Research Technician

The role

Research Technicians build, modify and troubleshoot equipment for rare-earth metal production. You will assemble experimental hardware, operate high-temperature and vacuum systems, and work with engineers to test ideas.

What you will do

• Build, assemble and modify reactor subsystems, experimental rigs and fixtures.
• Operate high-temperature and vacuum equipment for experiments and process-development trials.
• Execute test plans with engineers; record operating conditions, observations and results.
• Diagnose equipment problems, perform maintenance and implement improvements.
• Carry out basic fabrication, machining and assembly work.
• Document equipment changes and help develop repeatable operating procedures.
• Maintain safe working practices around hot materials, reactive powders, inert gases and shop equipment.

Required qualifications

• Hands-on fabrication experience (basic machining, assembly)
• 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

Nice to have

• welding is a plus
• 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)

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance
• Company-provided lunch daily

Before you apply

• Visa sponsorship available if needed

About the company

Solcoa is building the next generation of American metalmaking, starting with rare earths. They have developed a new chemistry that converts rare earth oxides into high-purity metals.