R&D Technician
R&D Technician at Solcoa — Alameda, CA, US
- Company: Solcoa
- Location: Alameda, CA, US
- Employment type: Full-time
- Salary: $100,000–$145,000 a year
- Posted: 2025-09-02
About this role
MAKING THE METALS POWERING THE WORLD
Solcoa is building the next generation of American metalmaking, starting with rare earths — the metals of power and motion. We've developed a new chemistry that converts rare earth oxides into high-purity metals — the materials inside every EV, fighter jet, wind turbine, and data center — cleaner, cheaper, and faster than any conventional process. Now we're scaling it to thousands of tonnes of annual production.
THE ROLE
We’re looking for R&D Technicians to build, modify and troubleshoot the equipment behind our rare-earth metal production process. You’ll assemble experimental hardware, run high-temperature and vacuum systems, and work closely with engineers to test ideas and improve equipment. Your focus will be turning experimental setups into reliable systems through careful execution, practical problem-solving and clear documentation.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Build, assemble and modify reactor subsystems, experimental rigs and fixtures.
- Operate high-temperature and vacuum equipment for experiments and process-development trials.
- Execute test plans with engineers; record operating conditions, observations and results.
- Diagnose equipment problems, perform maintenance and implement improvements.
- Carry out basic fabrication, machining and assembly work.
- Document equipment changes and help develop repeatable operating procedures.
- Maintain safe working practices around hot materials, reactive powders, inert gases and shop equipment.
WHAT YOU BRING
REQUIRED
- Hands-on fabrication experience (basic machining, assembly; welding is a plus).
- Experience operating high-temperature or vacuum systems (reactors, furnaces, gloveboxes, pumps, or similar).
- Mechanical aptitude and comfort with tools, rigging, and safe equipment handling.
- Detail-orientation and rigorous adherence to SOPs, safety, and documentation.
- Comfort working independently in a fast-paced, build-measure-learn environment.
- Availability to start soon.
PREFERRED
- Experience building or assisting in the build of high-temperature reactors or vacuum subsystems.
- Basic CAD familiarity (Fusion or similar) for simple prints/markups.
- Coursework or experience in chemistry or physics (thermo, materials, reaction engineering, or similar).
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Competitive base salary.
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance.
- Company-provided lunch daily.
- Visa sponsorship available if needed.
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