Mining & Natural Resources OPT 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:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our team. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will play a critical role in supporting the design, operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of mechanical systems and equipment across our industrial facilities. You will be responsible for providing technical expertise, troubleshooting complex equipment issues, and driving initiatives that improve safety, reliability, efficiency, and overall plant performance.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical engineering, heavy industrial equipment, project management, and operational support. This position requires collaboration with operations, maintenance, engineering, and contractor teams to develop practical solutions that enhance equipment performance and support business objectives.

Position Responsibilities:

• Provide mechanical engineering support for plant operations, maintenance, and capital projects to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of mechanical equipment and systems.
• Lead the design, specification, evaluation, and implementation of mechanical equipment, including pumps, piping systems, conveyors, crushers, rotating equipment, tanks, pressure systems, structural components, and process equipment.
• Develop engineering scopes of work, technical specifications, equipment standards, and bid packages for maintenance and capital improvement projects.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical equipment failures and operational issues through engineering analysis, field investigations, and root cause analysis.
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to identify opportunities for equipment improvements, process optimization, energy reduction, and cost savings.
• Review and approve engineering drawings, calculations, equipment designs, vendor submittals, and construction packages to ensure compliance with company standards and applicable codes.
• Provide technical leadership for equipment upgrades, plant expansions, modernization efforts, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support preventative maintenance and equipment inspection programs by providing engineering recommendations for equipment life extension, repair strategies, and replacement planning.
• Conduct field assessments and engineering studies related to equipment performance, system capacity, vibration, wear, corrosion, structural integrity, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety regulations, environmental requirements, engineering standards, and company policies.
• Participate in risk assessments, management of change (MOC) processes, incident investigations, and hazard reviews to improve operational safety and reduce risk.
• Develop technical reports, engineering calculations, project justifications, and presentations for plant leadership and stakeholders.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, preferably in mechanical or industrial engineering.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical equipment design, maintenance, and operation, including rotating equipment, piping systems, hydraulic systems, conveyors, pumps, tanks, and structural systems.
• Proficiency in engineering design principles, engineering calculations, and interpretation of mechanical drawings and specifications.
• Knowledge of applicable engineering codes and standards, including ASME, ANSI, API, AISC, and other relevant industry standards.
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulations related to asset reliability, safety, and compliance.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and present findings to stakeholders.

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.