Materials Analysis Engineer - Data and Process Systems

<p>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.<br><br>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.</p> <p><strong>Responsibilities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Operate and maintain advanced materials characterization equipment, including: <ul> <li>Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with EDS and EBSD</li> <li>Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES)</li> <li>Combustion and inert gas fusion analysis</li> <li>Laser diffraction particle size measurement</li> <li>Metallographic sample preparation (mounting, polishing, etching)</li> </ul> </li> <li>Develop and improve laboratory test methods to enhance accuracy, reproducibility, and efficiency.</li> <li>Ensure consistent generation of high-quality data, including establishing quality control standards and calibration protocols.</li> <li>Perform in-depth data analysis using statistical methods and machine learning techniques.</li> <li>Develop, train, and validate ML models for materials data interpretation and prediction.</li> <li>Document procedures, test results, and method development in a clear, structured manner.</li> </ul> <p><em>Responsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the business</em></p> <p><strong>Qualifications</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.</li> <li>Hands-on experience with materials characterization equipment (SEM, EDS, EBSD, ICP-OES, etc.) and metallographic sample preparation.</li> <li>Proficiency in data analysis, including statistics, scripting (Python) and data visualization.</li> <li>Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to innovate in test method development.</li> <li>Experience with machine learning frameworks (scikit-learn, PyTorch, etc.).</li> <li>Knowledge of materials and mechanical thermodynamics, solidification, or powder metallurgy processes.</li> <li>Previous experience applying simulation tools to materials processing or structural analysis.</li> </ul> <ul> <li style="font-style: italic;"><em>Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.</em></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Preferred Qualifications</strong></p> <ul> <li>Experience with Docker and containerized deployment.</li> <li>Familiarity with FastAPI, Flask, or Dash for internal tools and dashboards.</li> <li>Experience integrating industrial data systems (OPC-UA, Modbus, MQTT).</li> <li>Exposure to PyTorch, scikit-learn, and scientific Python tooling (NumPy, pandas).</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p> </p>