We are on a mission to become the leading Western supplier of high value rare earth magnets and critical minerals through a supply chain that supports the future state of energy, mobility, and national security. Our dynamic solution solves key domestic rare earth production challenges through optimizing margins, enhancing efficiency, minimizing costs and mitigating technical challenges.
Our early mover advantage positions us to become the first vertically integrated ex-China rare earth supply chain through substantial interest in the Round Top heavy rare earth, lithium and critical minerals deposit in West Texas, a rare earth separation facility with proven extraction methods, and development of the United States’ first rare earth and critical minerals production facility, with scalable production capability. By developing this fully integrated, US-based “mine-to-magnet” critical mineral supply chain, we are poised to become the leading Western supplier.
What you can expect:
At USA Rare Earth, we are pioneers and problem solvers, technologists and team players. Together, we:
Build Solutions: If our task was a simple one, it would already be done. We are creative and solution-oriented, and we think outside the box to solve important problems. We know that a range of expertise and technologies is needed for success, and we work across sectors and alongside customers to deliver world-class solutions in sustainable ways.
Deliver Quality: When we do things, we do them well. We believe that top-tier quality leads to industry competitiveness and we hold ourselves to the highest quality standards. We move fast when executing, while keeping safety, quality and excellence at the forefront in everything we do.
Lead responsibly: We have a responsibility to the planet, our consumers, our country, and each other. We put safety at the center of all we do, take accountability for our actions, incorporate sustainable practices in our processes and act with the financial best interest of our investors and consumers in mind.
Win Together: Establishing a rare earth magnet supply chain is a big undertaking – and getting there is a team effort. We communicate openly, work together and challenge each other in pursuit of our goals. With every step we take we learn and get better.
Position Overview: Operator IV is the highest-level operator in the production hierarchy, recognized as an expert in rare earth magnet manufacturing processes. This role leads complex operations, supports process engineering, provides high-level troubleshooting, and ensures production performance meets safety, quality, and efficiency targets.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as the subject-matter expert for specialized magnet processes (powder preparation, pressing, sintering, machining, bonding, coating).
- Lead troubleshooting of major equipment failures or process deviations.
- Collaborate with engineering on new product introductions and process optimization.
- Perform equipment qualification, advanced calibration, and capability evaluations.
- Lead continuous improvement projects (Lean, Six Sigma, TPM).
- Coach and develop operators at all levels; act as shift lead when needed.
- Ensure documentation accuracy and compliance with ISO/AS quality standards.
- Make real-time decisions to maintain production flow and quality integrity.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Deep technical expertise across multiple magnet manufacturing processes.
- High-level problem-solving and decision-making ability.
- Leadership, mentoring, and communication skills.
- Ability to identify systemic issues and recommend long-term solutions.
- Strong understanding of safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
Minimum Requirements:
- Experience Level: 6+ years’ manufacturing experience
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 40 pounds in weight. Some work stress is inherent to the position and extended work hours may be required.
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 corporation.
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 People & Culture, people@usare.com, to discuss reasonable accommodations.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $33.00 - $45.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
