Laboratory Technician – Materials Testing

Vulcan Elements; North Carolina; On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing firm in North Carolina is seeking a Laboratory Technician for Materials Testing. The role involves operating analytical equipment, preparing metallographic samples, and maintaining lab safety. Candidates should have at least 1 year of relevant experience and a high school diploma. Preferred qualifications include hands-on experience with various testing methods and laboratory accreditations. Join a dedicated team that aims for technical excellence and supports critical industries.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain analytical test equipment.
• Prepare metallographic samples for evaluation.
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment.
• Safely handle chemicals and hazardous materials.
• Record and report test results accurately.

Skills

Analytical test equipment operation

Metallographic sample preparation

Chemical handling

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Gas fusion equipment

ICP-OES

Powder rheometer

DSC

Job description

Laboratory Technician – Materials Testing

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.

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.