Materials Analysis Engineer – Process Analysis and Laboratory Systems

Materials Analysis Engineer – Process Analysis and Laboratory Systems

Research Triangle Park, 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.

We are seeking a highly motivated Materials Analysis Engineer to join our laboratory and analysis team. This individual will operate advanced analytical equipment, develop and refine testing methods, and ensure generation of reliable, high-quality data. In addition to hands‑on laboratory work, the role involves advanced data analysis, including statistical and machine learning (ML) methods.

• Develop, validate, and maintain laboratory procedures for materials characterization and analytical testing.
• Support maintenance, calibration, and performance verification of analytical and monitoring equipment.
• Implement and refine process monitoring methods using vision, thermal, acoustic, or other sensing technologies.
• Operate and maintain analytical laboratory instrumentation used in metallic materials manufacturing and testing.
• Ensure laboratory practices align with ISO 17025 quality system requirements.
• Support laboratory accreditation and audits.
• Maintain traceability of instruments, calibrations, methods, and reference materials.
• Support design of experiments and testing plans for process validation and improvement.
• Generate and manage technical documentation for procedures, equipment, and quality records.
• Collaborate with process, modeling, and data systems engineers to ensure high-quality inputs for analytical and predictive workflows.

Responsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the business.

• B.S. or higher in Materials Science, Metallurgy, or closely related field
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• Hands‑on experience in an analytical laboratory within a metal manufacturing environment
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• Direct experience operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting analytical laboratory equipment
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• Working knowledge of quality systems including ISO 9001, AS9100, and/or ISO 17025.
• Familiarity with laboratory accreditation and audit processes (e.g., A2LA, Nadcap).
• Strong attention to procedural discipline, documentation, calibration control, and data integrity
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• Ability to work directly in laboratory and production environments
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• Experience authoring or revising controlled laboratory work instructions
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• Experience supporting or maintaining accredited laboratory programs
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• Experience with SEM, optical microscopy, particle analysis, thermal analysis, or chemical analysis instruments
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• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.

• Familiarity with industrial sensing and monitoring equipment
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• Experience with SEM, optical microscopy, particle analysis, or chemical analysis instruments.
• Experience supporting or maintaining accredited laboratory programs.
• Experience authoring or revising controlled laboratory work instructions.

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.