Machining & Automation Engineer — Scale-Up Leader

Vulcan Elements; Benson (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Vulcan Elements is expanding a massive 1 million square foot facility and seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to drive full lifecycle from design to startup. You will own a production segment, translate pilot processes into scalable systems, and lead high-impact work with deep technical leadership.

The role begins in Durham, NC and will move to Benson, NC after the new facility comes online, requiring hands-on engagement, CAD proficiency, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve throughput and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Automation Engineering with 3+ years of experience.
• Hands-on experience creating, modifying, and validating complex equipment assemblies and automation layouts in CAD.
• Experience specifying or operating heavy automation, robotics, AGVs, vision systems, and industrial laser systems.
• Experience authoring PFMEA, Control Plans, Work Instructions, and Process Flows.
• Ability to read electrical and pneumatic schematics and perform related calculations.

Responsibilities

• Lead evaluation, quote comparison, and selection of advanced manufacturing technologies and vendors with technical and financial analyses.
• Own equipment design/requirements, vendor performance and schedule, commissioning, process development, and production qualification for a major automated production process.
• 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 with R&D for future production lines.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards across all process activities.

Skills

CAD design

Automation systems

Mechanical reasoning

Problem solving

Reading schematics

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Automation Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Electrical schematics

Pneumatic diagrams

PFMEA tools

Job description

Vulcan Elements is expanding a massive 1 million square foot facility and seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to drive full lifecycle from design to startup. You will own a production segment, translate pilot processes into scalable systems, and lead high-impact work with deep technical leadership.

The role begins in Durham, NC and will move to Benson, NC after the new facility comes online, requiring hands-on engagement, CAD proficiency, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve throughput and