Materials Engineer

Position Overview:

We are seeking a hands-on detail-oriented Materials or Process Chemical Engineer to support the development and scale-up of advanced materials used in magnetics manufacturing particularly high-performance rare earth permanent magnets. The ideal candidate will have expertise in high-temperature processing solid-state chemistry and rare earth metallurgy and will play a key role in optimizing processes such as calcination sintering pressing and annealing to produce high-quality magnetic materials at scale.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop optimize and scale high-temperature solid-state processes critical to magnet production including powder synthesis calcination sintering and post-processing (e.g. annealing).

• Support rare earth materials handling including separation purification and alloying of elements such as Nd Pr Dy and Tb for magnet-grade alloys.

• Scale lab- and pilot-scale processes to industrial production while maintaining consistency yield and magnetic properties.

• Apply knowledge of thermodynamics reaction kinetics and heat/mass transfer to refine process parameters.

• Use Design of Experiment (DOE) methodologies (e.g. Taguchi) to improve material performance and reduce variability.

• Work with cross-functional teams in R&D quality and production to ensure robust technology transfer and process reliability.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and support root-cause analysis for process deviations or quality issues.

Required Qualifications:

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemical or Materials Engineering with relevant coursework or thesis in materials science inorganic chemistry ceramic engineering or a related field.

• Experience in high-temperature processing techniques such as sintering calcination pressing and annealing.

• Familiarity with rare earth chemistry especially as it pertains to magnet materials (e.g. NdFeB SmCo).

• Proven ability to scale laboratory processes to pilot and industrial levels.

• Strong grasp of physical chemistry principles particularly in the context of solid-state reactions and metallurgy.

• Skilled in experimental design and statistical analysis for process development and optimization.

• Hands-on approach to problem solving and process troubleshooting in a production or pilot setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Grain Boundary Diffusion magnet coatings or magnetic orientation techniques.

• Background in continuous improvement Lean or Six Sigma initiatives.

• Familiarity with magnetic measurement tools (e.g. Hysteresisgraph Permeameter Gaussmeter).

• Exposure to automation sensor integration or advanced process control in a manufacturing setting.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:
The work environment will be a mix of a typical office setting laboratory space manufacturing floor and occasional exposure to construction site conditions. Time will be split between hands-on work in a materials laboratoryincluding high-temperature furnaces powder handling and analytical equipmentand collaboration with engineering and operations teams in production areas.

Noise Level:
Exposure will vary and include normal office noise typical laboratory sounds (e.g. ventilation systems equipment operation) manufacturing floor noise (e.g. machinery forklifts) and construction site noise depending on project phase and location.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities duties skills required of personnel so classified. The reporting relationship may not reflect the most recent changes to the corporate reporting structure.

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USA Rare Earths policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and will provide reasonable accommodations according to applicable federal state and/or local laws.

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