Pilot Plant Operator

Role details

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.