Lead Technician

We are seeking aLead Technicianto support the development testing and operation of innovative technologies for rare earth recovery and purification. This role will assist in laboratory and pilot plant activities including equipment setup, sample preparation, testing, data collection and process troubleshooting. The ideal candidate will have strong practical skills, attention to detail and a commitment to safety and quality in chemical process operations.

• Assist in the setup, operation and maintenance of laboratory- and pilot-scale equipment for extraction and purification processes.
• Conduct sampling, measurements and data collection during experiments and process runs.
• Prepare feed stocks, reagents and materials for testing and production trials.
• Maintain accurate experimental and operational records in laboratory notebooks and digital databases.
• Monitor process parameters and report deviations or issues to engineers.
• Perform routine maintenance, cleaning and calibration of process equipment and instrumentation.
• Support safe chemical handling, waste management and housekeeping in laboratory and pilot plant areas.
• Collaborate with engineers on troubleshooting process upsets and implementing process improvements.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and contribute to their continuous improvement.

• Associates degree or higher in Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Technology or a related technical field; equivalent experience considered.
• 23 years of hands‑on experience in laboratory, pilot plant or industrial process operations.
• Familiarity with pumps, filters, tanks, valves and other common chemical processing equipment.
• Experience with sampling techniques, analytical testing and data logging systems.
• Working knowledge of safety protocols, PPE and hazardous material handling.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross‑functional fast‑paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail, organization and documentation accuracy.
• Willingness to work flexible hours during pilot trials or commissioning activities.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, move, sit, carry, bend, kneel, reach, push, pull, lift, use hands and fingers, handle or feel and talk and hear. May be required to lift and move boxes or packages not exceeding 20 pounds in weight.

Some work stress inherent to the position and extended work hours may be required.

The work environment will be a mix of a typical office environment, laboratory space, manufacturing floor and construction site. Exposure will vary and include normal office noise, typical laboratory sounds (e.g., ventilation systems equipment operation), manufacturing floor noise (e.g., machinery forklifts) and construction site noise depending on project phase and location.

USA Rare Earth proudly supports Equal Employment Opportunities. USA Rare Earth’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and will provide reasonable accommodations according to applicable federal, state and/or local laws. For assistance applying for employment through this site due to disability please contact Human Resources to discuss reasonable accommodations.