Refinery Operator Trainee 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 Mine/Crusher Operator position is responsible for safely operating and conducting maintenance checks on heavy earthmoving equipment and/or crushing equipment as determined by employee experience and skill development. This position requires the employee to safely operate haulage equipment. Proficiency may include crushing plant, crushing equipment and heavy equipment. Employees are required to complete accurate pre-operation records of equipment and equipment operating time. Demonstrate safe working practices and be proactive on safety and environment issues.

Position Responsibilities:

• MINE/CRUSHER OPERATOR LEVELS (Operator 1, Operator 2, Operator Trainee) – TBD depending on experience and skill level
  1. Report unsafe acts, situations or conditions.
  2. Work incident and injury free.
  3. Safely operate 40-ton, 70-ton, and 100-ton haul trucks. This may also include other heavy equipment or crushing equipment as determined by prior experience.
  4. Complete any other tasks as needed or as directed by management.
• CRUSHER – TBD depending on experience and skill level
  1. Clean up around crushing equipment, assist with maintenance of conveyors, crusher, and radial stacker.
  2. Maintain housekeeping and clean up spills around crushing circuit.
  3. Adjust crusher circuits to maintain safety and required production.
  4. Measure and document differential bag house pressure readings.
  5. Regulate water usage to manage dust control and permit requirements.
• EQUIPMENT OPERATOR – TBD depending on experience and skill level
  1. Safety operates other various large heavy equipment (bulldozer, motor grader, front end loader, skid steer, excavator, water truck.)

Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED required.
• Experience on a crushing plant or crusher control room operation strongly preferred.
• Experience on large bulldozers in open pit mining and pioneering environment strongly preferred.
• Experience on large haul trucks in a hard rock open pit mining environment preferred.
• Valid Drivers License to drive company vehicles on and off property.

Desired Qualities:

• Current MSHA part 46 or part 48 trained.
• Trained on haul trucks, front end loaders, bull dozers, or crusher.
• Proficiency in the operation of support equipment, such as graders, excavators, and water trucks.
• Basic working knowledge of open pit safety rules and regulations.
• Basic knowledge of mechanical systems of equipment to perform and document pre-shift inspections to evaluate mechanical condition of crushing equipment and ancillary equipment.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to read, understand and speak English.
• Be able to work well with others and adapt to a changing environment.
• Be able to demonstrate the ability to operate all equipment on the crushing plant and fill in as needed.

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.