Materials Analysis Engineer – Testing & Characterization

Vulcan Elements; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Vulcan Elements is hiring a Materials Analysis Engineer – Testing & Characterization in Durham, North Carolina. This role demands expertise in materials testing methods, operational excellence in controlled environments, and the ability to manage complex testing activities.

The ideal candidate holds a B.S. in Materials Science or a related field and has hands-on experience with materials characterization techniques. Additionally, familiarity with quality management systems and method validation is preferred.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with materials testing and characterization.
• Familiarity with test method development and documentation.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple testing activities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the SME for laboratory test methods.
• Ensure accuracy of test methods for intended applications.
• Develop and improve test procedures for production and quality.

Skills

Materials testing fundamentals

Attention to procedural detail

Ability to operate in controlled environments

Test method development

Education

B.S. or higher in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related field

Tools

X‑ray diffraction (XRD)

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)

Job description

Vulcan Elements manufactures American rare‑earth permanent magnets for a secure, resilient future, serving defense, aerospace, and automotive industries.

As a Materials Analysis Engineer – Testing & Characterization, you will serve as a subject‑matter expert for laboratory test methods supporting NdFeB permanent magnet manufacturing. The role requires strong materials testing fundamentals, attention to procedural detail, and the ability to operate effectively in a controlled manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the subject‑matter expert (SME) for several laboratory test methods, ensuring technical rigor and reliable execution.
• Evaluate and ensure suitability and accuracy of test methods for their intended applications, including periodic review and revalidation.
• Assist with data interpretation and provide technical guidance to internal customers across process, quality, and engineering teams.
• Develop, implement, and improve test procedures to meet evolving production and quality requirements.
• Work in a controlled environment and ensure material traceability, sample chain of custody, and documentation consistent with quality system requirements.
• Troubleshoot instrument performance issues and coordinate preventive maintenance, calibration, and service activities.
• Collaborate with materials, process, and data engineers to integrate testing data into broader manufacturing and quality workflows.

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

Qualifications

• B.S. or higher in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Hands‑on experience with materials testing and characterization, preferably in a commercial or industrial environment.
• Familiarity with test method development, validation, and documentation practices.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple concurrent testing activities, and take ownership of instrument health and method quality.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export‑controlled information or facilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with one or more of the following techniques: X‑ray diffraction (XRD), particle size analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), or differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
• Broad exposure to complementary characterization methods such as SEM/EDS, optical microscopy, or mechanical testing (tensile, hardness, density).
• Experience working within a quality management system such as ISO 17025, AS9100, or similar.
• Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or structured data workflows.
• Experience with statistical methods for method validation, measurement uncertainty, or process control.
• Comfort operating in environments where throughput, repeatability, and data integrity are priorities.