Solcoa Industries · 4 months ago
Research Engineer
San Francisco Bay Area
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
$120K/yr - $175K/yr
3+ years expSolcoa is a company focused on stabilizing the western rare-earth metal supply chain, producing essential metals for various technologies. They are seeking a Research Engineer to conduct high-temperature experiments and develop reproducible unit operations for their demo plant, with a focus on pyrometallurgy, electrochemistry, and nuclear engineering research.
Responsibilities
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/products with ICP-MS/OES, XRD, SEM/EDS, 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
Qualification
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
Benefits
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
Company-provided lunch daily
Visa sponsorship available if needed
Company
Solcoa Industries
Clean, economical light and heavy rare earth metals—made 100% in the West.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase