Physical Metallurgist

<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Physical Metallurgist</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"335551550":2,"335551620":2}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">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.</span> <br> <br><span data-contrast="auto">As a Physical Metallurgist, you will lead thermodynamic model-supported experimental materials and process development, of high temperature metals production from oxides. You will be responsible for the process definition, continuous improvement, documentation, and scale – up of rare earth metallization. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559740":240}"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">The ideal candidate will design and execute metallurgical experiments while using thermodynamic modeling to interpret results, predict phase behavior, and accelerate process and materials development. This position works closely with process engineering, R&amp;D, and operations teams to translate fundamental understanding into practical outcomes.</span> <br> <br><strong><span data-contrast="none">Responsibilities</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559683":0,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Design and conduct laboratory and pilot-scale metallization experiments</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559683":0,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Continuous, data driven, process improvements, and translation of pilot-scale improvements to full production, prioritizing documentation and management of change.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559683":0,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Optimize salt chemistry, process conditions, and reactor geometry.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559683":0,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Prepare and characterize materials using optical microscopy, SEM/EDS, XRD, and related techniques</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559683":0,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Develop experimental plans to validate thermodynamic predictions</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559683":0,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Maintain detailed experimental records and analyze results statistically and physically</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559683":0,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="7" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Design experimental programs to establish reactor kinetics, optimize residence time, and maximize throughput.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559683":0,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Present results regularly to peers and leadership.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559683":0,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="9" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Author and maintain formal process documentation suitable for training and execution by operations teams.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Partner with R&amp;D, operations, quality, and EHS teams to ensure chemical processes are:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"335559685":0}"> </span></p> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Safe</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Scalable</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Cost-effective</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Environmentally compliant</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Use FactSage, ThermoCalc, or other CALPHAD tools to calculate phase equilibria, thermochemical properties, and reaction pathways.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="7" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Model multi-component alloy and oxide/slag/salt systems to guide experimental design</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <p><span data-ccp-props="{"335559685":720}"> </span></p> <p><em><span data-contrast="auto">*Responsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the business*</span></em><span data-ccp-props="{"335559685":720}"> </span></p> <p><strong><span data-contrast="none">Qualifications</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"134225954":true,"134225961":true,"335552541":1,"335559683":0,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Master’s Degree or higher in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or a related field</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"134225954":true,"134225961":true,"335552541":1,"335559683":0,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">5+ years of hands-on experience in metallurgical or electrochemical process development or production</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"134225954":true,"134225961":true,"335552541":1,"335559683":0,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Proven experience creating clear, auditable, and operator-ready process documentation.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"134225954":true,"134225961":true,"335552541":1,"335559683":0,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Experience supporting pilot plant or early commercial operations.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"134225954":true,"134225961":true,"335552541":1,"335559683":0,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Ability to independently design and execute experiments.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"134225954":true,"134225961":true,"335552541":1,"335559683":0,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Strong technical writing and communication skills.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Strong working knowledge of:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"335559685":0}"> </span></p> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Phase equilibria</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Design of Experiments</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Analytical techniques (SEM, XRF, ICP, etc.)</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <p><em><span data-contrast="none">Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.</span></em><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Preferred Qualifications</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"335559685":0}"> </span></p> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Experience in startup or scale-up environments</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Knowledge of quality systems (ISO, internal technical governance)</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Ability to operate as a technical authority without excessive oversight</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Knowledge of CALPHAD tools (FactSage, Thermo-Calc, or similar)</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Experience with high temperature molten salts</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul>