Materials Analysis Engineer

Vulcan Elements is onshoring the manufacturing of rare-earth permanent magnets with a fully domestic supply chain and focus on decarbonization, servicing customers in critical industries such as defense, aerospace, and automotive. 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.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain advanced materials characterization equipment, including:
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with EDS and EBSD
  • Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES)
  • Combustion and inert gas fusion analysis
  • Laser diffraction particle size measurement
  • Metallographic sample preparation (mounting, polishing, etching)
• Develop and improve laboratory test methods to enhance accuracy, reproducibility, and efficiency.
• Ensure consistent generation of high-quality data, including establishing quality control standards and calibration protocols.
• Perform in-depth data analysis using statistical methods and machine learning techniques.
• Develop, train, and validate ML models for materials data interpretation and prediction.
• Document procedures, test results, and method development in a clear, structured manner.

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

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with materials characterization equipment (SEM, EDS, EBSD, ICP-OES, etc.) and metallographic sample preparation.
• Proficiency in data analysis, including statistics, scripting (Python) and data visualization.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to innovate in test method development.
• Experience with machine learning frameworks (scikit-learn, PyTorch, etc.).
• Knowledge of materials and mechanical thermodynamics, solidification, or powder metallurgy processes.
• Previous experience applying simulation tools to materials processing or structural analysis.