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.