Freelance Oil Rig Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Company Overview:

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.

Position Overview:

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for installing, repairing and maintaining all industrial equipment at the mine and plant site. This includes installing/repairing mechanical piping, rotating equipment, fabricating and welding. The Mechanic must be able to demonstrate proficiency in pump rebuilding, equipment alignment, and troubleshooting complex mechanical systems.

Position Responsibilities:

• Work incident and injury free.
• Repair rotating equipment, including pumps, agitators, crushers, mills, and turbines.
• Troubleshoot mechanical equipment and piping systems and determine the root cause of equipment failures.
• Operate cranes, boom trucks and man lifts.
• Rebuild pumps back to manufacturing tolerances.
• Climb ladders, work at heights and in confined spaces.
• May work alone or with others.
• Shift work.
• Complete any other tasks as needed or as directed by management.

Basic Qualifications:

• Five (5) years minimum industrial experience as a Journeyman Millwright or related role.
• Extended experience in precision alignment with lasers and dial indicators.
• Blueprint reading.
• Rebuilding of various process pumps required.
• Experience with process piping and hydraulic systems.
• Alignment tracking of conveyor belts.
• Proof of passing the NCCER Industrial Maintenance Mechanics Written and competence tests and/or provide proof of completing a certified 4-year apprentice millwright/plant mechanic program preferred.
• HS/GED required.
• Graduate from an applicable certified apprentice program or company approved mechanical training program.
• NCCCO crane operation certified preferred.
• Boiler operating certification preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License to drive company vehicles on and off property.

Desired Qualities:

• Must understand the operating characteristics of each type of pump and pipe.
• Must be able to fabricate piping systems of each classification of pipe.
• Must be able to fabricate complex piping configuration using threaded CS pipe.
• Must understand the standard process for alignment for common equipment, pumps, fans agitators along with tolerances.
• Must be able to align a pump/motor using laser alignment devices and machine.
• Must be able to align pump/motor assembly using dial indicators.
• Must be able to properly tension belt drive systems.
• Must be able to demonstrate the rigging basics including the use of hand signal and calculation of rigging size.
• Must be able to demonstrate the ability to properly rig a 1,000 lb. unbalanced load in a short rigging configuration pass and maintain riggings certification.
• Must have basic knowledge of, and the ability to troubleshoot, maintenance issues of each major component of equipment (conveyors, elevators, dust collectors, fans and crushers.)
• Must have basic knowledge of the characteristics of roller, ball and antifriction bearings.
• Must know the proper installation technique for each of the types of bearings.
• Must have knowledge of basic equipment lubrications theory and fundamentals.
• Must be able to use ultrasonic lubrication for rotating equipment.
• Must know the proper technique of sampling gearboxes and pressurized oil systems.
• Must have a working knowledge of RCFA and the ability to troubleshoot electro/hydraulic/pneumatic system using the RCFA process.
• Must know the proper use of mechanic hand tools.
• Must follow all company policies and safety rules.

MP Materials is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Underrepresented groups/Women/Disabled/Veterans are encouraged to apply. Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the position’s requirements will still be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation.

Your Right to Work – In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment verification document form upon hire.

For Assistance with Application - Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. Contact Human Resources Department at 702-844-6111; dial 7; 1700 South Pavilion Center Dr. 8th Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89135 to discuss reasonable accommodation.

Safety Provision - Employees are responsible for following all company, industry and regulatory procedures and laws to ensure a safe work environment for themselves and the company. Employees must have a willingness to promote safety among the workforce, participate in Process Hazard Analysis procedures and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews.

(PPE) Personal Protective Equipment is required when performing work in a mine, manufacturing, outdoor, or plant environment. Required PPE may include, but is not limited to, hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, respirator, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves, and any other protective equipment as required.

Working Conditions - Our facility sits at an elevation of 4,700 feet. Employees may be subject to extreme weather conditions when working in an outdoor setting (heat and cold, wind). Work is at an open pit mine or manufacturing/chemical plant setting, which may include exposure to moving mechanical parts, toxic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, explosives, fumes, or airborne particles.

Physical Demands - Manual dexterity; sense of touch; sense of smell; speaking clearly; hearing-speech range; hearing – all ranges; seeing, reading and comprehensions; seeing – distant/near; depth perception; color vision. While performing the job responsibilities, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to stand and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel and to manipulate laboratory equipment. The employee is occasionally required to walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Employees must pass a full-face respiratory fit test. Employees must be able to lift 50 lbs. Must be able to work in PPE level C. These requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required of the employee.