Most applications go out cold — see where you stand first. No sign-up to start.
Don't just apply. Show up ready.
Olive works from this exact posting — no sign-up to start.
At a glance
Job overview
Solcoa Industries is hiring a R&D Technician. Solcoa Industries seeks R&D Technicians to operate, maintain, and improve production lines that convert rare‑earth oxides into high‑purity metals. The role involves running high‑temperature and vacuum reactors, assembling components, executing test plans, and ensuring safe, reliable plant operations while collaborating closely with engineers and machinists.
Key focus areas include Operate high-temperature reactors, vacuum systems, and related process equipment to produce rare‑earth metals, Assemble, retrofit, and help build reactor subsystems and fixtures; perform basic fabrication and shop work, and Execute SOPs, test plans, and trial runs; capture data and observations with precision.
Successful candidates bring Experience Operating High-Temperature Systems, Experience Operating Vacuum Systems, and Availability To Start Soon. Important skills include Hands-On Fabrication, Basic Machining, Assembly, Operating High-Temperature Systems, Operating Vacuum Systems, and Mechanical Aptitude. Preferred (not required): Building High-Temperature Reactors, Building Vacuum Subsystems, Basic CAD Familiarity, and Fusion.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Benefits
Full job description
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 — R&D Technician We’re looking for R&D Technicians to operate, maintain, and improve our production lines. You’ll run high-temperature and vacuum reactor systems, build and assemble components, execute test plans, and keep the plant humming safely and reliably. You’ll work closely with engineers and machinists to translate concepts into robust, repeatable operations.
What You’ll Do
-
Operate high-temperature reactors, vacuum systems, and related process equipment to produce rare-earth metals.
-
Assemble, retrofit, and help build reactor subsystems and fixtures; perform basic fabrication and shop work.
-
Execute SOPs, test plans, and trial runs; capture data and observations with precision.
-
Monitor process parameters, diagnose issues, and perform first-line troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.
-
Handle materials safely (hot parts, inert gases, powders) and maintain a clean, organized work area.
-
Contribute to continuous improvement: propose upgrades, document changes, and help implement fixes quickly.
-
Collaborate with engineers on experiments and scale-up activities; provide practical feedback from the floor.
What You Bring Required
-
Hands-on fabrication experience (basic machining, assembly; welding is a plus).
-
Experience operating high-temperature or vacuum systems (reactors, furnaces, gloveboxes, pumps, or similar).
-
Mechanical aptitude and comfort with tools, rigging, and safe equipment handling.
-
Detail-orientation and rigorous adherence to SOPs, safety, and documentation.
-
Comfort working independently in a fast-paced, build-measure-learn environment.
-
Availability to start soon.
Preferred
-
Experience building or assisting in the build of high-temperature reactors or vacuum subsystems.
-
Basic CAD familiarity (Fusion or similar) for simple prints/markups.
-
Coursework or experience in chemistry or physics (thermo, materials, reaction engineering, or similar).
Compensation & Benefits
-
Competitive base salary
-
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
-
Company-provided lunch daily
-
Visa sponsorship available if needed
You've read the whole posting — now see how you match it.