Materials Analysis Engineer - Metallurgist

Job Description

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 Analysis Engineer – Metallurgist you will serve as the primary metallurgical resource within our analysis and testing group. This is a senior technical role for an experienced industry metallurgist who brings deep, broad expertise in metallic materials and processes. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable interpreting microstructure at the microscope and fabricating a fixture on the bench — someone who combines strong metallurgical judgment with the mechanical aptitude to build, repair, and improve laboratory infrastructure hands-on.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary metallurgical resource for the analysis and testing group, providing expert guidance on materials behavior, failure analysis, and process-related questions.
• Develop analysis and testing plans in conjunction with other members of the group to support process development, quality investigations, and product qualification.
• Assist with interpretation and analysis of microstructure, plating quality, coating integrity, and other metallurgical attributes using optical microscopy, SEM/EDS, and related techniques.
• Report findings clearly and concisely to technical and non-technical audiences, with appropriate use of micrographs, data, and metallurgical context.
• Develop and implement improvements to laboratory facility, equipment, and test methods.
• Design and build simple mechanical fixtures, electronic controls, or other tooling to support laboratory operations and testing workflows.
• Perform basic repairs and maintenance on laboratory equipment and facilities as needed.
• Document methods, results, and deviations in a structured manner consistent with quality system requirements.

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, Materials Engineering, or Metallurgy. No substitute degrees will be considered.
• Approximately 10 years of industry experience as a metallurgist or materials and processes (M&P) engineer. Academic experience will not be considered as a substitute for industry experience.
• Broad expertise in metallic materials and processes, with strong working knowledge in at least three of the following areas: heat treatment, surface treatment, plating, mechanics of materials, materials testing, and metals processing.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to perform hands-on, self-directed work including creating simple electronic or mechanical controls and performing basic repairs on laboratory equipment or facilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present metallurgical findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with metallographic preparation and microstructural analysis using optical microscopy and SEM/EDS.
• Experience in defense, aerospace, or automotive materials and processes environments.
• Familiarity with powder metallurgy, sintered materials, or permanent magnet manufacturing.
• Experience working within a quality management system such as AS9100, ISO 17025, or NADCAP.
• Familiarity with failure analysis methodologies and root cause investigation.
• Experience with corrosion evaluation, electrochemistry, or protective coating assessment.

Laboratory Safety and PPE Requirements

This position requires strict adherence to laboratory safety protocols and regulatory guidelines. Employees must consistently wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including lab coats, safety glasses, gloves, and any additional gear required for specific procedures or chemical handling. The role involves working with potentially hazardous materials, equipment, and processes, and team members must follow all established safety rules, maintain a clean and compliant work area, and promptly report any unsafe conditions. The individual must be able to complete required training, apply proper safety practices, and demonstrate a strong commitment to maintaining a safe laboratory environment.