USA Rare Earth, Inc. (Nasdaq: USAR) · 3 hours ago
Process Engineer - Finished & Coating
Stillwater, OK
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
2+ years expUSA Rare Earth, Inc. is on a mission to become the leading Western supplier of high value rare earth magnets and critical minerals. The Process Engineer – Finishing & Coating is responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining surface-preparation and coating processes in magnet manufacturing, ensuring quality and compliance with safety standards.
Angel InvestmentManufacturingMiningProduct Design
Responsibilities
Surface Preparation Process Development - Define and optimize processes such as cleaning, degreasing, blasting, etching, and activation. Ensure consistent surface condition, cleanliness, and roughness prior to coating
Coating Process Design and Control - Develop, implement, and maintain finishing processes such as: Ni/Cu/Ni plating Zn, epoxy, phosphate coatings Parylene, e-coating, or specialized protective coatings. Establish process parameters, work instructions, and recipe controls
Quality Assurance & Testing - Ensure coating performance meets functional requirements (adhesion, thickness, corrosion resistance, appearance). Lead and interpret testing such as XRF thickness, SST, cross-section microscopy, adhesion/tape testing, and thermal cycling. Implement SPC and control plans
Troubleshooting and Root-Cause Analysis - Investigate coating defects (peeling, blistering, pitting, porosity, oxidation, uneven coating). Use structured tools such as 8D, 5 Why’s, DOE, Fishbone diagrams to drive corrective actions
Chemical Bath and Process Maintenance - Monitor and adjust bath chemistry, pH, temperature, concentrations, and contamination levels. Work with suppliers on chemical life extension, replenishment schedules, and cost optimization
New Product Introduction (NPI) - Support trials and qualification of new magnet designs, materials, and coatings. Conduct capability studies and ensure manufacturability. Create prototype coating plans and documentation
Equipment & Automation Support - Collaborate with equipment engineers on maintenance, calibration, and upgrades of coating lines, ovens, curing stations, and chemical dosing systems. Support automation improvements to reduce scrap and increase throughput
Documentation & Standards Management - Create and update SOPs, PFMEAs, control plans, process flow diagrams, and training materials. Ensure documents meet ISO9001 / IATF16949 or customer audit requirements
Documentation & Standards Management - Create and update SOPs, PFMEAs, control plans, process flow diagrams, and training materials. Ensure documents meet ISO9001 / IATF16949 or customer audit requirements
Documentation & Standards Management - Create and update SOPs, PFMEAs, control plans, process flow diagrams, and training materials. Ensure documents meet ISO9001 / IATF16949 or customer audit requirements
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
2–5+ years of experience in surface finishing, coating, or electroplating (preferably in magnet or metals manufacturing)
Strong knowledge of chemical processes, corrosion mechanisms, surface science, and coating technologies
Preferred
Experience with rare-earth magnet manufacturing (NdFeB preferred)
Background in plating line automation or high-volume manufacturing
Familiarity with IATF16949, ISO9001, and automotive-quality systems
Experience using SEM, XRF, and other coating-analysis equipment
Company
USA Rare Earth, Inc. (Nasdaq: USAR)
USA Rare Earth, LLC is a U.S.-based, vertically integrated magnet technology company.
11-50 employees
H1B Sponsorship
USA Rare Earth, Inc. (Nasdaq: USAR) has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (2)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$202.56MKey Investors
Navajo Transitional Energy Company
2025-04-30Post Ipo Equity· $75M
2025-03-13Post Ipo Equity· $50M
2025-03-13IPO
Leadership Team
Alex Moyes
Vice President of Mining
Recent News
2026-01-13
2026-01-13
Investor's Business Daily
2026-01-09
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