Senior Laboratory Technician (Materials Characterization)

Location: Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States; onsite laboratory role

Company

Manufacturing American rare-earth permanent magnets for defense, aerospace, automotive, and other critical industries.

What you will do

• Perform analytical testing of raw materials, metal powders, in-process samples, and finished magnets for quality control, production, and R&D.
• Prepare samples in ambient and glovebox environments, including metallographic sectioning, mounting, grinding, and polishing.
• Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot elemental analyzers, ICP-OES, particle size analyzers, XRD, powder rheometers, and DSC equipment.
• Review and report results, investigate unexpected data, and maintain sample traceability and laboratory documentation.
• Support method development, validation, SOP updates, quality systems, investigations, and accreditation requirements.
• Coordinate testing with laboratory, engineering, quality, and production teams; train and mentor technicians.

Requirements

• Associate degree in chemistry, materials science, metallurgy, or a related field.
• At least five years of experience in analytical chemistry, materials characterization, or an industrial testing laboratory.
• Hands-on experience operating and maintaining relevant analytical instruments, following SOPs, and troubleshooting testing issues.
• Knowledge of calibration verification, analytical quality controls, sample traceability, and laboratory documentation.
• Experience safely handling hazardous chemicals and materials; proficiency with instrument software and spreadsheets.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.

Nice to have

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, materials science, metallurgy, or a related field.
• Experience with ICP-OES, LECO/ELTRA elemental analyzers, metallographic preparation, metal powders, or inert-atmosphere gloveboxes.
• Experience supporting R&D and production in metals or advanced materials laboratories.
• Experience with accredited laboratories, quality-management systems, method validation, SOP development, root-cause investigations, or technician training.

Culture & Benefits

• Mission-focused work supporting national security and economic resiliency.
• Strict laboratory safety and regulatory procedures are required.
• Personal protective equipment includes lab coats, safety glasses, gloves, and additional task-specific gear.
• Employees must maintain a clean, compliant work area and report unsafe conditions promptly.