approach and willingness to learn.
Leadership experience and/or experience contributing across various subject matters.
Self-starter with a proactive management style.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
Disciplined and detail-oriented approach.
Emotional intelligence.
Excellent verbal and written communication.

Responsibilities

Deliver projects across Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning functions.
Assist with developing and regularly updating project schedules.
Proactively resolve contractor performance, scope, and schedule issues.
Supervise work to ensure compliance with the Initiation Task (project startup) List and Project Execution Plan (PEP).
Monitor closure of identified action items and manage risks and opportunities.
Monitor procurement and contract processes and progress throughout the project.
Focus the team on meeting milestones and other key project objectives.
Incorporate safety, health, and environmental best practices and regulatory compliance into engineering and project management activities.
Ensure adherence to engineering principles, practices, and standards.
Follow company, industry, and regulatory safety procedures and laws, promote workplace safety, and participate in Process Hazard Analysis procedures and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews.