Research Triangle Park, NC Laboratory Technician – Materials Characterization 10.15.2026 (opens in a new tab)

Vulcan Elements Inc.; North Carolina; On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Vulcan Elements Inc. in Research Triangle Park, NC, is seeking an Analytical Laboratory Technician to support R&D and production through materials characterization and analytical testing. You will learn test methods, operate instruments, and maintain records under supervision.

The role requires hands-on lab experience, adherence to SOPs, and safe handling of chemicals. Collaboration with engineers and technicians is expected, with attention to detail and strong documentation practices.

Qualifications

• U.S. Person required due to ITAR/export controls.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Hands-on laboratory experience through work, training, or coursework.
• Ability to follow written SOPs and safety procedures.
• Strong attention to detail in sampling and recordkeeping.
• Basic computer skills including data entry.
• Clear communication and task organization.
• Ability to work safely with hazardous materials.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine analytical testing on materials to support QC, production, and R&D.
• Follow SOPs and assist with testing under guidance.
• Operate lab instruments following training (LECO/ELTRA, ICP-OES, XRD, DSC).
• Prepare samples in ambient and glovebox environments with traceability.
• Prepare metallographic specimens via sectioning and polishing.
• Record results accurately and report deviations.
• Maintain clean lab and manage chemicals and waste safely.
• Coordinate tasks with team and participate in training.

Skills

Attention to detail

Following SOPs

Computer literacy

Clear communication

Education

Associate degree or related coursework in chemistry/materials science/lab tech

Tools

LECO/ELTRA analyzers

ICP-OES

XRD

DSC

Job description

Laboratory Technician – Materials Characterization

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 Integrity.

As an Analytical Laboratory Technician, you will perform sample preparation, analytical testing, and materials characterization in support of rare-earth permanent magnet R&D and production. Working under the guidance of the Laboratory Manager, experienced technicians, and Testing & Characterization Engineers, you will learn established test methods, operate laboratory instruments, and maintain accurate records. This hands-on role requires attention to detail, safe working practices, and a willingness to develop new laboratory skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine analytical testing on raw materials, metal powders, in-process samples, and finished magnets to support quality control, production, and R&D.
• Follow established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and assist with experimental testing and procedural updates under technical guidance.
• Operate assigned analytical equipment following training, including elemental analyzers (LECO/ELTRA), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), laser diffraction particle size analyzers, X-ray diffraction (XRD), powder rheometers, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
• Prepare samples in ambient and glovebox environments, maintaining accuracy, traceability, and contamination control.
• Prepare metallographic specimens through sectioning, mounting, grinding, and polishing following training.
• Perform routine instrument checks, quality-control measurements, and basic maintenance; report equipment issues to experienced laboratory personnel.
• Record and report results accurately and promptly; flag unexpected results or procedural deviations for review.
• Maintain a clean, organized laboratory and safely handle chemicals, metal powders, and laboratory waste in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintain laboratory records and support applicable quality-system requirements.
• Coordinate assigned work with laboratory team members and participate in training across sample preparation and testing methods.

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

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or protected individual as defined under ITAR).
• High school diploma/GED.
• Hands‑on laboratory experience through employment, technical training, or academic coursework.
• Ability to follow written instructions, SOPs, and safety procedures accurately and consistently.
• Strong attention to detail in sample handling, measurements, and recordkeeping.
• Basic computer skills, including data entry and spreadsheets, and the ability to perform basic laboratory calculations.
• Ability to communicate clearly, organize assigned tasks, and recognize when to seek assistance.
• Ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals and materials following training.

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

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.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or coursework in chemistry, materials science, laboratory technology, or a related field.
• One to two years of experience in an analytical, materials testing, or manufacturing laboratory.
• Exposure to one or more of the listed analytical techniques or metallographic sample preparation.
• Experience handling metal powders or working with inert‑atmosphere gloveboxes.
• Familiarity with laboratory documentation, quality‑control checks, or established quality‑management systems.

Voluntary Self‑Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self‑identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Vulcan Elements’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service‑connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three‑year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.