Pilot Plant Operator
solcoa · Alameda, California, United States · onsite
USD 40 to 50 per hour
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.