Pilot Plant Operator

Posted 7 days ago

solcoa industriesMillbrae (CA)

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders Secondary Smelting, Refining, and Alloying of Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum)

SENIORITY

Senior

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About the role

Making the Metals Powering the World Solcoa Industries is an American rare earth metals producer headquartered in Alameda, California. We convert rare-earth oxides and magnet manufacturing scrap into the high-purity metals and alloys at the foundation of electrification, automation, and defense the materials inside every fighter jet, EV, wind turbine, and phone. For decades, the West has depended on China to produce these materials. Solcoa is rebuilding that supply chain at home: we're one of the very few producers outside China, and the only one developing new chemistries and a proprietary process to produce these metals at lower cost than conventional routes without the harmful emissions.

The Role: Plant Operator We're looking for an experienced Plant Operators to run and maintain our rare-earth metal production facility. You'll own day-to-day operations of our pilot-scale production linesmanaging high-temperature reactors, vacuum systems, induction furnaces, and material handling from feedstock prep through finished metal. You'll drive throughput and uptime while maintaining the highest safety and quality standards, and you'll play a key role as we scale from pilot to commercial production.

What You'll Do: Operate and monitor pilot-scale production equipment including vacuum induction furnaces, tube furnaces (up to 1700C), high-vacuum pump systems, and inert-atmosphere gloveboxes. Manage production runs end-to-end: feedstock preparation, reactor charging, process execution, product recovery, and packaging under inert conditions. Track and log process parameters (temperature profiles, vacuum levels, gas flows, cycle times); flag deviations and make real-time adjustments to stay on-spec. Perform preventive and first-line corrective maintenance on furnaces, vacuum systems, gas delivery, and material handling equipment; coordinate with engineers on larger repairs. Prepare samples for analytical testing (ICP-OES, IGF-O/N, SEM-EDS); understand how results feed back into process control. Operate overhead cranes (2T & 5T), forklifts, and rigging equipment to move feedstock, crucibles, and finished product safely. Maintain strict housekeeping, chemical hygiene, and safety practicesespecially around hot materials, reactive powders, and inert-gas environments. Support commissioning and startup of new production lines and equipment as the facility scales. Collaborate with R&D engineers and technicians on trial runs, process improvements, and scale-up campaigns; provide operator-level insight to improve designs and procedures.

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 aptitudecomfortable 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.

Compensation & Benefits: Competitive base salary Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance Company-provided lunch daily Visa sponsorship available if needed

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