Technician, Prototyping

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Technician, Prototyping

Company: MP Materials Corp.

Location: Fort Worth, TX, US

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Manufacturing Operations / Prototyping

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

Experience Level: 0-2 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the development of advanced manufacturing technologies for high-performance rare earth permanent magnets.

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot pilot plant equipment for prototyping and occasional production support.

• Prepare, handle, and process raw materials, powders, and samples adhering to strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Collect critical process data using laboratory instruments and document experimental trial results with high accuracy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for MP Materials' mission to rebuild American industrial capability in critical materials and advanced manufacturing, particularly for next-generation technologies in autonomy, robotics, and electrification. The focus on prototyping indicates a need for meticulous execution and data integrity in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain pilot plant equipment, ensuring optimal performance for prototyping magnet manufacturing and assisting with production operations as needed.

• Prepare, handle, and process various raw materials, powders, and intermediate samples according to established SOPs, with a strong emphasis on safety and material integrity.

• Perform precise measurements and diligently collect process data using a range of laboratory instruments and testing equipment.

• Assist in the execution of pilot-scale experimental trials, meticulously documenting all procedures, observations, and results to inform process development.

• Maintain a rigorously clean, organized, and safe workplace environment in line with EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) guidelines and regulatory compliance.

• Collaborate closely with the EHS team to ensure all operations meet world-class health and safety standards and adhere to environmental regulations.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities for process optimization and efficiency gains.

• Perform other assigned duties that support the Magnet Technology group's objectives and the company's strategic goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to manufacturing process development. The need to support both prototyping and occasional production suggests a versatile role requiring adaptability. Emphasis on SOPs, safety, and EHS compliance indicates a highly regulated and safety-conscious operational environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a strong foundation in technical principles is implied, often gained through vocational training, certifications, or an Associate's degree in a related technical field.

Experience: Minimum of 1+ years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment.

Required Skills:

• Manufacturing Operations: Proven ability to operate and manage manufacturing equipment, with a focus on process execution and troubleshooting.

• Attention to Detail: Exceptional meticulousness in following procedures, recording data, and ensuring product quality.

• Record Keeping: Proficiency in maintaining accurate and organized records, both physical and electronic, for traceability and analysis.

• Safety Discipline: Strong adherence to safety protocols, standard work instructions, and EHS regulations to ensure a safe working environment.

• Independent Work & Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work autonomously on assigned tasks while also contributing effectively within cross-functional teams.

• Adaptability: Capacity to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced setting, effectively managing multiple priorities and shifting demands.

• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for clear reporting, documentation, and team interaction.

Preferred Skills:

• HMI Operation: 1+ years of direct experience operating equipment with Human-Machine Interface (HMI) controls.

• Materials Manufacturing: Experience in metal or ceramic manufacturing processes, including casting, powder processing, heat treatments, machining, and/or surface finishing.

• Air-Sensitive Material Handling: Familiarity and experience with safely handling materials that are sensitive to atmospheric conditions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a need for practical, hands-on skills with a strong emphasis on safety, documentation, and teamwork. The preferred skills suggest that candidates with specific experience in advanced materials processing will have a significant advantage, aligning with MP Materials' core business.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Process Execution Documentation: Examples demonstrating the ability to follow and execute complex manufacturing procedures with high fidelity. This should include records of material handling, process steps, and adherence to SOPs.

• Data Recording & Analysis: Showcase instances where you meticulously recorded process data and contributed to its initial analysis or reporting. Highlight accuracy and completeness.

• Safety Protocol Adherence: Evidence of understanding and consistently applying safety procedures in a manufacturing or laboratory setting. This could be demonstrated through safety logs or incident-free work history.

• Equipment Operation Logs: Documentation illustrating your experience operating and maintaining manufacturing or pilot plant equipment, including any troubleshooting efforts or performance tracking.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Execution: Provide examples of how you followed documented workflows and contributed to their execution in a manufacturing or R&D context.

• Data Logging & Reporting: Demonstrate your ability to log process parameters accurately and generate clear, concise reports summarizing experimental results or operational performance.

• Safety Procedure Implementation: Showcase your understanding and application of safety procedures and environmental compliance protocols within a documented framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested, candidates should be prepared to discuss specific examples from their experience that align with these requirements. Demonstrating a systematic approach to process execution, data integrity, and safety compliance will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Technician role with 0-2 years of experience in Fort Worth, TX, the estimated annual salary range is approximately $45,000 - $60,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and the specialized nature of the manufacturing environment.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage to support employee well-being.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Opportunities for long-term financial security, potentially with employer matching.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation, sick leave, and holidays to ensure work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and skill enhancement relevant to advanced manufacturing and prototyping.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Providing financial protection for employees and their families.

• Potential for Stock Options: As a publicly traded company (NYSE: MP), there may be opportunities for equity participation.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. Specific shift details will be provided during the interview process, but flexibility may be required to support pilot plant operations and experimental trial schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on publicly available data for similar roles in the specified geographic location and industry. Benefits are standard for full-time positions at publicly traded manufacturing companies, but specific details should be confirmed with MP Materials.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: MP Materials operates in the critical materials and advanced manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on rare earth elements essential for modern technologies like electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defense systems. Their unique position as the only U.S. company with an integrated rare earth supply chain provides a strong sense of national purpose and innovation.

