Quality Engineer

USA Rare Earth and the Serra Verde Group are building the world's leading rare earth enterprise: a pioneering global advanced materials company that excels at every stage of the value chain, from the earth to the magnet and beyond, deploying that expertise with courage, integrity and an uncompromising commitment to responsible practice. We will be the partner of choice for nations, industries and communities that depend on a secure, sustainable supply of the rare earths and other critical materials and derivative technologies that power the modern world.

The Critical Elements of Progress - Delivered Responsibly - At Global Scale.

The world is being remade. New energy systems are augmenting old ones. New technologies are redefining what is possible in every aspect of our lives. And at the heart of this transformation are the rare earths and other critical elements we produce. We exist to supply these materials. Responsibly. Reliably. At Scale. Across the World.

We command the full value chain — and we configure it with precision to reliably serve the needs of growing global and local markets alike. Our people bring world-class technology and deep operational know-how to every step of that chain, ensuring the materials we deliver are produced at scale to the highest standards of quality, efficiency and environmental responsibility. We take that responsibility seriously. We build supply chains that are secure, transparent, diversified and resilient. We create lasting value for our shareholders, our employees, our communities and the societies in whose success we share.

Our organizational model is based on the principle of clear accountability and the creation of entrepreneurial enclaves which define business units reflecting the natural components of our supply chain. Each Business Unit retains a profit motive and the responsibly to deliver shareholder returns. However, this cannot occur at the expense of overall Group value.

THE ROLE 

The Quality Engineer is responsible for supporting daily Quality System operations and plays a critical part in maintaining the integrity of the Quality System. This role supports Quality Leadership with new product launches, taking a customer-facing approach. With a primary focus on Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), the engineer ensures that products and processes are designed, validated, and launched to meet customer requirements, quality standards, and regulatory obligations. The engineer works closely with engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, and supplier teams to build quality into products and processes from the start. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

APQP & Product Launch 

• Lead the APQP process for new and revised products, from voice-of-customer requirements through to production launch, ensuring all deliverables meet customer and regulatory specifications. 

• Facilitate cross-functional APQP teams, including engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, and suppliers, to drive program milestones and resolve risks on schedule. 

• Manage PPAP submissions, including flow diagrams, FMEA, process control plans, and gate reviews, to ensure supplier and internal processes are approved before volume production. 

• Support Quality Leadership with new product launches. 

Corrective Action & Inspection 

• Lead or participate in the corrective action process. 

• Support receiving and final inspections. 

• Perform internal audits per schedule and direction, following findings through to closure. 

Customer Assessments 

• Lead or support the completion of customer assessments. 

• Provide on-site support at the customer when required. 

Standard Work, Safety & Improvement 

• Contribute to the generation of standard work instructions, and train others on them. 

• Follow all company safety policies, mandatory PPE requirements, and operational guidelines. 

• Participate in 5S, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement initiatives. 

• Perform additional duties as assigned. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE 

• Minimum of 5–10 years of hands-on quality experience in a manufacturing environment. 

• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), ISO 9001, AS 9100, or IATF 16949 certification. 

• Understanding of PFMEAs and control plans. 

• Ability to lead and train others on the team. 

• Capable of leading or supporting the corrective action process. 

• Basic computer skills, including ERP systems, Excel, and data entry. 

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities. 

• Preferred: experience supporting manufacturing or industrial production workflows; exposure to 5S and continuous improvement practices. 

CORE COMPETENCIES & KEY ATTRIBUTES 

Courage & Pioneering Spirit 

Takes firm positions on product readiness and launch gates, and supports new products with a customer-first approach. 

Integrity & Transparency 

Reports APQP, PPAP, and audit findings accurately and completely, including issues that could delay a launch or customer shipment. 

Personal Responsibility & Zero Harm 

Builds safety and PPE requirements into every quality plan, and holds the team to the same standard on the floor and at customer sites. 

Excellence & Innovation 

Uses FMEAs, control plans, and audit trends to build quality into products and processes before launch. 

Agility & Entrepreneurial Drive 

Responds quickly to customer assessments, launch timing, and shifting priorities, and takes ownership of issues through closure. 

Partnership & Shared Value 

Works with engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, and suppliers to resolve launch risks together, and develops the team's capability. 

LIVING OUR VALUES 

The successful candidate will be an influential member of the Quality team and champion of our company values: Courage & Pioneering Spirit, Integrity & Transparency, Personal Responsibility & Zero Harm, Excellence & Innovation, Agility & Entrepreneurial Drive, and Partnership & Shared Value. You will model these values in all interactions and help your colleagues embody them in every aspect of Quality Engineer work. 

This is an extraordinary opportunity to build the quality foundation for every product that leaves our facility as we build the first vertically integrated ex-China rare earth supply chain. If you are a customer-focused quality engineer who knows how to plan products right the first time and is passionate about launching them well, we would like to hear from you. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds. 

• Ability to perform frequent standing, walking, and bending. 

• Ability to travel to customer sites and provide on-site support when required. 

• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment for the duration of a shift. 

The work environment will be a mix of a typical office environment, a manufacturing floor and a construction site. 
Noise level: Normal office, 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 accommodation 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 corporation. 

USA Rare Earth proudly supports Equal Employment Opportunities.

All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

If you require assistance with the application process due to a disability, please contact people@usare.com to discuss reasonable accommodations.