Process engineer Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Making the Metals Powering the World

Solcoa exists to stabilize the western rare-earth metal supply chain—powering every fighter jet, EV, wind turbine, phone, and generator. We’re among the very few companies outside China producing rare-earth metals—and 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 world’s most vital resources.

We are a lean, well-funded team rapidly accelerating Western rare-earth production. We’re building a world-class team to solve this crisis.

The Role — Senior Process Engineer

You’ll lead the scale-up of our pilot into a demonstration plant, laying the groundwork for follow-on commercial facilities. You’ll translate R&D into engineered processes, partner with external engineering firms / EPCs, and drive safe, on‑time construction and commissioning.

What You’ll Do

Lead scale‑up from lab / pilot to demonstration and commercial scale for rare‑earth 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 third‑party 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 ramp‑to‑rate 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, high‑accountability 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 cross‑functional communication, documentation, and project leadership.

Availability to start soon.

Preferred

Background in high‑temperature processes, electrochemical cells, molten‑salt systems, or rare‑earth metallurgy.

Familiarity with environmental / permitting frameworks for chemical / metallurgical facilities.

Start‑up / commissioning experience and hands‑on 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

Company‑provided lunch daily

Visa sponsorship available if needed

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