Mechanical Engineer

Vulcan Elements; Benson (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Vulcan Elements is hiring a Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, installation, startup, and handover of critical mechanical utility systems in an industrial manufacturing expansion. Initial work will occur in Durham, NC with a planned move to Benson, NC upon facility completion.

The role emphasizes CAD-driven design, piping and equipment layouts, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure safety, reliability, and long-term asset stewardship in a high‑tech, defense‑oriented environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology.
• 3+ years of experience in mechanical engineering within an industrial, manufacturing, or heavy-industry environment.
• Strong understanding of mechanical utility systems, piping design, fluid systems, and industrial equipment.
• Experience with industrial utilities such as chilled water, cooling water, compressed air, or industrial gases.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks) and project management software.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, schematics, and technical specifications.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in active industrial environments and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, specification, and installation of mechanical utility systems.
• Work with EPC contractors on layouts, P&IDs, equipment specs, and install packages.
• Manage installation activities with EPC, GC, contractors, OEMs, and maintenance teams.
• Oversee commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and performance validation.
• Support production equipment installation with proper utility integration.
• Conduct field inspections for quality, safety, and standards compliance.
• Develop project scopes, schedules, budgets, and technical docs.
• Support procurement, cost tracking, and reporting.
• Lead continuous improvement for reliability and energy efficiency.
• Ensure OSHA and safety standards are followed throughout project phases.
• Communicate status, risks, and milestones to leadership and teams.
• Provide startup support and training during handover to ops.

Skills

Strong communication

Organization

Problem-solving

Active industrial environments

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology

Tools

AutoCAD

Inventor

SolidWorks

Job description

Overview

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.

This Mechanical Engineer position will support a major manufacturing expansion, with responsibility spanning design, installation, commissioning, startup, operation, and handover of critical mechanical and utility systems. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in industrial environments and wants to own complex mechanical infrastructure from concept through long‑term operation.

The Mechanical Engineer will lead mechanical utility design and installation—including chilled water, cooling water, domestic water, compressed air, argon, nitrogen, and hydrogen systems—and support the integration of new production equipment. As the facility reaches steady state operation, this role has the potential to evolve into an asset ownership or system stewardship position, providing long‑term technical leadership for mechanical systems.

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

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, specification, and installation of mechanical utility systems: chilled water, cooling water, domestic water, compressed air, argon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and related distribution infrastructure.
• Work with EPC contractors developing mechanical system layouts, P&IDs, equipment specifications, and installation packages using CAD tools (AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks)
• Manage mechanical installation activities with EPC, GC, contractors, OEMs, and internal maintenance and operations teams.
• Oversee equipment and utility system commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and performance validation.
• Support production equipment installation by ensuring proper mechanical utility integration and system readiness.
• Conduct field inspections to verify installation quality, safety compliance, and adherence to engineering standards.
• Develop project scopes, schedules, budgets, and technical documentation for mechanical utility and equipment projects.
• Support procurement, cost tracking, and reporting.
• Lead or participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system reliability, energy efficiency, and maintainability.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety standards throughout all project phases.
• Communicate project status, risks, and milestones to leadership and cross‑functional teams.
• Provide technical support during startup and early production, transitioning systems to operations and maintenance teams with proper documentation and training.

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 Engineering Technology.
• 3+ years of experience in mechanical engineering within an industrial, manufacturing, or heavy‑industry environment.
• Strong understanding of mechanical utility systems, piping design, fluid systems, and industrial equipment.
• Experience with industrial utilities such as chilled water, cooling water, compressed air, or industrial gases.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks) and project management software.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, schematics, and technical specifications.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work in active industrial environments and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with industrial gas systems (argon, nitrogen, hydrogen) or high‑purity piping.
• Exposure to capital project budgeting, procurement, and contractor management.
• Knowledge of industrial utilities such as power distribution, HVAC, and process cooling.
• Certifications such as OSHA 30, PMP, EIT/FE, Six Sigma, or similar.
• Experience with commissioning, reliability engineering, or long‑term asset ownership.