| Location | San Francisco Bay Area, California |
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.
You’ll lead the scale-up of our pilot into a demonstration plant, laying the groundwork for follow-on commercial facilities. You’ll translate R&D into engineered processes, partner with external engineering firms/EPCs, and drive safe, on-time construction and commissioning.
Lead scale-up from lab/pilot to demonstration and commercial scale for rare-earth metallization processes.
Own core process deliverables: PFDs, P&IDs, mass & energy balances, control narratives, and operating envelopes.
Translate internal research into detailed engineering packages for external partners; manage scope, interfaces, and change control.
Direct custom equipment specification, vendor selection, FAT/SAT, and installation through third-party fabricators.
Plan and run HAZOP/LOPA and safety reviews; implement safeguards and MOC.
Coordinate with EPC contractors to ensure schedule, cost, quality, and safety targets are met through mechanical completion and startup.
Develop commissioning plans, SOPs, and operator training; support ramp-to-rate and reliability growth.
Optimize processes for yield, throughput, cost, environmental compliance, and uptime; instrument KPIs and drive continuous improvement.
Navigate permitting and regulatory documentation in collaboration with EHS and external consultants.
Anticipate risks and unblock issues rapidly in an agile, high-accountability environment.
Required
Typically 5+ years as a Process/Project Engineer in industrial plant design, construction, or operations (chemicals, metallurgical, electrochemical, or related).
Demonstrated success scaling processes from lab/pilot to commercial scale.
Experience managing and communicating effectively with engineering firms and EPC contractors.
Strong command of PFDs, P&IDs, mass/energy balances, control strategies, HAZOP, and regulatory documentation.
Track record delivering plants or major process units safely, on schedule, and on budget.
Excellent cross-functional communication, documentation, and project leadership.
Availability to start soon.
Preferred
Background in high-temperature processes, electrochemical cells, molten-salt systems, or rare-earth metallurgy.
Familiarity with environmental/permitting frameworks for chemical/metallurgical facilities.
Start-up/commissioning experience and hands-on time in operating plants.
Working knowledge of CAD/CAE tools and data analysis for process performance.
Competitive base salary
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
Company-provided lunch daily
Visa sponsorship available if needed