External Job · via Ashby
solcoa

R&D Technician

solcoaAlameda, CA
Posted Sep 28 · Last Verified Sep 28
Full-timemanufacturing and productionmetalwork and fabricationmaintenance and facilities

Quick Summary

R&D Technician role at Solcoa focused on building, operating, and troubleshooting high-temperature and vacuum systems for rare-earth metal production.

Skills & Keywords

high-temperature systemsvacuum equipmentfabrication and assemblyequipment troubleshooting

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.

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

Total rewards package

Benefits included

Medical
Dental
Vision

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.

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.
solcoa

solcoa

Alameda, CA

Alameda, CA

About solcoa

Solcoa develops and scales advanced chemistry to convert rare earth oxides into high-purity metals for electric vehicles, defense, renewable energy, and data center applications.

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R&D Technician at solcoa | Qiggz