Systems Engineer, Operational Technology | Mountain Pass, CA

Automation, Operational Technology and IT
California, United States
September 18, 2026
$150,000 - $170,000 / year
Full-time
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Job Description

Company: MP Materials
Location: Mountain Pass, California, United States
Category: Automation, Operational Technology and IT
Job Type: Full-time
Work Arrangement: On-site
Experience Level: Senior-Level
Salary: $150,000.00 – $170,000.00 annually

Job Summary
MP Materials is seeking a Systems Engineer, Operational Technology to design, deploy, and maintain the digital infrastructure that supports real-time and historical data collection across automated systems at its Mountain Pass operation. This role focuses on SCADA, HMI, industrial networking, OT cybersecurity, data historians, PLC integration, and reliable OT/IT connectivity across mining and processing operations.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, configure, and maintain SCADA and HMI systems, including GE iFix, Ignition, FactoryTalk View, or similar platforms.
  • Support the configuration and ongoing deployment of AVEVA PI or similar historian platforms for data collection, alarming, asset history, and reporting.
  • Implement and maintain Git repositories or similar systems for version control, device management, and audit tracking.
  • Integrate field devices, PLCs, HMIs, and sensors into the OT network.
  • Ensure standardized industrial communications and reliable data flow across automated systems.
  • Develop and maintain secure segmented industrial network architectures using VLANs, Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches, firewalls, and routing strategies.
  • Support real-time and historical data aggregation from PLCs, SCADA platforms, sensors, and databases into centralized historian systems.
  • Configure and support industrial communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, OPC UA/DA, and MQTT.
  • Collaborate with IT and cybersecurity teams to establish OT/IT boundary controls, security standards, and compliance requirements.
  • Participate in system commissioning, including Factory Acceptance Tests, Site Acceptance Tests, installation, and startup activities.
  • Provide troubleshooting support for SCADA systems, data historians, and network infrastructure.
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation including network diagrams, data flow schematics, control narratives, and system configuration files.
  • Review and validate OT infrastructure designs for capital projects.
  • Coordinate with contractors to install, modify, and test physical network infrastructure throughout the site.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
  • Five or more years of hands-on experience with Operational Technology systems in a manufacturing or process environment.
  • Proficiency with SCADA and HMI platforms such as Ignition, FactoryTalk View, or similar systems.
  • Experience with PLC programming and integration using Rockwell platforms.
  • Familiarity with AVEVA PI, OSIsoft PI, or similar data historian platforms.
  • Hands-on experience with industrial networking, including VLANs, managed switches, and firewall configurations.
  • Working knowledge of industrial protocols including OPC UA/DA, MQTT, Ethernet/IP, and Modbus.
  • Familiarity with ISA-95, ISA/IEC 62443, or other OT and ICS cybersecurity standards.
  • Experience integrating OT platforms with cloud services, edge devices, or IoT infrastructure preferred.
  • Familiarity with virtualization environments such as VMware, Hyper-V, or Nutanix preferred.
  • Exposure to MES or ERP systems and experience with data flows between enterprise and plant systems preferred.
  • Ability to analyze structured datasets and develop dashboards or visualizations for operational performance.
  • Strong troubleshooting, communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
  • Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel and Visio.

Physical Requirements

  • Work is performed at an open pit mine or manufacturing and chemical plant environment at approximately 4,700 feet elevation.
  • May be exposed to extreme weather conditions, including heat, cold, and wind.
  • Work environments may include moving mechanical equipment, chemicals, electrical hazards, explosives, fumes, and airborne particles.
  • Personal Protective Equipment is required in mine, manufacturing, outdoor, and plant environments.
  • Must be able to pass a full-face respirator fit test and work in PPE Level C.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Role may require standing, walking, reaching, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.

Why This Role Matters
This role supports the Operational Technology backbone of MP Materials’ Mountain Pass rare earth operation. The Systems Engineer, Operational Technology helps ensure SCADA, PLCs, industrial networks, data historians, cybersecurity controls, and plant data systems operate securely and reliably to support safe, efficient, and data-driven mining and processing operations.

Apply
👉 Apply online: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=2025028d-7acd-4c20-b3da-c49a0d760dac&ccId=19000101_000001&selectedMenuKey=CareerCenter&jobId=551362

⚠️ Disclaimer
This job is shared for informational purposes. WeMineUp is not affiliated with the hiring company. Please apply through the official company process.

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