Company Size: MP Materials is a publicly traded company (NYSE: MP) with a growing workforce. While the exact current employee count isn't provided, the rapid evolution from a materials producer to a leading U.S. manufacturer suggests a dynamic environment with increasing opportunities and team expansion.

Founded: MP Materials was founded with a mission to rebuild American industrial capability. The company is actively evolving and expanding its operations and manufacturing capacity. This suggests a culture that values growth, innovation, and resilience.

Team Structure:

• The Technician will be part of the Magnet Technology group, a specialized team focused on developing and prototyping advanced permanent magnets.

• This group likely collaborates closely with R&D, engineering, and potentially production teams to transition new technologies from concept to scalable manufacturing.

• The reporting structure will likely involve a Team Lead or Supervisor within the Magnet Technology department, who oversees daily operations and experimental work. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Prototyping: The group relies on rigorous data collection and analysis from experimental trials to refine magnet manufacturing processes.

• Process Optimization: Continuous efforts are made to improve efficiency, yield, and quality in the prototyping and manufacturing of rare earth magnets.

• Safety First: A paramount focus on operational safety and environmental compliance is integrated into all methodologies.

Company Website: https://www.mpmaterials.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: MP Materials' mission-driven culture is a significant aspect. Candidates should align with the company's commitment to national industrial capability, innovation, and operational excellence. The rapid growth phase implies a need for adaptable and proactive team members.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-level technician or early-career technical specialist level. It is ideal for individuals starting their career in manufacturing or seeking to gain specialized experience in advanced materials and magnet technology.

Reporting Structure: The Technician will report to a supervisor or lead within the Magnet Technology group. This structure provides direct mentorship and oversight for process execution and skill development.

Operations Impact: While not directly responsible for sales or revenue, this role has a significant indirect impact. By successfully executing prototyping trials, collecting accurate data, and contributing to process development, the Technician directly supports the creation of next-generation magnet technologies. These magnets are foundational components for key growth industries like autonomous vehicles, robotics, and renewable energy, aligning directly with MP Materials' strategic objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop expertise in advanced manufacturing techniques for rare earth magnets, including powder processing, heat treatment, and machining.

• Process Improvement Contribution: Gain experience in identifying and implementing process enhancements within a pilot plant setting.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Work with engineers and other technical staff, providing a broader understanding of the product development lifecycle.

• Advancement within Operations: Potential to progress to Senior Technician roles, team leadership, or specialized roles in quality control or process engineering as experience and skills grow.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a strong foundation in a niche but critical area of advanced manufacturing. Growth will likely involve deepening technical expertise and demonstrating a consistent ability to contribute to process improvements and operational efficiency.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is primarily a hands-on, on-site role within a manufacturing and pilot plant environment. While there may be an associated office or lab space for documentation and data analysis, the core duties are performed on the production floor.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is in Fort Worth, Texas. This facility is equipped to support the mining, refining, and manufacturing operations of MP Materials.

Workspace Context:

• Manufacturing Floor: Expect to work in an industrial setting that can involve varying temperatures, noise levels, and the presence of specialized equipment.

• Laboratory/Pilot Plant: Access to laboratory instruments, pilot-scale processing equipment, and potentially cleanroom environments for specific material handling.

• Team Interaction: Frequent collaboration with fellow technicians, engineers, and supervisors within the Magnet Technology group. This environment fosters a collaborative approach to problem-solving and process refinement.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position with a standard 40-hour work week. However, the nature of pilot plant operations and experimental trials may occasionally require flexibility in scheduling to accommodate specific project timelines or equipment availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be comfortable working in an industrial manufacturing setting. The emphasis on teamwork and collaboration suggests an environment where open communication and shared problem-solving are valued.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Technical Interview: This may involve discussing your manufacturing experience, understanding of safety protocols, and familiarity with equipment operation. Be prepared to elaborate on your experience with SOPs and data collection.

• Hands-on Assessment/Scenario: You might be asked to describe how you would approach a specific task, troubleshoot a hypothetical equipment issue, or demonstrate your understanding of a process.

• Team/Culture Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential team members and supervisors to assess your collaborative style, problem-solving approach, and alignment with MP Materials' values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a hiring manager or senior leader to discuss career aspirations and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Execution: Prepare specific examples of how you have executed manufacturing processes, handled materials, and operated equipment. Highlight your attention to detail and adherence to procedures.

• Data Integrity Examples: Be ready to discuss instances where you collected critical data, maintained accurate records, and contributed to reporting or analysis. Quantify your contributions where possible.

• Safety Demonstrations: Showcase your commitment to safety by detailing your understanding and application of safety protocols, EHS standards, and your experience in maintaining a safe work environment.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to walk through how you would approach common challenges in a manufacturing or prototyping setting, such as equipment malfunctions or deviations from SOPs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Walkthroughs: Be ready to explain a manufacturing process you are familiar with step-by-step, highlighting critical control points and potential issues.

