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Rare Earth Minerals Jobs (NOW HIRING)

USA Rare Earth, LLC

R&D Engineer

Wheat Ridge, CO · On-site

$105K - $120K/yr

We have a substantial interest in the Round Top, Heavy Rare Earth, Lithium and Critical Minerals deposit in West Texas. We have also developed the United States' first rare earth and critical ...

AVTC Group

Director of Contracts

Springfield, NJ · On-site +1

Oversee compliance-related reporting and requirements, including REACH, RoHS, Conflict Minerals, Extended Minerals Reporting Template (EMRT), Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), and rare earth ...

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How much do rare earth minerals jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for rare earth minerals in the United States is $35.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $48.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are 5 potential jobs for geology?

Potential jobs for geologists in the field of rare earth minerals include mineral exploration geologists, who identify and assess mineral deposits; environmental geologists, who evaluate environmental impacts of mining; resource geologists, who estimate mineral reserves; mining geologists, who oversee extraction processes; and consulting geologists, who provide expert advice on mineral projects. These roles often require fieldwork, geological mapping, sampling, and knowledge of mineralogy and geophysical tools.

What is the difference between Rare Earth Minerals vs Geologists?

AspectRare Earth MineralsGeologists
Required CredentialsGeology degree, mineral identification skillsGeology degree, fieldwork experience
Work EnvironmentMining sites, laboratoriesField sites, research labs
Industry UsageMining, mineral processingEarth science research, exploration

Rare Earth Minerals professionals focus on extracting and processing specific minerals, while Geologists study Earth's processes and locate mineral deposits. Both roles require geology knowledge but differ in daily tasks and industry focus.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in the rare earth minerals industry?

Professionals in the rare earth minerals industry often encounter challenges such as fluctuating global demand, complex extraction processes, and stringent environmental regulations. Working in this field may also involve navigating supply chain risks and ensuring the ethical sourcing of materials. Additionally, collaboration with cross-functional teams—including geologists, engineers, and environmental specialists—is essential for meeting production targets while maintaining compliance and sustainability standards.

What jobs in the U.S. pay $300,000 a year?

In the field of rare earth minerals, high-paying roles such as senior geologists, mining engineers, and executive management positions can reach or exceed $300,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities. These roles often require advanced degrees, industry certifications, and a deep understanding of mineral extraction and processing technologies.

What are rare earth minerals?

Rare earth minerals are a group of 17 chemically similar elements found in the Earth's crust, including the 15 lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium. Despite their name, most rare earth elements are relatively abundant, but they are rarely found in concentrated deposits that are economically viable to mine. These minerals are essential for manufacturing a wide range of high-tech products, such as smartphones, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and military equipment, due to their unique magnetic, luminescent, and electrochemical properties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Rare Earth Minerals Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rare Earth Minerals Specialist, you need a solid background in geology, mineralogy, and chemistry, often supported by a relevant degree in earth sciences or mining engineering. Familiarity with analytical tools such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometers, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and mining software, as well as certifications in mining safety, are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this field. These abilities ensure accurate resource assessment, efficient extraction, and compliance with safety and environmental standards in the rare earth minerals industry.

What is the highest paying job in the mining industry?

In the mining industry, senior engineering roles such as Mining Engineers, Geologists, and Mine Managers tend to be the highest paying jobs. These positions require specialized skills, experience, and often involve overseeing large operations or technical projects, leading to higher compensation levels.

What companies are involved in rare earth minerals?

Companies involved in rare earth minerals include mining firms such as MP Materials, Lynas Corporation, and China Northern Rare Earth Group. These companies focus on extracting, processing, and supplying rare earth elements used in electronics, renewable energy, and defense industries. Jobs in this field often require knowledge of mineral processing, environmental regulations, and supply chain management.
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Rare Earth Minerals jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rare Earth Minerals job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,307 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

