Mineral Processing Research Jobs (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:

MP Materials is seeking a Metallurgy Technician to join our Process Technology and Engineering Department at Mountain Pass, CA. This role is ideal for someone with a background in mining, geology, mineral processing, or a deep interest in earth sciences who is eager to grow in a fast-paced R&D environment. The Metallurgy Technician will support mineral processing research and development projects, including flotation reagent testing, process chemistry trials, and lab-to-plant scale evaluations. The results of this work will directly contribute to advancing mineral processing technology with real-world impact. While normally a day shift position, flexibility to work other shifts or overtime at short notice may be required.

 Position Responsibilities:

• Collect and prepare samples from the mill and flotation circuits.
• Perform laboratory testing, including froth flotation and related mineral processing experiments.
• Operate laboratory and pilot-scale equipment such as crushers, grinders, filters, sieves, shakers, and flotation cells.
• Accurately record observations, test conditions, and results; assist with preliminary data analysis.
• Maintain and organize lab supplies, equipment, and test areas.
• Support process development initiatives, including evaluation of new flotation reagents, technologies, and process improvements.
• Communicate test results and observations clearly to engineers and other team members.
• Follow all safety protocols and actively identify potential hazards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Process Development, Mill Operations, Mining, Maintenance, and Analytical Services.
• Perform additional tasks as directed by management.

Basic Qualifications:

• Strong interest in mining, geology, mineral processing, or related earth sciences.
• 1+ year experience in a lab, mining, mineral processing, chemical, petroleum, or heavy industrial setting (preferred).
• Ability to follow technical instructions and keep accurate, legible records.
• Safety-oriented mindset and willingness to accept personal responsibility for safe work practices.
• Minimum High School Diploma/GED required.
• Valid Driver’s License and clean driving record (required to operate company vehicles on site).

Desired Qualities:

• Prior experience in mineral processing, especially froth flotation (big plus).
• Experience in laboratory sample preparation, wet chemistry, or mineral processing tests.
• College-level coursework in chemistry, geology, mining, or materials engineering.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related discipline preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to work with lab/pilot-scale equipment.
• Familiarity with analytical tools (e.g., XRF) and sample preparation techniques.

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 when prompted for HR;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.