R&D Technician Research Triangle, NC

Vulcan Elements is manufacturing American rare-earth permanent magnets for a secure, resilient future. With a focus on national security and economic resiliency, we serve critical industries such as defense, aerospace, and automotive powering a high‑technology future. Vulcan Elements is building a team of ambitious professionals committed to Mission Focus, Technical Excellence and Transparency.

As an R&D Technician
, you will accomplish a broad set of tasks in a research and development environment. You will operate equipment, optimize processes alongside engineering, prepare materials, load & unload materials, and maintain a safe, orderly working environment. You will work alongside a team of materials & process engineers, magnetics engineers, and technicians to accomplish company milestones. This is a full‑time onsite role in Durham, NC.

• Contribute to the buildout of Vulcan’s manufacturing and research capabilities, including equipment installation, commissioning, and continuous equipment and facility improvements
• Responsible for operating equipment, transferring materials, and preparing material in order to achieve development objectives ahead of time and at a high quality
• Maintain equipment in good working order, establish preventative maintenance for new equipment, conduct maintenance as required
• Develop, build, and implement new prototype equipment, tooling, and processes alongside engineering, including electromechanical, chemical, and/or analytical/test equipment.
• Establish standard operating procedures alongside engineering. Responsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the business.

• High School Diploma or GED at a minimum
• Strong communication and planning skills
• Able to lift and carry 50 lbs
• Comfortable with hands‑on work requiring extended physical activity and standing
• Comfortable operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining sophisticated manufacturing equipment.
• Prefer experience running vacuum furnaces, casting machines, atomizers, or other related metal powder manufacturing equipment
• Comfortable reading equipment schematics, both electrical and plumbing, to troubleshoot mechanical issues

This position requires access to information and technology that is subject to US Export Control. Vulcan Elements will use this information to determine if you are eligible to receive this information under US Law.