Solcoa IndustriesResearch Technician
Alameda, California · Full-time
$100K–$145K
Why join Solcoa Industries?
Picture a world where the rare earth metal inside every electric motor, generator and fighter jet is made in America. Solcoa, an Alameda, California company, already makes neodymium-praseodymium metal and plans 500 tonnes a year from mid-2027. Bain Capital Ventures and Felicis backed the $45M round, bigger than three in four rounds at its stage, and 12 open roles, engineering the biggest group, show the team is scaling.
JustBacked's take, based on Solcoa Industries's own site and its funding and hiring data.
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.
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.
What You Bring
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.
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
Competitive base salary.
Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance.
Company-provided lunch daily.
Visa sponsorship available if needed.