Materials Analysis Engineer - Data and Process Systems

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.

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.

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Docker and containerized deployment.


• Familiarity with FastAPI, Flask, or Dash for internal tools and dashboards.


• Experience integrating industrial data systems (OPC-UA, Modbus, MQTT).


• Exposure to PyTorch, scikit-learn, and scientific Python tooling (NumPy, pandas).