Overview

Senior Thermal Processing EngineerMP 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 chainfrom 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 themselvesenabling next-generation technologies in robotics, automation, aerospace, transportation, defense, and energy systems. These materials are the foundation of physical AIthe 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. manufacturerand our people are driving that transformation.The Senior Thermal Processing Engineer is responsible for supporting the operation, optimization, reliability, and design of industrial kilns, calciners, coolers, dryers, and associated rotating equipment, conveyance systems, and dust handling systems. Responsibilities include monitoring process and equipment performance, troubleshooting process and mechanical issues, and keeping equipment operating safely and efficiently. The position will lead continuous improvement and capital projects related to kiln and calciner optimization, debottlenecking, capacity improvement, equipment modifications, and design upgrades. The role requires coordination with Process Engineers, Operations, Maintenance, Reliability, Electrical, Process Controls, contractors, and equipment vendors to prioritize work and successfully execute projects.Position ResponsibilitiesProvide technical support for the operation, optimization, and reliability of kilns, calciners, coolers, dryers, and associated rotating equipment, conveyance systems, and dust handling systems.Lead projects involving process optimization, debottlenecking, equipment modifications, capacity improvement, and design upgrades.Analyze equipment performance, including temperature, material flow, refractory design & performance, residence time, draft, combustion, heat transfer, vibration, motor load, and product quality.Troubleshoot buildup, plugging, refractory damage, overheating, vibration, misalignment, air leakage, and mechanical failures.Work with Process Engineers, Operations, Maintenance, Reliability, Electrical, and Process Controls to improve equipment performance and reliability.Develop engineering calculations, equipment specifications, scopes of work, cost estimates, schedules, and technical evaluations.Support Capital Project teams through detailed engineering, design reviews, procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup.Review and update PFDs, P&IDs, equipment layouts, datasheets, and engineering drawings.Coordinate vendors, contractors, equipment procurement, installation, commissioning, and performance testing.Manage projects from concept and design through execution, startup, and closeout.Present equipment performance, project status, risks, and recommendations to plant and senior management.Ensure all changes comply with safety requirements, engineering standards, and the Management of Change process.Any other tasks as directed by management.Basic QualificationsBachelors degree in mechanical, chemical, metallurgical, or a related engineering discipline.Experience with industrial kilns, rotary kilns, calciners, dryers, solids conveyance systems, baghouses, furnaces, or similar high-temperature equipment.Experience with rotating equipment such as gearboxes, bearings, drives, couplings, fans, blowers, and lubrication systems.Experience in mining, metallurgical processing, cement, chemical processing, petroleum, or another heavy industrial environment.Strong t