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 Lab Training Specialist is dedicated to the Research Lab and the Operations Lab and is responsible for designing, delivering, and maintaining technical training for the personnel who perform quality testing. This role ensures lab technicians and analysts are trained and qualified on test methods, instruments, sample handling, data integrity, and lab safety, so that test results are accurate, reliable, and defensible, in alignment with QA/QC requirements, applicable quality standards, and company procedures.
Position Responsibilities:
- Partner with Research Lab and Operations Lab leadership to assess training needs and build role-based curricula and qualification paths for lab technicians, analysts, and chemists.
- Develop and deliver technical training on quality testing methods as well as standard work instructions regarding equipment usage, magnetic property measurements, physical and dimensional inspection, and materials characterization.
- Build and administer analyst Structured Learning Programs, including hands-on demonstration, observed performance, proficiency testing, and periodic requalification, so that personnel are qualified before independently performing tests or releasing results.
- Train and/or validate training for lab personnel on instrument operation, calibration and system-suitability checks, and routine maintenance in coordination with lab leads and equipment owners.
- Coordinate laboratory safety and chemical hygiene training with EHS, including the Chemical Hygiene Plan, hazard communication, PPE, fume hood use, chemical and compressed gas handling, lab waste management, and spill response.
- Maintain the lab training matrix and qualification records for each role.
- Support onboarding of new lab hires and cross-training between the Research Lab and Operations Lab to build bench strength and shift coverage.
- Develop job aids, visual work instructions, e-learning modules, and knowledge assessments, and ensure LMS content is current and aligned with lab procedures.
- Participate in investigations of nonconformances, out-of-specification (OOS) results, and audit findings to identify training-related root causes and implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Promote a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement across lab operations.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Metallurgy, Engineering, Education, or a related field.
- 2–4 years of experience in a laboratory, quality testing, or technical training role, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial lab environment.
- Working knowledge of laboratory quality systems, standard work instructions, test methods, and Good Documentation Practices.
- Understanding of laboratory safety and chemical hygiene requirements.
- Experience with LMS platforms and training delivery tools.
- Strong organizational, communication, and facilitation skills, with the ability to translate technical procedures into clear, practical training.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across teams.
Desired Qualities:
- Hands-on experience with analytical or materials testing instruments.
- Experience with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and/or ISO/IEC 17025 quality systems and audits.
- Experience with LIMS and SAP.
- Quality certification (e.g., ASQ Certified Quality Technician, Quality Improvement Associate, or Quality Auditor).
- Experience in rare earth, metals, magnet, or advanced manufacturing environments.
- Familiarity with instructional design (e.g., ADDIE) and adult learning principles.
- Bilingual.
MP Materials is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer - EEO is The Law. 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.
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