Manufacturing Engineer - Scale-Up for High-Volume Magnets

Vulcan Elements; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Vulcan Elements in Durham, NC is expanding a vast manufacturing facility to produce American rare-earth magnets. As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will own end-to-end processes—from design and equipment specification to installation, commissioning, and scale-up to full capacity.

This high-impact role requires deep technical expertise and leadership. You will lead equipment selection, process optimization, and project management while ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Automation Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in heavy equipment design, vendor management, and full-cycle commissioning.
• Proficient in CAD for complex equipment assemblies and validating designs.
• Experience with PFMEA, Control Plans, Work Instructions, and Process Flows.
• Ability to read electrical/pneumatic schematics and perform core calculations.

Responsibilities

• Lead equipment and vendor selection with technical and financial comparisons.
• Own end-to-end process design, vendor performance, commissioning, and startup.
• Develop and optimize processes to improve throughput, quality, and reliability.
• Manage technical schedules, budgets, and deliverables aligned with milestones.
• Provide hands-on startup support to stabilize processes and remove bottlenecks.
• Collaborate with R&D to develop future production line innovations.
• Ensure safety, environmental, and quality compliance across all activities.

Skills

CAD proficiency

Technical documentation

Electrical/Pneumatic schematics

Education

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

Tools

CAD software

Simulation software

MES systems

Job description

Vulcan Elements in Durham, NC is expanding a vast manufacturing facility to produce American rare-earth magnets. As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will own end-to-end processes—from design and equipment specification to installation, commissioning, and scale-up to full capacity.

This high-impact role requires deep technical expertise and leadership. You will lead equipment selection, process optimization, and project management while ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.