Analytical Chemist

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

We’re hiring an Analytical Chemist to own the measurements behind our rare earth metal production. You’ll characterize oxide feedstocks, process intermediates, metals, alloys and powders, and turn the results into clear answers for our research and production teams. This is a hands-on role: you’ll prepare samples, develop methods, run and troubleshoot instruments, and build reliable testing workflows as we scale.

Our analytical tools include ICP-OES, ICP-MS, SEM-EDX, particle size analysis, XRD and inert gas fusion (IGF). This is a full-time, on-site position in Alameda, California.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Develop and validate analytical methods for rare earth content, metallic impurities and product purity using ICP-OES and ICP-MS.

• Own sample preparation, including representative sampling, digestion, dilution and standards preparation. Control contamination and oxidation when handling reactive metals and powders.

• Use SEM-EDX to investigate morphology and elemental distribution, XRD to identify crystalline phases, and particle size analysis to characterize powder distributions.

• Measure oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen using inert gas fusion, with sample preparation and calibration appropriate to the material and instrument.

• Establish quality controls using blanks, reference materials, calibration checks, spikes and duplicates. Quantify detection limits, precision, recovery and uncertainty; resolve matrix effects and interferences.

• Maintain and troubleshoot instruments, track performance, and coordinate service and consumables to keep the lab running reliably.

• Work with research and production teams to investigate unexpected results, identify contamination sources, close elemental balances and improve product consistency.

• Write SOPs, maintain traceable sample and data records, and prepare clear analytical reports for process development, product qualification and quality control.

• Maintain safe practices for acids, reactive powders, compressed gases and laboratory waste, and train teammates on established methods.

WHAT YOU BRING

Required

• BS or higher in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Materials Science or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

• Typically 3+ years of relevant analytical laboratory experience. Substantial hands-on graduate research counts.

• Strong hands-on experience with ICP-OES or ICP-MS, including sample preparation, method development, calibration and troubleshooting.

• A rigorous approach to analytical quality: you can distinguish a material problem from a sampling, preparation or measurement problem.

• Ability to interpret data, document methods and explain results clearly to engineers and production teams.

• Comfort taking ownership of daily lab work and shifting priorities in a growing company.

Preferred

• Experience with rare earths, high-purity metals, inorganic materials, mining, metallurgy or advanced materials manufacturing.

• Hands-on experience with SEM-EDX/EDS, XRD, particle size analysis or IGF/LECO O/N/H systems.

• Experience with difficult inorganic digestions, trace impurity analysis, air-sensitive materials or glovebox handling.

• Experience building laboratory quality systems, supporting customer qualification, or automating data analysis with Python, spreadsheets or LIMS.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Base salary within the posted range, based on relevant experience, analytical expertise and scope of responsibility.

• Equity through stock options.

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance.

• Company-provided lunch daily.

• Visa sponsorship available if needed.