Laboratory Technician – Materials Testing

Vulcan Elements; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Vulcan Elements is seeking a Materials Testing Laboratory Technician in Durham, North Carolina. This role involves performing analytical testing and materials characterization while ensuring compliance with quality standards.

You will handle various test equipment and prepare metallographic samples. A high school diploma and 1 year of relevant experience are required. The position involves working in a dynamic environment focused on national security and economic resiliency.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of experience working as a technician in a materials testing environment.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain analytical test equipment including IGF and ICP-OES.
• Prepare metallographic samples for microstructural evaluation.
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment in the laboratory.

Skills

Analytical test equipment operation

Metallographic sample preparation

Quality assurance compliance

Safe handling of chemicals

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

IGF equipment

ICP-OES

DSC

Job description

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 a Materials Testing Laboratory Technician, you will be responsible for performing analytical testing and materials characterization in support of rare‑earth permanent magnet manufacturing operations. You will operate a variety of analytical instruments, prepare metallographic specimens, and maintain a safe and organized laboratory environment in compliance with applicable quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain analytical test equipment including inert gas fusion (IGF), combustion analysis, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‑OES), powder rheometry, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
• Prepare metallographic samples, including proper mounting, grinding, and polishing techniques for microstructural evaluation.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe working environment within the laboratory.
• Safely handle chemicals and hazardous materials in accordance with established safety protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Record, review, and report test results accurately and in a timely manner.
• Follow established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and contribute to the development of new test methods as needed.
• Support quality assurance activities and maintain compliance with laboratory accreditation requirements.

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

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of experience working as a technician in a materials testing environment.
• High school diploma or equivalent (required).

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a laboratory operating under accreditations such as ISO 17025, A2LA, or Nadcap.
• Hands‑on experience with metallographic sample preparation, inert gas fusion, combustion analysis, ICP‑OES, powder rheometry, and/or differential scanning calorimetry.
• Previous experience with the safe handling and use of hazardous chemicals and materials.