Mechanical Engineering Intern at Solcoa Industries (Alameda, CA)Mechanical Engineering Intern

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.

Join our hardware team and help turn designs into working systems. You’ll support reactor subsystem design in CAD, assist with prototype builds and testing, and keep our documentation tight—working with engineers, machinists, and technicians to move quickly from concept to operation.

• Update and create CAD (Fusion) models/drawings, BOMs, and simple GD&T for thermal, vacuum, and handling subsystems.
• Assist with prototype fabrication and assembly: cutting, drilling, tapping, fitting, and basic machining.
• Help select components (valves, fittings, heaters, sensors) for high-temperature and vacuum environments under engineer guidance.
• Run tests, collect/clean data, and summarize results to inform design iterations.
• Perform leak checks, pressure tests, maintain organized logs.
• Support vendor outreach, quotes, and purchasing; keep parts and tooling organized.
• Contribute to safety-first culture and continuous improvement on the shop floor.

Required

• Pursuing a BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Working proficiency with CAD (Fusion preferred; SolidWorks ok).
• Hands-on build experience from labs, clubs, internships, or personal projects (machine shop tools, 3D printing, or fabrication).
• Detail-oriented, disciplined documentation, and reliable follow-through.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, hardware-centric environment and willing to get your hands dirty.
• On-site availability; able to start soon.

• Exposure to high-temperature or vacuum systems (furnaces, pumps, flanges) and basic thermal/fluids coursework.
• Simple analysis skills (hand calcs, spreadsheets; FEA/thermal tools a plus).
• Welding or TIG familiarity; basic machining on mill/lathe.
• Python/MATLAB for data analysis.

• Competitive hourly pay
• Company-provided lunch daily
• J1 Visa sponsorship available if needed