Materials Analysis Engineer – Metallurgist

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.

• Serve as the primary metallurgical resource for the analysis and testing group, providing expert guidance on materials behavior, failure analysis, and process‑related questions.
• Develop analysis and testing plans in conjunction with other members of the group to support process development, quality investigations, and product qualification.
• Assist with interpretation and analysis of microstructure, plating quality, coating integrity, and other metallurgical attributes using optical microscopy, SEM/EDS, and related techniques.
• Report findings clearly and concisely to technical and non‑technical audiences, with appropriate use of micrographs, data, and metallurgical context.
• Develop and implement improvements to laboratory facility, equipment, and test methods.
• Design and build simple mechanical fixtures, electronic controls, or other tooling to support laboratory operations and testing workflows.
• Perform basic repairs and maintenance on laboratory equipment and facilities as needed.
• Document methods, results, and deviations in a structured manner consistent with quality system requirements.

• B.S. or higher in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or Metallurgy. No substitute degrees will be considered.
• Approximately 10 years of industry experience as a metallurgist or materials and processes (M&P) engineer. Academic experience will not be considered as a substitute for industry experience.
• Broad expertise in metallic materials and processes, with strong working knowledge in at least three of the following areas: heat treatment, surface treatment, plating, mechanics of materials, materials testing, and metals processing.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to perform hands‑on, self‑directed work including creating simple electronic or mechanical controls and performing basic repairs on laboratory equipment or facilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present metallurgical findings to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export‑controlled information or facilities.

• Experience with metallographic preparation and microstructural analysis using optical microscopy and SEM/EDS.
• Experience in defense, aerospace, or automotive materials and processes environments.
• Familiarity with powder metallurgy, sintered materials, or permanent magnet manufacturing.
• Experience working within a quality management system such as AS9100, ISO 17025, or NADCAP.
• Familiarity with failure analysis methodologies and root cause investigation.
• Experience with corrosion evaluation, electrochemistry, or protective coating assessment.