Mechanical Systems Engineer

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 Integrity.

As the Mechanical Systems Engineer (HVAC) will support the design, buildout, commissioning, and ongoing operation of critical mechanical utility systems at our Benson, NC production facility. This role will focus on HVAC/ventilation, compressed air, plumbing and fire protection systems, with responsibility for system performance, reliability, and integration with production operations. Success in the first 6–12 months will include developing strong system ownership, support facility startup, and ensuring these systems safely and reliably meet operational requirements.

This role is expected to be in the Benson, NC facility as construction and operations progress.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical owner for HVAC, ventilation, compressed air, plumbing and fire protection systems.
• Support the design, specification, installation, commissioning, and startup of mechanical utility systems and associated equipment.
• Develop and review system layouts, equipment requirements, distribution networks, controls, and operating parameters.
• Coordinate utility and environmental requirements with process equipment suppliers, engineering partners, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Review P&IDs, mechanical drawings, specifications, calculations, submittals, and vendor documentation.
• Support equipment sizing, pressure drop calculations, ventilation requirements, system capacity evaluations, and equipment selection.
• Provide field engineering support during construction, testing, balancing, commissioning, and startup.
• Troubleshoot system performance, capacity, controls, reliability, and equipment issues.
• Identify and implement improvements that increase safety, reliability, efficiency, maintainability, and production capability.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, operating requirements, equipment records, maintenance recommendations, and engineering standards.
• Support capital projects and facility modifications that affect mechanical utility systems.
• Track asset utilization and uptime, also including KPI helping ensure uninterrupted service for production teams
• Own and manage operational costs for assigned systems, including utility consumption and lifecycle costs, while identifying opportunities to improve reliability and reduce total cost of ownership.

Responsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the business.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Experience with mechanical utility, HVAC, ventilation, compressed air, or plumbing systems in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, mechanical drawings, specifications, and equipment documentation.
• Working knowledge of fluid flow, pressure systems, ventilation, and mechanical equipment.
• Ability to work onsite and support construction, commissioning, startup, and operational activities as business needs require.

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

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with industrial HVAC and ventilation systems, including air handling, exhaust, make-up air, and environmental control.
• Experience with compressed air systems, including compressors, dryers, receivers, filtration, and distribution.
• Experience with plumbing systems, including potable and domestic water distribution, sanitary waste and vent systems, piping, valves, fixtures, and point-of-use connections.
• Experience with fire protection systems, including sprinkler, suppression, fire water, and associated pumping systems.
• Experience supporting greenfield manufacturing facility construction or major utility system installations.
• Experience with system commissioning activities including pressure testing, leak testing, TAB, functional testing, and performance verification.
• Familiarity with applicable mechanical, fire, building, and industrial gas codes and standards.
• Experience troubleshooting airflow, pressure, capacity, controls, and system reliability issues.
• Experience reviewing P&IDs, equipment layouts, ductwork and piping drawings, vendor submittals, and control narratives.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional coordination skills.
• Experience with AutoCAD, Bluebeam
• PE, EIT, or other relevant professional certification a plus

Physical and Environmental Requirements

The position requires regular presence on the production floor and the ability to navigate all areas of the facility. Candidates must be able to climb stairs, stand and walk for extended periods, and work in environments that may be hot, humid, or noisy. The role also requires the use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, and adherence to all applicable safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Employees must be able to complete required fit testing, wear appropriate PPE for the duration of assigned tasks, and respond safely to changing conditions within the production environment.