Specialist, Training - Labs

MP Materials•Fort Worth, TX

12d

About The Position

The Lab Training Specialist is dedicated to the Research Lab and Operations Lab, designing, delivering, and maintaining technical training for personnel who perform quality testing. The role ensures lab technicians and analysts are trained and qualified in test methods, instruments, sample handling, data integrity, and lab safety so results are accurate, reliable, and defensible and align with QA/QC requirements, applicable quality standards, and company procedures. The specialist partners with lab leadership to assess training needs, establish role-based curricula and qualification paths, administer structured learning and requalification programs, and maintain training records and learning content. The role also supports onboarding, cross-training, safety training, investigations, and continuous improvement across lab operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Metallurgy, Engineering, Education, or a related field.
2–4 years of experience in a laboratory, quality testing, or technical training role; preferably in a manufacturing or industrial lab environment.
Working knowledge of laboratory quality systems, standard work instructions, test methods, and Good Documentation Practices.
Understanding of laboratory safety and chemical hygiene requirements.
Experience with LMS platforms and training delivery tools.
Strong organizational, communication, and facilitation skills, with the ability to translate technical procedures into clear, practical training.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across teams.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience with analytical or materials testing instruments.
Experience with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and/or ISO/IEC 17025 quality systems and audits.
Experience with LIMS and SAP.
Quality certification, such as ASQ Certified Quality Technician, Quality Improvement Associate, or Quality Auditor.
Experience in rare earth, metals, magnet, or advanced manufacturing environments.
Familiarity with instructional design, such as ADDIE, and adult learning principles.
Bilingual.

Responsibilities

Partner with Research Lab and Operations Lab leadership to assess training needs and build role-based curricula and qualification paths for lab technicians, analysts, and chemists.
Develop and deliver technical training on quality testing methods and standard work instructions covering equipment usage, magnetic property measurements, physical and dimensional inspection, and materials characterization.
Build and administer analyst Structured Learning Programs, including hands-on demonstrations, observed performance, proficiency testing, and periodic requalification, to ensure personnel are qualified before independently performing tests or releasing results.
Train or validate training for lab personnel on instrument operation, calibration and system-suitability checks, and routine maintenance in coordination with lab leads and equipment owners.
Coordinate laboratory safety and chemical hygiene training with EHS, including the Chemical Hygiene Plan, hazard communication, PPE, fume hood use, chemical and compressed gas handling, lab waste management, and spill response.
Maintain the lab training matrix and qualification records for each role.
Support onboarding of new lab hires and cross-training between the Research Lab and Operations Lab to build bench strength and shift coverage.
Develop job aids, visual work instructions, e-learning modules, and knowledge assessments, and keep LMS content current and aligned with lab procedures.
Participate in investigations of nonconformances, out-of-specification results, and audit findings to identify training-related root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Promote a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement across lab operations.