Mining & Natural Resources F-1 OPT Sponsorship Jobs in California

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 Process Development Technician will be in the Process Technology and Engineering Department and report directly to the Process Engineer. This position will play a key role in supporting various process development & research projects aimed at improving and expanding the company’s rare earth processing capabilities. The Process Development Technician interfaces, collaborates, and coordinates with other members of the Process Development Group including chemists & process engineers, but also, with other departments such as Operations, Maintenance, Document Control, Analytical, Warehouse & Shipping, Training, Purchasing, and Finance.

Position Responsibilities:

• Assist in conducting laboratory experiments and operate pilot plants as required.
• Make-up of standard, titration solutions and deliver to various areas as needed; maintain inventory so that no areas run out.
• Assist in ordering supplies and equipment.
• Coordinate with operations personnel on implementation of new processes.
• Maintain inventory and requisitions chemicals, equipment, supplies, consumables, and PPE needed for the Process Technology & Engineering Lab in addition to all other areas that process development activities are underway.
• Interface with the Purchasing group to ensure that orders/Pos have gone out as planned and keep everyone informed of any delays or issues.
• Process incoming invoices for goods and services for the Process Technology & Engineering department by checking the validity of the invoice for payment with the project owner, then entering SESs into SAP as needed.
• Submits samples to Analytical lab & facilitates the recycle of samples back to the plant that have been analyzed.
• Enters work orders and coordinates execution of them with maintenance personnel; serves as the intermediate between maintenance and the Process Development Group.
• Collects process samples and arranges shipment to 3rd party labs & vendors as needed to support ‘Stage 2’ engineering design efforts.
• Keep accurate records of experimental testing data.
• Assists with setup, operation, and maintenance of laboratory experiments.
• Reports activities both written and orally.
• Gathers, organizes and presents data independently.
• Sets up, operates, and breaks down pilots independently.
• Maintain safe work practices.
• Complete any other task as needed or directed by management.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum 2 years of work experience in a Chemical, Mining, Petroleum, or heavy industrial setting preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a Lab setting.
• Experience utilizing measuring equipment.
• Experience with calibration, SPC and quality systems preferred.
• Experience making observations and recording results in an industrial environment preferred.
• Minimum High School Diploma/GED.
• Valid Driver’s License and good driving record are required to drive company vehicles on and off property.

Desired Qualities:

• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, and ability to pivot tasks when required.
• Ability to complete a task with minimal supervision.
• Attention to detail and ability to learn new duties.
• Ability to work in teams with strong collaboration skills.
• Ability to work with people at all levels within the organization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Must thrive in a high-pressure start-up environment.
• Must be able to meet critical deadlines.

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.