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.