Mechanical Engineer
solcoa · Alameda, California, United States · onsite
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 a hands-on mechanical engineer to design, prototype, and scale the next generation of our rare-earth reactors. You’ll own designs from concept through commissioning, working closely with machinists and researchers to turn ideas into operating systems.
LEVELS & COMPENSATION
We’re hiring across multiple levels, with scope and compensation based on demonstrated engineering ability and experience delivering working hardware.
- Mechanical Engineer — $120,000–$175,000: Own reactor subsystems, taking designs through fabrication, assembly, testing and commissioning.
- Senior Mechanical Engineer — $175,000–$210,000: Lead complex equipment designs, resolve thermal, vacuum and materials challenges, and coordinate delivery across engineers, machinists and vendors.
- Staff Mechanical Engineer — $210,000–$250,000: Set the mechanical architecture for reactor systems, lead major scale-up decisions, and establish engineering standards across projects.
All levels are hands-on and include stock options.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Architect, model, and draw reactor subsystems (thermal, vacuum, materials handling) in CAD (Fusion).
- Specify components, tolerances, and materials for high-temperature, corrosive, and vacuum environments.
- Build and iterate prototypes; run experiments; analyze data to drive design decisions.
- Author procedures, test plans, and safety/operating documentation.
- Collaborate with fabrication partners; support continuous improvement.
WHAT YOU BRING
REQUIRED
- Proficiency in CAD (Fusion).
- Hands-on experience with metal machining and shop tools.
- Experience with high-temperature systems and/or vacuum hardware.
- Detail-orientation and precise technical execution.
- Comfort working independently in a fast-paced, build-measure-learn environment.
- Availability to start soon.
PREFERRED
- Coursework or experience in chemistry or physics (thermo, materials, reaction engineering, or similar).
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Competitive base salary.
- Generous stock options.
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance.
- Company-provided lunch daily.
- Visa sponsorship available if needed.