Mechanical Engineer at Solcoa Industries (Alameda, CA)
Solcoa Industries· Alameda, CA· $120k–$250k·
Role details
Salary
$120k–$250k
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full-Time
Equity
Yes
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 — MECHANICAL ENGINEER
We’re looking for a hands-on mechanical engineer to design, prototype, and scale the next generation of our rare-earth reactors. You’ll own designs from concept through commissioning, working closely with machinists and researchers to turn ideas into operating systems.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Architect, model, and draw reactor subsystems (thermal, vacuum, materials handling) in CAD (Fusion).
- Specify components, tolerances, and materials for high-temperature, corrosive, and vacuum environments.
- Build and iterate prototypes; run experiments; analyze data to drive design decisions.
- Author procedures, test plans, and safety/operating documentation.
- Collaborate with fabrication partners; support continuous improvement.
WHAT YOU BRING
Required
- 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
Preferred
- Coursework or experience in chemistry or physics (thermo, materials, reaction engineering, or similar)
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Competitive base salary
- Generous stock options
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Company-provided lunch daily.
- Visa sponsorship available if needed
Why work at Solcoa Industries
- Culture: Small, obsessive team (8 people) solving a deeply technical and mission-critical problem. Described as “truly obsessive people working on what might be the most important industrial problem of our time.”
- Work model: On-site in SF Bay Area (Alameda) – all current roles require physical presence.
- Compensation: Highly competitive base salaries ($100K–$350K for engineering roles), stock options, and strong benefits.
- Impact: Direct contribution to Western industrial independence and climate goals (carbon-zero metals).
- Engineering focus: Heavy emphasis on metallurgy, process engineering, and high-temperature chemistry; chance to build from scratch.