Manufacturing 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 Transparency.  

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will contribute to the full lifecycle of a massive 1 million square foot manufacturing facility expansion—from design and equipment specification through installation, commissioning, production startup, and scale-up to full capacity. You will be responsible for a process step, translating pilot-line processes into full-scale, stable, and repeatable production systems. This is a high-impact, high-ownership role requiring deep technical expertise and leadership.  

This role begins in Durham, NC and is expected to move to Benson, NC upon completion of new facility.

Core Expectations & Responsibilities 

• Lead the evaluation, quote comparison, and selection of advanced manufacturing technologies and vendors. You will own the technical and financial side-by-side comparisons to ensure selected machinery meets our aggressive scaling and quality goals. 
• Own equipment design/requirements, vendor performance and schedule, commissioning activities, process development, and production qualification for a major automated production process (machining, grinding, coating, testing, and packaging). 
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes to improve throughput, quality, and equipment reliability. Monitor OEE results and station cycle times to drive yield and capacity improvements. 
• Manage technical schedules, budgets, and deliverables aligned with company milestones and customer commitments. 
• Provide hands-on support during production startup, helping stabilize processes and eliminate early bottlenecks. 
• Develop and innovate new processes and equipment strategies (collaborating with R&D) to implement in future production lines, pushing Vulcan to achieve best-in-class magnet manufacturing. 
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards across all process activities. 
• This position will require some interaction and travel to support equipment development reviews and Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) as needed (estimated at <10% travel). 

You will also be responsible for developing, reviewing, or managing the following deliverables: 

• Risk Assessments, Ergonomic Assessments, PFMEA. 
• Line Layouts, Process Flow Charts, Bill of Process (BOP), Station Cycle Times, Process Sheets, and Simulations. 
• CAD Drawings, Electrical & Pneumatic Drawings, and performing necessary Electrical and Pneumatic Calculations.