Rare Earth Elements SME

Pivot Path Solutions

Fairfax, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Based in the Washington, D.C. Metro area, Pivot Path Solutions, LLC , is a government contracting and business solutions firm that offers enterprise IT solutions, strategic and acquisition planning, organizational development, and medical research and analytics services to help customers adapt and thrive in changing market conditions. Pivot Path Solutions is seeking a highly experienced Rare Earth Elements (REE) Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support our growing portfolio with our public sector clients. This role provides high-level scientific, technical, and strategic expertise supporting federal R&D initiatives focused on critical minerals, rare earth extraction, processing, separation, recycling, and commercialization. The REE SME guides technology development, field demonstrations, and strategic program decisions across exploration, mineralogy, mining, beneficiation, hydrometallurgy, electrometallurgy, and materials applications.
This role ensures technical excellence, regulatory alignment, and scientific rigor for projects supporting U.S. rare earth supply chain resilience and domestic critical mineral independence. The REE SME also interfaces with Government stakeholders, research partners, and industry collaborators to validate technologies and de-risk emerging REE processes from TRL 2-7. This is a remote position.Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical Expertise & Scientific Leadership
  • Serve as the primary authority on rare earth elements, critical minerals, and associated supply chains, including extraction, processing, separation, and end-use applications.
  • Evaluate and guide advanced REE technologies across the full lifecycle:
    • Geological resource characterization
    • Mineral processing (crushing, grinding, flotation, gravity, magnetic separation)
    • Hydrometallurgical and solvent extraction systems
    • Ion exchange, membrane systems, electrowinning, precipitation
    • Purification and separation of individual REEs
    • Metallization and alloy production
    • REE recycling from e-waste, magnets, and industrial byproducts
  • Provide scientific oversight for TRL 2-6 R&D projects, ensuring clear TRL advancement pathways.
  • Develop and review technical deliverables, white papers, and DOE-required documentation.
Exploration, Resource Assessment & Geology
  • Provide expertise on REE geological formations-including carbonatites, ion-adsorption clays, monazite, bastnaesite, phosphates, and coal byproducts.
  • Support design, interpretation, and optimization of:
    • Geochemical assays
    • Geophysical surveys (EM, magnetics, radiometrics)
    • Borehole logging
    • Ore characterization and mineralogy studies
  • Translate resource data into volumetric assessments, mine planning inputs, and processing flowsheets.
Process Flowsheet Development & Optimization
  • Lead technical design and optimization of REE processing flowsheets, including material balances, mass/energy calculations, and separation efficiency modeling.
  • Evaluate equipment selection, reagent chemistry, and process control strategies.
  • Provide techno-economic analysis inputs (TEA), including CAPEX/OPEX assumptions for separation and refining steps.
Regulatory, Environmental & Sustainability Insights
  • Ensure compliance with environmental standards related to REE mining and processing, including waste management, tailings, emissions, and radiation safety.
  • Guide sustainability practices such as:
    • Reduced energy and reagent consumption
    • Waste minimization and co-product recovery
    • Water efficiency and treatment technologies
    • Environmental monitoring and permitting strategies
Technology Demonstration & Field Support
  • Support pilot- and field-scale demonstrations of REE extraction, beneficiation, and processing technologies.
  • Oversee sampling, pilot plant operations, and analytical validation activities.
  • Assist in integration of automation, robotics, and real-time sensing technologies into REE operations.
Industry, Academic & Government Engagement
  • Work with DOE, DoD, USGS, NIST, and other federal programs on critical mineral research and policy.
  • Provide strategic input to project partners, industry operators, and academic institutions.
  • Contribute to consortiums, workshops, technical forums, and stakeholder meetings.
Proposal Development & Strategic Advisory
  • Provide domain expertise in support of federal proposals, including DOE FOAs, DoD R&D solicitations, and USGS critical minerals programs.
  • Shape R&D strategies, teaming approaches, and innovation pathways for REE projects.
  • Review proposal technical volumes, management plans, schedules, and SOPO language.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Master's or PhD in Metallurgy, Mining Engineering, Materials Science, Geochemistry, Geology, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • 10+ years of experience in REE or critical mineral extraction, separation, processing, or manufacturing.
  • Deep knowledge of mineralogy, processing technologies, hydrometallurgy, and REE refining flowsheets.
  • Proven experience supporting federal R&D, pilot plant demonstrations, or advanced commercialization activities.
  • Strong technical writing ability for scientific reports and federal deliverables.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience with DOE, DoD, DARPA, ARPA-E, NETL, USGS, or NSF programs.
  • Experience operating or designing pilot plants, metallurgical labs, or mining testbeds.
  • Expertise in unconventional REE resources (coal ash, acid mine drainage, industrial byproducts).
  • Experience with AI/ML-enabled mineral characterization or advanced sensing systems.
  • Familiarity with U.S. critical mineral policy, supply chain risks, and international market dynamics.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
  • Strong analytical and systems-thinking abilities.
  • Ability to translate complex scientific concepts into clear recommendations.
  • Effective communication with technical, non-technical, and government stakeholders.
  • Leadership in multidisciplinary environments and research consortia.
  • Commitment to safety, sustainability, and scientific integrity.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Hybrid work environment with potential travel to mine sites, proving grounds, pilot facilities, academic labs, and federal meetings.
  • Ability to work around industrial equipment and in outdoor field settings as required.
  • Must comply with all applicable safety and environmental protocols.
What We Offer:
Pivot Path Solutions strives to attract, motivate, and retain the best people in the industry. Our benefits package reflects our continued commitment to our employees by prioritizing the health and well-being of each member. The Company offers a comprehensive compensation package that includes:
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Generous Contribution on Health, Dental and Vision Insurances
  • 100% Employer Paid Group Life Insurance, Short Term and Long-Term Disability
  • Safe Harbor 401(K) Plan
  • Health Saving Account (HSA)
  • Healthcare Flexible Saving Account (FSA) and Dependent Care FSA
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Employee Referral Program
U.S. Citizenship is required, and all selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation. This includes meeting the eligibility requirements for access to classified information and the ability to obtain government-granted security clearance. Individuals may also be subject to background investigation including criminal history, employment verification, education verification, drug testing, and creditworthiness.

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