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Operations Research Engineer Jobs in Berkeley, CA

... unit operations for our demo plant. This role is deeply technical and experimental ... Nuclear engineering research: molten-salt chemistries, materials compatibility, graphite/refractory ...

Factory is seeking innovative Research Engineers to design and integrate advanced AI and ML ... operational demands Qualifications: * 2+ years of hands-on experience in AI/ML engineering roles ...

Research Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200K - $350K/yr

We're building toward a future where enterprise operations are fully autonomous; with no tickets ... Join us. About the role We're hiring a Research Engineer to push Console's core agent loop from ...

Research and experiment with novel techniques, including reinforcement learning, retrieval ... engineering operations. * Shape Agentic AI's Future : Help build the next frontier in enterprise ...

We are looking for Research Engineers to build AI systems that use agent interaction data to help ... legal, operations, and other high-stakes workflows. You will own projects end-to-end, with ...

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Operations Research Engineer information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$44.1K

$104.1K

$165.3K

How much do operations research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for operations research engineer in Berkeley, CA is $104,112.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,100.00 and $115,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Operations Research Engineer do?

An Operations Research Engineer applies mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, and optimization techniques to solve complex business and engineering problems. They use data-driven decision-making to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance system performance in industries such as logistics, manufacturing, finance, and transportation. By leveraging algorithms, simulations, and predictive analytics, they help organizations make informed decisions. Their work often involves programming, data analysis, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to implement practical solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Operations Research Engineer position, and why are they important?

To excel as an Operations Research Engineer, you need a solid grounding in mathematics, statistics, optimization, and analytical problem-solving, typically supported by a relevant engineering or quantitative degree. Proficiency with tools such as MATLAB, Python, R, CPLEX, or simulation software, as well as familiarity with data analysis platforms, is commonly required. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability are vital soft skills for presenting findings and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. Mastery of these abilities is crucial to developing effective solutions that improve operational efficiency in complex business environments.

What does a typical day look like for an Operations Research Engineer?

A typical day for an Operations Research Engineer involves identifying operational challenges, gathering and analyzing data, developing mathematical models, and simulating scenarios to propose improvements. You will often collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—including data scientists, engineers, and business managers—to understand requirements and implement optimal solutions. Expect to spend time both independently conducting research and attending meetings to present your findings and receive feedback. The role provides a good balance of technical work, problem-solving, and teamwork, making each day dynamic and intellectually engaging.

What are popular job titles related to Operations Research Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA? For Operations Research Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operations Research Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Operations Research Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA are:
What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Operations Research Engineer jobs? Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Operations Research Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Operations Research Engineer job openings in Berkeley, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,112 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Research Engineer

Solcoa Industries

Alameda, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

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, accelerating energy independence and securing 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 - Research Engineer
Own difficult, first-principles R&D that unlocks rare-earth metal production at scale. You will design and execute high-temperature experiments, build and operate custom rigs, extract mechanisms from data, and translate lab breakthroughs into reproducible unit operations for our demo plant. This role is deeply technical and experimental.
  • Pyrometallurgical research: calcination, vacuum/steam distillation, carbothermic/metallothermic reduction, smelting, refining.
  • High-temperature electrochemistry: molten-salt/molten-oxide electrolysis, cell design, anode/cathode materials, current efficiency.
  • Nuclear engineering research: molten-salt chemistries, materials compatibility, graphite/refractory behavior, high-T gas-cooled systems.
  • Metal processing engineering: molten metal handling/casting, powder metallurgy (atomization, pressing, sintering), heat treatment.
What You'll Do
  • Run bench/pilot experiments to quantify kinetics, transport, and equilibria.
  • Build/operate furnace systems, vacuum/inert atmospheres, retorts/crucibles.
  • Develop and validate PFD-level experimental flows; compute mass/energy balances; establish operating envelopes.
  • Apply thermochemical modeling (CALPHAD/Thermo-Calc/FactSage/HSC) and phase diagrams to guide conditions and materials.
  • Characterize feed/products with ICP-MS/OES, XRD, SEM/EDS, LECO O/N/H,; close element balances.
  • Author rigorous documentation: SOPs, test plans, hazards analyses, data packages; present results with statistical confidence.
  • Collaborate with machinists/technicians to fabricate fixtures; specify sensors, heaters, seals, and vacuum hardware.
  • Enforce safety for molten metals, reactive powders, hot work, compressed gases, and magnetized materials.
What You Bring
Required
  • Typically 3+ years (flexible) as a research engineer/assistant or PhD-level researcher with demonstrated research achievements (papers, patents, prototypes).
  • Depth in at least one focus area above; strong foundation in thermodynamics, transport, reaction kinetics, and materials.
  • Proven ability to build experimental setups, write/control test scripts, and produce decision-grade data.
  • Hands-on with furnaces, vacuum/inert gas systems, gloveboxes, and high-T instrumentation; meticulous lab discipline.
  • Data fluency (Python/MATLAB, spreadsheets); uncertainty analysis; clear, technical writing.

Preferred
  • Experience with rare-earth chemistry/metallurgy (Nd, Dy, Tb), chloride/fluoride molten salts, and contamination control.
  • Corrosion/materials compatibility at high temperature; selection of refractories and crucible/alloy systems.
  • Basic CAD (Fusion/SolidWorks) for fixtures; simple FEA/thermal modeling; familiarity with HAZOP/MOC culture.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive base salary
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Company-provided lunch daily
  • Visa sponsorship available if needed