Sr. Analytical Chemist

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 hiring a Sr. Analytical Chemist to operate our analytical instruments and characterize rare earth materials. You’ll prepare and analyze oxide feedstocks, process intermediates, metals, alloys and powders, and report results to our research and production teams. This is a hands-on laboratory role focused on sample preparation, instrument operation, routine maintenance and accurate, repeatable measurements. Our analytical tools include ICP-OES, ICP-MS, SEM-EDX, particle size analysis, XRD and inert gas fusion (IGF). This is a full-time, on-site position in Alameda, California.

What you’ll do

• Operate ICP-OES and ICP-MS to measure rare earth content, metallic impurities and product purity using established methods; help improve methods as needed.

• Prepare samples and standards, including representative sampling, digestion and dilution. Control contamination and oxidation when handling reactive metals and powders.

• Use SEM-EDX to investigate morphology and elemental distribution, XRD to identify crystalline phases, and particle size analysis to characterize powder distributions.

• Measure oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen using inert gas fusion, with sample preparation and calibration appropriate to the material and instrument.

• Run quality controls using blanks, reference materials, calibration checks, spikes and duplicates. Review results against method acceptance criteria and investigate matrix effects, interferences and unexpected readings.

• Maintain and troubleshoot instruments, track performance, and coordinate service and consumables to keep the lab running reliably.

• Work with research and production teams to investigate unexpected results, identify contamination sources, close elemental balances and improve product consistency.

• Write SOPs, maintain traceable sample and data records, and prepare clear analytical reports for process development, product qualification and quality control.

• Maintain safe practices for acids, reactive powders, compressed gases and laboratory waste, and train teammates on established methods.

What you bring Required

• BS or higher in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Materials Science or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

• Typically 4+ years of relevant analytical laboratory experience. Substantial hands-on graduate research counts.

• Strong hands-on experience operating ICP-OES or ICP-MS, including sample preparation, calibration, routine maintenance and troubleshooting.

• A rigorous approach to analytical quality: you can distinguish a material problem from a sampling, preparation or measurement problem.

• Ability to interpret data, document methods and explain results clearly to engineers and production teams.

• Ability to follow SOPs, manage a daily sample queue and adapt to changing research and production priorities.

Preferred

• Experience with rare earths, high-purity metals, inorganic materials, mining, metallurgy or advanced materials manufacturing.

• Hands-on experience with SEM-EDX/EDS, XRD, particle size analysis or IGF/LECO O/N/H systems.

• Experience with difficult inorganic digestions, trace impurity analysis, air-sensitive materials or glovebox handling.

• Familiarity with laboratory quality systems, customer qualification testing, or data analysis using Python, spreadsheets or LIMS.

Compensation & benefits

• Base salary within the posted range, based on relevant experience, analytical expertise and scope of responsibility.

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance.

• Company-provided lunch daily.

• Visa sponsorship available if needed.