Refinery Process Operator 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:

Production of rare earth materials in a chemical process involving a series of interconnected circuits. A Process Operator controls equipment and systems that ensure the smooth, safe, and productive operation of these circuits. This individual will take directions from the Operations Supervisor in performing daily tasks. These include monitoring and adjusting process area conditions in the field as well as utilizing automated process controls (SCADA and PLC); taking and analyzing samples; packaging products and waste; and maintaining proper plant housekeeping to ensure safe and productive operations. This individual will also be expected to learn and operate various pieces of mobile equipment such as skid steer loaders, forklifts, front-end loaders, haul trucks, water trucks, etc.

Position Responsibilities:

• Complete daily area inspections and report any unsafe conditions or process concerns.
• Perform chemical operations in a safe and effective manner according to Standard Operating Procedures.
• Monitor and control flow, pressure, and temperature of chemical processes.
• Safely and efficiently operate mobile equipment including forklifts and skid steer loaders.
• Troubleshoot process and mechanical problems as they arise.
• Document plant processes and record production data.
• Utilize plant automation systems to ensure optimized production.
• Consistently maintain clean and organized workspace.
• Complete any other tasks as needed or as directed by management, consistent with the above.

Basic Qualifications:

• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to learn the flow of a chemical process and the cause/effect relationship of the process changes.
• Able to work with little supervision and follow through with multiple assignments.
• Possess Basic computer skills: Windows, Office, Excel.
• Able to meet health requirements to safely wear a chemical or dust respirator when required.
• Show attention to detail and ability to learn new duties.
• Able to work productively and collaboratively in teams.
• Committed to safe work practices while knowing one’s limitations.
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Driver's License to drive company vehicles on and off property.

Desired Qualities:

• Prior experience in an industrial plant, chemical process, or water treatment facility.
• Prior experience with light or heavy mobile equipment.
• Proven ability to work safely with chemicals including hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, flocculants, and coagulants.

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.