Why This Role Stands Out
As a Research Engineer at Solcoa, you will drive critical first-principles R&D, directly impacting the stabilization of the Western rare-earth metal supply chain and contributing to energy independence. This deeply technical and experimental role is ideal for a mid-senior level engineer eager to design and execute high-temperature experiments, build custom rigs, and translate lab breakthroughs into scalable production processes. Embrace this opportunity to work with a lean, well-funded team at the forefront of a vital industry.
Quick Overview
Job Description
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
Own difficult, first-principles R&D that unlocks rare-earth metal production at scale. You will design and execute high-temperature experiments, build and operate custom rigs, extract mechanisms from data, and translate lab breakthroughs into reproducible unit operations for our demo plant. This role is deeply technical and experimental.
Pyrometallurgical research: calcination, vacuum/steam distillation, carbothermic/metallothermic reduction, smelting, refining.
High-temperature electrochemistry: molten-salt/molten-oxide electrolysis, cell design, anode/cathode materials, current efficiency.
Nuclear engineering research: molten-salt chemistries, materials compatibility, graphite/refractory behavior, high-T gas-cooled systems.
Metal processing engineering: molten metal handling/casting, powder metallurgy (atomization, pressing, sintering), heat treatment.
What You’ll Do
Run bench/pilot experiments to quantify kinetics, transport, and equilibria.
Build/operate furnace systems, vacuum/inert atmospheres, retorts/crucibles.
Develop and validate PFD-level experimental flows; compute mass/energy balances; establish operating envelopes.
Apply thermochemical modeling (CALPHAD/Thermo-Calc/FactSage/HSC) and phase diagrams to guide conditions and materials.
Characterize feed and products using ICP-MS/OES, XRD, SEM/EDS, and LECO O/N/H; close element balances.
Author rigorous documentation: SOPs, test plans, hazards analyses, data packages; present results with statistical confidence.
Collaborate with machinists/technicians to fabricate fixtures; specify sensors, heaters, seals, and vacuum hardware.
Enforce safety for molten metals, reactive powders, hot work, compressed gases, and magnetized materials.
What You Bring
Required
Typically 3+ years (flexible) as a research engineer/assistant or PhD-level researcher with demonstrated research achievements (papers, patents, prototypes).
Depth in at least one focus area above; strong foundation in thermodynamics, transport, reaction kinetics, and materials.
Proven ability to build experimental setups, write/control test scripts, and produce decision-grade data.
Hands-on with furnaces, vacuum/inert gas systems, gloveboxes, and high-T instrumentation; meticulous lab discipline.
Data fluency (Python/MATLAB, spreadsheets); uncertainty analysis; clear, technical writing.
Preferred
Experience with rare-earth chemistry/metallurgy (Nd, Dy, Tb), chloride/fluoride molten salts, and contamination control.
Corrosion/materials compatibility at high temperature; selection of refractories and crucible/alloy systems.
Basic CAD (Fusion/SolidWorks) for fixtures; simple FEA/thermal modeling; familiarity with HAZOP/MOC culture.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive base salary.
Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance.
Company-provided lunch daily.
Visa sponsorship available if needed.