Who we are:

We are on a mission to become a leading supplier of critical materials that enable the green energy and technology revolution.  Our materials and technologies are required for the electric vehicle, green energy, consumer electronics, and defense industries, and our battery grade lithium and tech metals are needed for chipsets, semiconductors, and 5G. 

We have a substantial interest in the Round Top, Heavy Rare Earth, Lithium and Critical Minerals deposit in West Texas. We have also developed the United States’ first rare earth and critical minerals processing facility and we own the only scalable, sintered neo-magnet manufacturing system in the Western Hemisphere. By developing this fully integrated, US-based “mine-to-magnet” critical mineral supply chain, we are poised to become the leading domestic supplier to these industries.

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, but safety, quality, and excellence always come first.

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.

Position Overview:

USA Rare Earth is seeking a motivated Lab Co-Op (Intern) to support research, testing, and development activities related to rare earth materials and magnet production. This role provides hands-on experience working in a laboratory environment alongside scientists and engineers focused on advancing next-generation rare earth magnet technologies.

The Lab Co-Op will assist with experimental work, materials analysis, and data collection to support ongoing research and process development efforts. This internship offers an opportunity to gain practical experience in materials science, analytical testing, and advanced manufacturing while contributing to the development of a fully domestic rare earth supply chain in the United States.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist scientists and engineers with laboratory experiments, materials testing, and sample preparation.
• Support analytical testing and characterization of rare earth materials and magnet components.
• Collect, record, and analyze experimental data to support R&D and process development efforts.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation including test procedures, results, and observations.
• Help troubleshoot experimental setups and assist in improving lab processes and workflows.
• Support safe operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, R&D, and operations.
• Follow all laboratory safety protocols, environmental guidelines, and quality procedures.
  
  

Qualifications: 

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field.
• Strong interest in materials science, rare earth chemistry, advanced manufacturing, or clean energy technologies.
• Basic laboratory experience through coursework or research projects is preferred.
• Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, analytical techniques, or materials characterization methods is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented research environment.
• Commitment to safety, scientific rigor, and continuous learning.

Physical Demands  

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.  

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, move, sit, carry, bend, kneel, reach, push, pull, lift, use hands and fingers, handle, or feel and talk and hear. May be required to lift and move boxes or packages not exceeding 20 pounds in weight. Some work stress inherent to the position and extended work hours may be required. 

Work Environment: Highlighted   

The work environment will be a research laboratory within a manufacturing facility.  

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 indented 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.