Job Information
Actalent R&D Technician in Alameda, California
Job Title: R&D TechnicianJob Description
The R&D Technician will operate, maintain, and improve a high-temperature and vacuum-based production line for rare-earth metals in an industrial environment. This role involves running reactor systems, assembling and retrofitting equipment, executing test plans, and supporting scale-up activities while ensuring safe, reliable, and repeatable operations. The technician will work closely with engineers and machinists to translate R&D concepts into robust processes that support a rapidly growing, mission-driven rare-earth metals operation.
Responsibilities
Operate high-temperature reactors, vacuum systems, and related process equipment to produce rare-earth metals safely and consistently.
Assemble, retrofit, and help build reactor subsystems, fixtures, and related hardware to support experimental and production needs.
Execute standard operating procedures (SOPs), test plans, and trial runs while capturing data and observations with high accuracy and detail.
Monitor process parameters in real time, diagnose equipment and process issues, and perform first-line troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.
Handle materials such as hot parts, inert gases, and powders safely while maintaining a clean, organized, and compliant work area.
Contribute to continuous improvement by proposing equipment and process upgrades, documenting changes, and helping implement fixes quickly.
Collaborate closely with engineers on experiments and scale-up activities, providing practical, floor-level feedback to refine process designs.
Follow all safety protocols rigorously, especially when working with high temperatures, vacuum systems, and caustic chemicals.
Support the overall reliability and uptime of the production line by proactively identifying risks and improvement opportunities.
Essential Skills
Hands-on fabrication experience, including basic machining and assembly.
Experience operating high-temperature or vacuum systems such as reactors, furnaces, gloveboxes, pumps, or similar equipment.
Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort using tools, rigging equipment, and handling industrial machinery safely.
High attention to detail and rigorous adherence to SOPs, safety procedures, and documentation requirements.
Ability to work independently and stay productive in a fast-paced, build-measure-learn environment.
Capability to collaborate effectively with engineers and machinists on technical tasks and experiments.
Research and development mindset with the ability to support experimental work in high-temperature and chemical engineering contexts.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience building or assisting in the build of high-temperature reactors or vacuum subsystems.
Basic familiarity with CAD tools (such as Fusion or similar) for creating simple prints and markups.
Coursework or practical experience in chemistry or physics, such as thermodynamics, materials science, reaction engineering, or related areas.
Welding experience or exposure to fabrication processes is a plus.
Interest in chemical engineering, high-temperature processes, and rare-earth metals production.
Motivation to contribute to a mission focused on stabilizing and decarbonizing the rare-earth metal supply chain.
Work Environment
This is a fully onsite role in an industrial facility operating five days a week during normal business hours, with some flexibility in scheduling. The work takes place around high-temperature reactors, vacuum systems, and related process equipment, and involves exposure to hot components, inert gases, powders, and caustic chemicals. The environment is hands-on, fast-paced, and highly collaborative, with close interaction between technicians, engineers, and machinists. Safety protocols are strictly enforced, and the workspace is maintained to be clean, organized, and suitable for both experimental and production activities.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Alameda, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $150000.00/yr.
Compensation & Benefits Competitive base salary Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance Company-provided lunch daily Visa sponsorship available if needed
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Alameda,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 28, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.