Pilot Plant Operator

The role

You will run the rare-earth oxide-to-metal production process. You will operate high-temperature reactors, vacuum systems, and induction furnaces to produce high-purity metals.

What you will do

• Execute production batches from oxide feedstock preparation through product recovery and packaging
• Operate and monitor furnaces, vacuum systems, gloveboxes and associated production equipment
• Follow operating procedures, track process parameters and maintain complete batch records
• Identify process deviations, make adjustments and escalate issues to the Pilot Manager
• Perform preventive maintenance and first-line troubleshooting
• Prepare and track samples for quality testing
• Operate cranes, forklifts and rigging equipment safely
• Coordinate shift handovers and communicate equipment status, batch progress and outstanding issues
• Support commissioning and improvements

Required qualifications

• 3+ years operating pilot-scale or production-scale process equipment (chemical, metallurgical, semiconductor, glass, ceramics, or similar)
• Crane, rigging, and forklift operation experience
• Strong mechanical aptitude—comfortable with hand and power tools, basic fabrication, and equipment assembly
• Rigorous approach to SOPs, batch records, safety protocols, and data logging
• Ability to work rotating or flexible shifts as production demands require
• Comfort working independently and making sound operational decisions in a fast-paced startup environment
• Availability to start soon

Nice to have

• Certifications for crane, rigging, and forklift operation
• Experience in pyrometallurgy, electrometallurgy, or rare-earth/specialty metals processing
• Background operating vacuum induction melting furnaces
• Basic welding skills (MIG/TIG) and familiarity with shop fabrication
• OSHA 10/30 or HAZWOPER certification
• Coursework or training in metallurgy, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance
• Company-provided lunch daily
• Overtime pay

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.