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 RoleWe’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.
Levels & CompensationWe’re hiring across multiple levels, with scope and compensation based on demonstrated engineering ability and experience delivering working hardware.
Mechanical Engineer — $120,000–$175,000: Own reactor subsystems, taking designs through fabrication, assembly, testing and commissioning.
Senior Mechanical Engineer — $175,000–$210,000: Lead complex equipment designs, resolve thermal, vacuum and materials challenges, and coordinate delivery across engineers, machinists and vendors.
Staff Mechanical Engineer — $210,000–$250,000: Set the mechanical architecture for reactor systems, lead major scale-up decisions, and establish engineering standards across projects.
All levels are hands-on and include stock options.
What You’ll DoArchitect, 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.
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.
Coursework or experience in chemistry or physics (thermo, materials, reaction engineering, or similar).
Competitive base salary.
Generous stock options.
Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance.
Company-provided lunch daily.
Visa sponsorship available if needed.
Solcoa Industries San Francisco, California, USA Office
276 Shipley St, San Francisco, California, United States, 94107
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