BS or higher in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
3+ years of relevant analytical laboratory experience, including substantial hands-on graduate research.
Strong hands-on experience with ICP-OES or ICP-MS, including sample preparation and troubleshooting.
Rigorous analytical quality approach, able to distinguish material problems from measurement issues.
Ability to interpret data and communicate results clearly to engineers and production teams.
Comfortable taking ownership of lab work and adapting to shifting priorities.
Responsibilities
Develop and validate analytical methods for rare earth content and product purity using ICP-OES and ICP-MS.
Prepare samples, ensuring representative sampling and controlling contamination when handling reactive materials.
Investigate morphology and elemental distribution using SEM-EDX and identify crystalline phases with XRD.
Measure gases like oxygen and nitrogen using inert gas fusion, ensuring proper sample preparation and calibration.
Establish quality controls and quantify detection limits, precision, and recovery while resolving matrix effects.
Maintain and troubleshoot lab instruments, coordinating service and consumables for reliable operations.
Collaborate with research and production teams to investigate unexpected results and improve product consistency.
Write SOPs and prepare clear analytical reports for process development and quality control.
Benefits
Equity through stock options.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Company-provided lunch daily.
Visa sponsorship available if needed.
Full Job Description
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.
