Pilot Plant Operator

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 experienced Pilot Plant Operators to run our rare-earth oxide-to-metal production process. Reporting to our Pilot Manager, you’ll own production runs from feedstock preparation through finished metal, with a focus on safe execution, consistent product quality, throughput and equipment uptime. You’ll operate high-temperature reactors, vacuum systems and induction furnaces, maintain accurate batch records, and keep production moving reliably.

What You’ll Do

• Execute production batches from oxide feedstock preparation and reactor charging through product recovery and packaging.
• Operate and monitor furnaces, vacuum systems, gloveboxes and associated production equipment.
• Follow operating procedures, track process parameters and maintain complete batch records.
• Identify process deviations, make adjustments within approved operating limits and escalate issues to the Pilot Manager.
• Perform preventive maintenance and first-line troubleshooting to maintain equipment uptime.
• Prepare and track samples for quality testing.
• Operate cranes, forklifts and rigging equipment safely.
• Coordinate shift handovers and communicate equipment status, batch progress and outstanding issues.
• Support commissioning and improvements that increase production consistency and throughput.

What You Bring

Required

• 3+ years operating pilot-scale or production-scale process equipment (chemical, metallurgical, semiconductor, glass, ceramics, or similar).
• Crane, rigging, and forklift operation experience; certifications preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude-comfortable with hand and power tools, basic fabrication, and equipment assembly.
• Rigorous approach to SOPs, batch records, safety protocols, and data logging.
• Ability to work rotating or flexible shifts as production demands require.
• Comfort working independently and making sound operational decisions in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Availability to start soon.

Preferred

• Experience in pyrometallurgy, electrometallurgy, or rare-earth/specialty metals processing.
• Background operating vacuum induction melting furnaces.
• Basic welding skills (MIG/TIG) and familiarity with shop fabrication.
• OSHA 10/30 or HAZWOPER certification.
• Coursework or training in metallurgy, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field.

Schedule

This is a full-time, on-site position in Alameda. Production needs may require rotating shifts, evening or weekend work, and overtime.

Compensation & Benefits

• $40-$50 per hour, depending on relevant experience and equipment proficiency, plus overtime pay.
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Company-provided lunch daily.
• Visa sponsorship available if needed.