Job Title: Laboratory Technician – Critical Mineral Separation and Refining
Location: 1716 Pleasant St., Noblesville, IN 46060
Employment Type: Full-Time
Department: R&D
Position Summary
We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Laboratory Technician to support our mineral and metal refining operations. The ideal candidate will perform sample preparation, routine analyses, and assist with day-to-day laboratory activities supporting rare-earth element, critical mineral, and high-purity metal purification processes. This hands-on role is essential for keeping laboratory workflows running smoothly, ensuring consistent data quality, and maintaining safe operating conditions in a fast-paced R&D and production support environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare solid and liquid samples from process streams, including weighing, grinding, digestion, and dilution.
- Support analytical measurements using techniques such as ICP-MS, ICP-OES, pH/conductivity, titration, gravimetry, and moisture analysis.
- Maintain laboratory instruments, glassware, balances, and sample preparation equipment in good working order.
- Assist in column packing, reagent preparation, and buffer formulation for aqueous chromatography or separation processes.
- Perform routine calibrations, quality-control checks, and instrument standardizations under the guidance of senior chemists.
- Accurately record all sample data, observations, and test results in laboratory notebooks and digital systems (LIMS or spreadsheets).
- Manage inventory of laboratory consumables, reagents, and compressed gases.
- Follow established SOPs, QA/QC procedures, and safety protocols for handling acids, bases, and metal-bearing materials.
- Support waste labeling, segregation, and disposal consistent with environmental and safety regulations.
- Collaborate with analytical and process engineers to ensure timely sample turnaround and consistent reporting.
Qualifications
Required:
- Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Technology, or related field, or equivalent hands-on laboratory experience.
- At least 1–3 years of laboratory experience in a chemical, metallurgical, or materials environment.
- Familiarity with wet chemistry techniques and analytical instrumentation.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to data integrity.
- Basic computer literacy (Excel, Word, LIMS entry) and ability to follow written SOPs precisely.
Preferred:
- Experience in minerals processing, hydrometallurgy, or rare-earth element analysis.
- Knowledge of acid digestion, filtration, and solid-liquid separation techniques.
- Exposure to ICP-MS/ICP-OES or chromatography systems (e.g., ÄKTA, ion exchange).
- Understanding of laboratory QA/QC documentation (ISO 9001, ISO 17025).
- Forklift, cleanroom, or pilot-plant experience a plus.
Work Environment:
- Laboratory setting within an advanced metal refining or process development facility.
- Involves handling acids, reagents, and mineral powders under fume hoods or glove boxes.
- Requires proper PPE and strict adherence to chemical hygiene and safety protocols.
- Frequent interaction with R&D chemists, process engineers, and analytical teams.
Benefits:
- Salary range: $70k – 80k
- Health, dental, and vision coverage
- Opportunities for technical training and advancement
- Collaborative, sustainability-driven workplace supporting the clean-energy materials supply chain
