Senior Process Engineer (San Francisco)
Making the Metals Powering the World
Solcoa exists to stabilize the western rare-earth metal supply chainpowering every fighter jet, EV, wind turbine, phone, and generator. Were among the very few companies outside China producing rare-earth metalsand the only one delivering a 100% U.S. supply of both light and heavy rare earths. Our carbon-zero process converts end-of-life magnets directly into metal, ready to accelerate energy independence and secure one of the worlds most vital resources.
We are a lean, well-funded team rapidly accelerating Western rare-earth production. Were building a world-class team to solve this crisis.
The Role Senior Process Engineer
Youll lead the scale-up of our pilot into a demonstration plant, laying the groundwork for follow-on commercial facilities. Youll translate R&D into engineered processes, partner with external engineering firms/EPCs, and drive safe, ontime construction and commissioning.
What Youll Do
Lead scaleup from lab/pilot to demonstration and commercial scale for rareearth metallization processes.
Own core process deliverables: PFDs, P&IDs, mass & energy balances, control narratives, and operating envelopes.
Translate internal research into detailed engineering packages for external partners; manage scope, interfaces, and change control.
Direct custom equipment specification, vendor selection, FAT/SAT, and installation through thirdparty fabricators.
Plan and run HAZOP/LOPA and safety reviews; implement safeguards and MOC.
Coordinate with EPC contractors to ensure schedule, cost, quality, and safety targets are met through mechanical completion and startup.
Develop commissioning plans, SOPs, and operator training; support ramptorate and reliability growth.
Optimize processes for yield, throughput, cost, environmental compliance, and uptime; instrument KPIs and drive continuous improvement.
Navigate permitting and regulatory documentation in collaboration with EHS and external consultants.
Anticipate risks and unblock issues rapidly in an agile, highaccountability environment.
What You Bring
Required
Typically 5+ years as a Process/Project Engineer in industrial plant design, construction, or operations (chemicals, metallurgical, electrochemical, or related).
Demonstrated success scaling processes from lab/pilot to commercial scale.
Experience managing and communicating effectively with engineering firms and EPC contractors.
Strong command of PFDs, P&IDs, mass/energy balances, control strategies, HAZOP, and regulatory documentation.
Track record delivering plants or major process units safely, on schedule, and on budget.
Excellent crossfunctional communication, documentation, and project leadership.
Availability to start soon.
Preferred
Background in hightemperature processes, electrochemical cells, moltensalt systems, or rareearth metallurgy.
Familiarity with environmental/permitting frameworks for chemical/metallurgical facilities.
Startup/commissioning experience and handson time in operating plants.
Working knowledge of CAD/CAE tools and data analysis for process performance.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive base salary
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
Companyprovided lunch daily
Visa sponsorship available if needed