Production Operator

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 Production Operator is responsible for supporting daily manufacturing activities including material preparation, equipment setup, process monitoring, and execution of production tasks. This role is hands-on and critical to ensuring safe, consistent, and efficient operations across casting, machining, and finishing areas. Operators work closely with team leads, maintenance, and engineering to maintain high safety, quality, and productivity standards.

Key Responsibilities

- Perform daily equipment and area inspections prior to operation.

- Prepare materials, load components, and set up equipment following work instructions and SOPs.

- Safely operate material-handling equipment as required.

- Monitor, operate, and adjust magnet manufacturing and processing equipment as well as other production machinery.

- Control and fine-tune process parameters to ensure consistent quality and throughput.

- Record and report production data accurately in ERP and digital systems.

- Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environment.

- Follow all safety procedures, PPE requirements, and regulatory guidelines.

- Participate in Kaizen, 5S, and continuous improvement activities.

- Assist with cross-training and support other production areas as needed.

- Perform additional tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

- 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment; Ceramics, machining, plastics or other high volume fast-paced manufacturing environments.

- Strong attention to detail and commitment to housekeeping standards.

- Basic computer literacy (ERP, data entry, Excel).

- Ability to follow detailed work instructions and safety procedures.

- Comfortable working in fast-paced, high-temperature, and industrial environments.

- Ability to lift 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and perform repetitive physical tasks.

- Experience with operating industrial machinery, milling, machining, grinding, or finishing processes.

- Exposure to continuous improvement methodologies (Kaizen, 5S, Lean).

Work Environment

- Manufacturing setting with exposure to varying temperatures and noise levels.

- Requires frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

- May require occasional overtime or weekend work during peak demand periods.

- Mandatory PPE required per facility policy.

The work environment will be a mix of a manufacturing floor and a construction site. Noise level: manufacturing and construction noises.

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