Protection Control Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Company Overview:

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 Process Control Engineer supports plant operations PLC/SCADA infrastructure, participates in various capital projects, and provides expertise on various process improvement projects. This position will be responsible for interfacing with stakeholders including engineering, production, maintenance, utilities, IT, environmental, safety, management, and contractors. This is an onsite position, Monday through Friday, with off-shift on-call support responsibilities that is shared amongst the controls group.

Position Responsibilities:

• Work within the PLC/SCADA environment to support plant operations.
• Update and develop new graphics within the SCADA GE iFix and Ignition HMI applications.
• Utilize ladder logic, function block, and structured text programming languages in RSLogix.
• Support DeviceNet, ControlNet, and Ethernet-based network infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot issues with motors, valves, instruments, and various process equipment.
• Troubleshoot issues with controls equipment including remote I/O panels, communications equipment (ie. network switches), SCADA servers, and operator workstations/thin clients.
• Review engineering documents for capital and internal projects.
• Follow site design, project management, and document control standards.
• Work with process engineers to develop efficient control schemes and strategies that meet the requirements of the operation.
• Manage the PI data historian tag configuration, graphical displays, and reports.
• Work with Lead engineers to identify bottlenecks and create/implement solutions.
• Complete any other tasks as needed or as directed by management.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS degree in Engineering, or a related field, preferred.
• 3+ years of experience as a process control engineer in a chemical, mining, petroleum, or other industrial setting.
• Demonstrated experience and competence with Rockwell Automation controls platforms, including hardware and software tools.
• Demonstrated experience and competence with Ignition platform.
• Experience with PFDs, P&IDs, control narratives, and instrumentation wiring diagrams.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• A Valid Driver’s License and good driving record are required to drive company vehicles on the property.
• Full-time Onsite.

Desired Qualities:

• Work experience with iFix HMI platforms, Aveva Pi.
• Hands-on experience with heavy industrial equipment troubleshooting.
• Experience with process optimization/tuning of closed-loop control systems.

MP Materials is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer - EEO is The Law

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 702-625-5679; 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.