Mining & Natural Resources TN 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:

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Specialist, Chlor-Alkali to support the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of our chlor-alkali process. This role provides technical expertise for daily operations, troubleshooting, process optimization, and capital improvement projects related to chlor-alkali manufacturing. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of brine treatment, electrolytic cell operations (membrane/cell room), acid, chlorine, caustic handling, and associated utilities and safety systems.

Position Responsibilities:

• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for chlor-alkali production processes, including brine preparation, electrolysis, and acid, caustic and bleach storage and handling.
• Monitor plant performance and work closely with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to troubleshoot issues, improve efficiency, and reduce unplanned downtime.
• Develop and implement process improvements by analyzing operational data, identifying trends, and implementing best practices to optimize yields, energy usage, and raw material consumption.
• Support turnaround planning, maintenance activities, and capital projects with detailed technical input and scope development.
• Lead or support incident investigations, root cause analysis, and correct action planning.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations and standards, including participation in Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) and Management of Change (MOC) processes.
• Provide training, mentoring, and knowledge transfer to operators, technicians, and junior engineers.
• Collaborate with external vendors and technical specialists on equipment performance and upgrades.
• Maintain accurate records, including production reports, safety incidents, and process logs.
• Develop, maintain, and update standard operating procedures, technical documentation, and operating envelopes for adherence to safety protocols and regulatory compliance.

Basic Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in chlor-alkali operations, preferably in a chemical manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of electrochemical cell systems (membrane cell technology), chlorine and caustic processing, and supporting utilities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or contribute to cross-functional teams and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proficient in process data analysis tools, DCS systems, and PI data historian systems.
• Solid understanding of regulatory compliance.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Excellent writing, time management, problem solving, organization and communication skills (both written and verbal) required.
• HS/GED Required
• BS degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, preferred.
• A Valid Driver’s License and good driving record required in order to drive company vehicles on property.

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.