This role requires strong technical leadership, field presence, and the ability to drive schedule adherence while maintaining safety and quality standards.
Position Responsibilities
Commissioning Leadership
Lead development and execution of commissioning plans, procedures, and schedules.
Establish system boundaries and turnover packages (Mechanical Completion → Pre-Commissioning → Commissioning → Operational Readiness).
Develop and manage commissioning checklists, punch lists, and documentation.
Coordinate walkdowns and system handoffs with construction and operations teams.
Drive structured startup sequencing and operational readiness reviews.
Technical Oversight
Review and validate P&IDs, control narratives, cause & effect matrices, and interlock logic.
Oversee functional testing of electrical, instrumentation, automation, and process systems.
Lead loop checks, equipment checkout, energization plans, and first-fill/startup activities.
Identify and mitigate commissioning risks before startup.
Support troubleshooting and optimization during ramp-up.
Cross-Functional Coordination
Serve as the primary liaison between Engineering, Construction, Operations, and Maintenance during startup.
Ensure training materials and SOPs are in place prior to system turnover.
Facilitate daily commissioning meetings and progress reporting.
Align with process engineering to ensure system intent matches design basis.
Safety & Compliance
Ensure all commissioning activities comply with company safety standards and regulatory requirements.
Lead Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSR).
Verify LOTO, MOC, and permitting processes are followed during energization and startup.
Schedule & Performance
Develop detailed commissioning timelines and track critical path items.
Identify bottlenecks and escalate issues impacting startup.
Provide routine progress updates to senior leadership.
Drive closure of punch items and deficiencies impacting operational readiness.
Basic Qualifications
High school diploma or GED required
10+ years of experience in industrial operations, construction, or commissioning.
Experience commissioning complex systems (chemical processing, power generation, water treatment, mining, etc.).
Strong understanding of
Process flow diagrams (PFDs) and P&IDs
DCS/PLC control systems
Electrical and instrumentation systems
Mechanical equipment (pumps, compressors, filter presses, heat exchangers, etc.)
Demonstrated leadership in fast-paced startup environments.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability.
Desired Qualities
Strong work ethic and commitment to reliability and punctuality
Positive, team-oriented attitude with a willingness to assist wherever needed
Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues
Good communication skills and ability to interact professionally across departments
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment
Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities or emergency repairs
Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision
Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement
Desire to learn and grow within a dynamic industrial setting
Sense of ownership and pride in maintaining a safe, clean, and efficient facility
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
