Manufacturing Engineer - Automation

Job Summary:
We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer – Automation to lead the development, integration, and optimization of automated systems across our rapidly growing magnet manufacturing operation. This role is critical to scaling production by improving plant automation, including material handling systems and automated processing cells. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys building and improving processes as the organization grows.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, integration, and optimization of plant-wide automation systems. 

• Support automated processing cells including operations such as green machining and coating application. 

• Oversee automated material handling systems including conveyors, elevators, and transport carts. 

• Identify and implement automation opportunities to improve throughput, reduce manual handling, and increase process reliability. 

• Develop and maintain process documentation including SOPs, FMEAs, and system operating procedures. 

• Monitor and improve process performance, quality, and efficiency metrics. 

• Collaborate with maintenance teams to support preventive maintenance and troubleshooting of automated equipment. 

• Participate in equipment specification, procurement, vendor coordination, and FAT/SAT activities. 

• Work cross-functionally with operations, engineering, and quality teams to support process integration and plant-wide optimization. 

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. 

• 2–5+ years of experience in manufacturing, automation, or industrial process engineering environments. 

• Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing operations and automated equipment. 

• Strong understanding of manufacturing process design, process optimization, and continuous improvement methodologies. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Experience with rare-earth magnet manufacturing (NdFeB preferred). 

• Familiarity with automotive and industrial quality systems including IATF 16949 and ISO 9001. 

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills. 

• Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-moving manufacturing environment and contribute to scaling new production systems.

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. 

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, move, sit, carry, bend, kneel, reach, push, pull, lift, use hands and fingers, handle, or feel and talk and hear. May be required to lift and move boxes or packages not exceeding 20 pounds in weight. Some work stress inherent to the position and extended work hours may be required. 

Work Environment: 
The work environment will be a mix of a typical office environment, manufacturing plant, laboratory space, and construction site.   

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.

USA Rare Earth proudly supports Equal Employment Opportunities

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

For assistance applying for employment through this site due to disability, please contact Human Resources, [email protected], to discuss reasonable accommodations.