Staff Mechanical Engineer

The role

The Staff Mechanical Engineer will own the mechanical and thermal design of modular high-temperature reactors. This includes designing reactor vessels, crucibles, seals, and metal-handling mechanisms from concept to operating hardware.

What you will do

• Own the mechanical and thermal design of modular high-temperature reactors.
• Translate process requirements into integrated designs for reactor vessels, crucibles, seals, and metal-handling mechanisms.
• Use first-principles calculations, simulation, and instrumented testing to validate heat transfer, thermal expansion, structural loads, and component life.
• Resolve heating, cooling, vacuum-integrity, and material-compatibility problems.
• Simplify reactor assemblies, reduce part count, and standardize components.
• Own CAD models, fabrication drawings, tolerances, BOM, and equipment specifications.
• Work with fabricators and suppliers to reduce lead time and improve assembly and repair.
• Drive hands-on assembly, troubleshooting, and cold and hot testing of reactors.
• Define acceptance criteria and lead mechanical factory acceptance testing.
• Lead a team of mechanical engineers and conduct design reviews.

Required qualifications

• Proficiency in CAD (Fusion).
• Hands-on experience with metal machining and shop tools.
• Experience with high-temperature systems and/or vacuum hardware.
• Detail-orientation and precise technical execution.
• Comfort working independently in a fast-paced, build-measure-learn environment.
• Availability to start soon.

Nice to have

• Coursework or experience in chemistry or physics (thermo, materials, reaction engineering, or similar).

Benefits

• Competitive base salary.
• Generous stock options.
• 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.