R&D Technician

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.