Reliability Engineer (ONSITE)
MP Materials · Mountain Pass, CA
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Reliability
- Degree
- Required
- Industry
- Metals
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level reliability role at MP Materials (metals) in Mountain Pass, CA.
- They ask for
- degree required
- Tools it names
- Root cause, FMEA, Robotics, Automation
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Reliability Engineer roles in California: typical posted base $115k–$178k.
Median of the low and high ends of 73 live postings that list pay, out of 162 reliability engineer openings in California, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
California plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 161 other live reliability postings in California.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Typical $115k–$178k, from 72 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Root cause 67%
- New product launch 44%
- ✓ FMEA 35%
- ✓ Automation 31%
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 22%
- SPC 22%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Reliability team at MP Materials
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: MP Materials in Mountain Pass
7 other open roles at this site.
- Facilities Technician · Reliability · Technician
- Senior Process Control Engineer-Onsite · Controls · Senior
- Process Engineer · Process
- Quality Engineer (ONSITE) · Quality
- Process Control Engineer (ONSITE) · Controls
- Electrical & Instrumentation Technician · Reliability · Technician
Full description from MP MaterialsAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Develop and implement comprehensive reliability programs and strategies to maximize the performance, availability, and lifespan of company assets. This includes establishing key performance indicators (KPIs), reliability metrics, and proactive maintenance plans.
- ◆Conduct reliability analyses, including failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA), root cause analysis (RCA), and reliability centered maintenance (RCM). Identify critical assets, failure patterns, and opportunities for improvement. Utilize statistical tools and predictive maintenance techniques to assess asset health and predict failure probabilities.
- ◆Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including maintenance, operations, and engineering, to optimize asset performance. Identify and implement reliability improvement initiatives, such as equipment modifications, upgrades, and maintenance optimization strategies. Monitor asset performance and analyze data to identify recurring issues and develop solutions.
- ◆Develop and implement effective maintenance strategies, including preventive maintenance (PM), condition-based maintenance (CBM), and predictive maintenance (PdM). Establish maintenance schedules, inspection routines, and maintenance procedures to minimize unplanned downtime and maximize asset reliability.
- ◆Analyze reliability data, maintenance records, and operational metrics to evaluate asset performance and identify trends. Prepare reports and presentations on reliability performance, highlighting areas for improvement and recommending appropriate actions to stakeholders and senior management.
- ◆Identify and assess risks associated with asset reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance. Develop risk mitigation plans and collaborate with relevant teams to implement measures that minimize risks and ensure compliance with applicable standards and regulations.
- ◆Continuously monitor and evaluate reliability programs and practices. Stay up-to-date with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies related to reliability engineering. Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement initiatives to enhance overall reliability performance.
- ◆Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to junior reliability engineers and other team members. Share best practices, provide technical expertise, and contribute to the professional development of the team.
Basic
Qualifications
- ✓Bachelor's degree in engineering, preferably in mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering. Advanced degree is a plus.
- ✓Extensive experience in reliability engineering, asset management, or a related field.
- ✓Strong understanding of reliability engineering principles, methodologies, and best practices.
- ✓Proficiency in using reliability analysis tools, statistical software, and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
- ✓Knowledge of industry standards and regulations related to asset reliability, safety, and compliance.
- ✓Demonstrated experience in conducting reliability analyses, such as FMEA, RCA, and RCM.
- ✓Experience in implementing and managing preventive, condition-based, and predictive maintenance programs.
- ✓Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and draw actionable insights.
- ✓Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and present findings to stakeholders.
- ✓Project management skills, with the ability to plan, execute, and manage reliability improvement projects.
- ✓Strong leadership abilities and the capacity to drive change and influence stakeholders.
- ✓Professional certifications such as Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) or Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) are desirable.
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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
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Reliability Engineer to join our team. As a Senior Reliability Engineer, you will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability and availability of our company's assets, including equipment, systems, and processes. You will be responsible for developing and implementing reliability programs, conducting analyses to identify areas for improvement, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize asset performance. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in reliability engineering, a deep understanding of asset management principles, and a track record of successfully improving reliability and reducing downtime.
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