Analytical Chemist – Rare Earths, ICP‑MS Expert, Equity

Solcoa Industries; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Lunch provided

Visa sponsorship

Job summary

Solcoa Industries is seeking an Analytical Chemist to own measurements behind rare earth metal production. You will characterize feedstocks, processes and products, prepare samples, develop methods and troubleshoot instruments in a hands-on on-site Alameda, CA lab.

The role emphasizes ICP-OES/ICP-MS method development, data interpretation, and maintaining quality controls while collaborating with research and production teams to ensure product purity and consistency.

Qualifications

• BS or higher in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Materials Science or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Typically 3 years of relevant analytical laboratory experience.
• Strong hands-on experience with ICP-OES or ICP-MS, including sample prep, method development, calibration and troubleshooting.
• Rigorous approach to analytical quality and ability to distinguish material problems from other issues.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate analytical methods for rare earth content, impurities and product purity using ICP-OES and ICP-MS.
• Own sample preparation, including sampling, digestion, dilution and standards preparation.
• Use SEM-EDX to investigate morphology and elemental distribution, XRD to identify crystalline phases, and particle size analysis to characterize powders.
• Measure oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen using inert gas fusion with appropriate preparation and calibration.
• Establish quality controls using blanks, reference materials, calibration checks, spikes and duplicates.
• Maintain and troubleshoot instruments, track performance, and coordinate service and consumables.
• Collaborate with research and production teams to investigate unexpected results and improve product consistency.
• Write SOPs and maintain traceable data records, preparing analytical reports for development and QC.
• Maintain safe practices for acids, reactive powders, gases and lab waste, and train teammates.

Skills

ICP-OES

ICP-MS

Sample prep

Data analysis

Lab maintenance

Communication

Problem solving

Analytical chemistry

Education

BS or higher

Tools

SEM-EDX

XRD

IGF

LECO O/N/H

Job description

Solcoa Industries is seeking an Analytical Chemist to own measurements behind rare earth metal production. You will characterize feedstocks, processes and products, prepare samples, develop methods and troubleshoot instruments in a hands-on on-site Alameda, CA lab.

The role emphasizes ICP-OES/ICP-MS method development, data interpretation, and maintaining quality controls while collaborating with research and production teams to ensure product purity and consistency.