• Safety Scenario Responses: Prepare for questions about how you would handle unsafe conditions or situations, demonstrating your knowledge of EHS principles.

• Data Interpretation: Practice explaining what specific data points might indicate about a manufacturing process and what actions you might take based on that data.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio might not be required, candidates should be prepared to "show, don't just tell" through detailed examples of their work experience, particularly concerning process execution, data accuracy, and safety.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Pilot Plant Equipment: Experience operating and maintaining specialized machinery used in the prototyping of magnets. This could include processing equipment for powders, furnaces for heat treatment, and machining tools.

• HMI (Human-Machine Interface): Familiarity with operating and monitoring industrial equipment through digital interfaces.

• Laboratory Instruments: Proficiency with various measurement and testing devices used for material characterization and process monitoring (e.g., calipers, micrometers, temperature sensors, potentially material testing equipment).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Logging Systems: Experience with systems or methods for recording process parameters and experimental results, whether electronic or physical logs.

• Spreadsheet Software: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or similar tools for basic data organization, analysis, and reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP/MES Systems (Basic Familiarity): While not explicitly required, exposure to manufacturing execution systems or enterprise resource planning systems can be beneficial for understanding production workflows.

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): A strong understanding and ability to follow documented procedural guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on hands-on equipment operation and data management within a manufacturing and R&D context. Emphasis is on practical application rather than complex software development or data science tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to MP Materials' purpose of rebuilding American industrial capability and enabling critical technologies.

• Operational Excellence: A dedication to high standards in manufacturing processes, quality control, and efficiency.

• Safety Culture: An unwavering commitment to the health and safety of all employees and adherence to environmental regulations.

• Resiliency & Integrity: The ability to overcome challenges, adapt to change, and conduct all operations with honesty and ethical principles.

• Teamwork: A collaborative spirit where individuals support each other to achieve common goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires working closely with engineers, scientists, and other technicians, fostering a collaborative environment for problem-solving and innovation.

• Process Review: An openness to discussing and refining processes, with a focus on continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

• Information Exchange: Clear and concise communication is essential for sharing data, observations, and insights between team members and across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an alignment with MP Materials' core values, particularly regarding safety, integrity, and the company's overarching mission. A collaborative and proactive approach to teamwork will be highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapidly Evolving Technology: Working with cutting-edge magnet technologies that are still under development, requiring adaptability and a willingness to learn new processes.

• Pilot Plant Dynamics: Managing the complexities of experimental equipment that may have unique operational characteristics and require frequent adjustments.

• Data Integrity Under Pressure: Ensuring meticulous data recording and analysis in a fast-paced environment where experimental trials may have tight timelines.

• Safety Compliance in a Dynamic Setting: Consistently adhering to stringent safety and environmental regulations while navigating new processes and equipment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on Advanced Manufacturing Skills: Gaining practical experience with state-of-the-art magnet production techniques.

• Process Development Contribution: Playing a direct role in refining and optimizing manufacturing processes for critical materials.

• Industry Exposure: Working within a company that is pivotal to national strategic industries, offering unique insights into the supply chain for advanced technologies.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced engineers and technicians in a specialized field.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to grow within a specialized and strategically important industry. The challenges are framed as opportunities for skill development and contribution to critical national objectives.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to follow a detailed SOP for a manufacturing process. What were the critical steps, and how did you ensure accuracy?" (Assesses attention to detail, SOP adherence)

• "Walk me through your experience operating manufacturing equipment, particularly any with HMI controls. What was your role in troubleshooting or maintenance?" (Assesses practical experience, technical aptitude)

• "How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple experimental trials or production demands simultaneously?" (Assesses time management, adaptability)

• "What is your understanding of safety protocols in a manufacturing or laboratory environment? How do you ensure compliance?" (Assesses safety consciousness, EHS knowledge) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about MP Materials' mission to rebuild American industrial capability?" (Assesses alignment with company purpose)

• "How do you contribute to a safe and productive team environment?" (Assesses teamwork, safety culture)

• "Describe a situation where you had to adapt to a new process or piece of equipment." (Assesses adaptability, learning agility) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Showcase Data & Procedures: For any examples you share, focus on clearly outlining the process followed, the data collected, and the outcomes. Use specific metrics if possible.

• Emphasize Safety: Highlight your commitment to safety by detailing specific protocols you followed and your role in maintaining a secure work environment.

• Be Ready for Scenarios: Prepare to discuss hypothetical situations related to equipment operation, material handling, or process deviations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of manufacturing fundamentals, a meticulous approach to process and data, and a genuine enthusiasm for MP Materials' mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP application link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to clearly highlight any manufacturing experience, specific equipment operation (especially with HMI), experience with SOPs, and any exposure to metal/ceramic processing or handling sensitive materials. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Specific Examples: Be ready to discuss concrete examples from your past roles that demonstrate your attention to detail, safety compliance, ability to follow procedures, and experience with data collection and record-keeping.

• Research MP Materials: Understand the company's mission, its role in rare earth magnet production, and its commitment to rebuilding American industry. This will help you articulate your interest and cultural fit.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common technical and behavioral questions, focusing on how your skills and experience align with the responsibilities and qualifications listed.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.