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Rare Earth Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Pivot Path Solutions

Rare Earth Elements SME

Fairfax, VA · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

L3Harris Technologies

Lead Category Manager

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$100K - $186K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A key aspect of this role is identifying, assessing, and mitigating countries of origin (COO), rare earth element (REE), critical mineral, geopolitical, and regulatory risks to strengthen enterprise ...

L3HHCM20

Lead Category Manager

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$100K - $186K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A key aspect of this role is identifying, assessing, and mitigating countries of origin (COO), rare earth element (REE), critical mineral, geopolitical, and regulatory risks to strengthen enterprise ...

ICF

Senior Climate Analytics Specialist

Arlington, VA · On-site

$100K - $123K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in climate science, atmospheric science, Earth science, data science, meteorology ... Experience working with extreme events, tail risks, or rare-event modeling in environmental or ...

Blue Origin

Principal Electrical Power Subsystem Architect

Reston, VA

$144K - $176K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth ... rare opportunity to shape the future of on-orbit power at a company that moves fast, thinks big ...

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Rare Earth information

See Virginia salary details

$18.5K

$65.7K

$130.8K

How much do rare earth jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for rare earth in Virginia is $65,697.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,332.00 and $78,775.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rare earth?

A Rare Earth job typically refers to careers related to the exploration, mining, processing, and application of rare earth elements (REEs). These elements are essential in manufacturing high-tech products, including electronics, renewable energy technology, and defense systems. Jobs in this field can range from geologists and mining engineers to material scientists and supply chain analysts. Due to the critical nature of REEs, professionals in this industry often work on sustainability, resource management, and technological advancements.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a rare earth specialist?

Rare Earth Specialists often start their day analyzing samples and monitoring extraction or processing operations in the lab or at mining sites. They use advanced instrumentation to assess purity and concentrations of rare earth elements, prepare detailed reports, and troubleshoot any issues in the production process. Regular collaboration with engineers, environmental scientists, and safety managers is expected to ensure sustainable and compliant operations. Additionally, specialists may contribute to research projects, process optimization, and the development of new applications for rare earth materials.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the rare earth position, and why are they important?

To excel in a Rare Earth Specialist role, you typically need a background in materials science, geology, or chemical engineering, along with experience in mineral extraction and processing. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and relevant safety certifications is important. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set top performers apart. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and precise management of rare earth materials, often working within multidisciplinary teams in research or industrial settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rare Earth jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Rare Earth jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Rare Earth jobs in Virginia?

For Rare Earth jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rare Earth jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Rare Earth jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Rare Earth jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Rare Earth job openings:

Rare Earth jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rare Earth job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,697 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Rare Earth Elements SME

Pivot Path Solutions

Fairfax, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 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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