Machining Operations Startup & Scale Leader

Vulcan Elements; North Dakota; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Vulcan Elements is hiring a leader to build and run a new machining operation for rare-earth magnets. You will own startup activities, process qualification, and ramp to full production across nine lines, while designing the organization and ensuring safety, quality, and cost control.

The role requires a Mechanical Engineering degree and 8+ years in precision machining with multi-shift leadership, including CNC grinding and CpK methods, plus MES exposure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 8+ years in precision machining or discrete manufacturing operations.
• Experience leading production teams in a 24/7 multi-shift environment.
• Deep knowledge of CNC machining and precision grinding (setup, tooling, fixturing, speeds).
• Demonstrated ownership of equipment commissioning and process qualification.

Responsibilities

• Own machining process startup end to end — from specification review to rate ramp.
• Lead first-article inspection and process capability (CpK) qualification.
• Define lot flow, WIP staging and buffer strategy with Production Controls.
• Drive ramp from first qualified part to full rate across nine production lines.
• Design the Machining Operations organization: shift model, cell structure, span of control.
• Own safety performance and culture for the area with floor presence.
• Own OEE and quality metrics and the operating budget for the area.

Skills

CNC machining

Precision grinding

Process capability (Cpk)

GD&T

Equipment commissioning

OEE

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline

Tools

MES

Job description

Vulcan Elements is hiring a leader to build and run a new machining operation for rare-earth magnets. You will own startup activities, process qualification, and ramp to full production across nine lines, while designing the organization and ensuring safety, quality, and cost control.

The role requires a Mechanical Engineering degree and 8+ years in precision machining with multi-shift leadership, including CNC grinding and CpK methods, plus MES exposure.