People Programs Specialist

Who We Are

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.

Job Summary

The People Programs Specialist takes strategic direction and turns it into operational reality. In this role you will own the design, development, and implementation of key people programs including performance management, employee engagement, and recognition.

This role will work closely with the Head of People & Culture to understand the vision and strategy for each program, then do heavy lifting to make it happen - designing frameworks, building processes, creating materials, coordinating rollouts, and measuring impact. This role requires someone who is comfortable with ambiguity, able to fill in gaps, and capable of managing multiple complex projects simultaneously with periodic guidance rather than constant direction.

This role requires someone who can think through implementation details, anticipate obstacles, and solve problems independently. You will be building programs that managers and employees will actually use, so strong communication skills and attention to detail are essential.

Key Responsibilities

- Design and build performance motivation programs including review processes, frameworks, timelines, manager guidance, and training materials based on strategic direction from leadership

- Develop and implement employee engagement initiatives including survey design, data analysis, and action planning tools for managers

- Create and launch recognition programs including program structure, nomination processes, and communication plans

- Manage multiple program development projects from concept through full implementation, ensuring deadlines are met and quality standards are maintained

- Develop program documentation, toolkits, and resources that enable managers and employees to effectively participate in HR programs

- Track program performance and employee satisfaction, analyzing data to identify opportunities for improvement

- Collaborate with HRBPs and other stakeholders to ensure programs align with business needs and can scale with organizational growth

- Support multi-state employment compliance requirements as they relate to program design and implementation

- Maintain program documentation and ensure data security and privacy in accordance with company policies and regulations

Required Skills And Experience

- Bachelor's degree required

- 3-5 years of HR experience with demonstrated involvement in program development or implementation

- Proven ability to take strategic direction and independently execute on complex projects with minimal supervision

- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously and meet deadlines

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills - you'll be creating materials that need to be clear, compelling, and actionable

- Experience designing processes, frameworks, or programs (even if you weren't the strategic lead)

- Comfortable working in ambiguous environments and able to fill in gaps without extensive direction

- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills

- Analytical mindset with ability to use data to inform program improvements

- Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office suite (particularly Excel and PowerPoint)

Preferred Experience

- Experience with performance management, engagement surveys, or recognition program design

- Background supporting HR program rollouts in high-growth environments

- Familiarity with multi-state employment compliance considerations

- Experience working in organizations undergoing significant growth

Physical Demands

The work environment will be a typical office environment.

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. 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, people@usare.com , to discuss reasonable accommodations.