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.