Multiphysics Modeling Lead for Magnets & Materials

Vulcan Elements; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Vulcan Elements in Durham, NC is seeking a Modeling and Simulation Manager to lead a multidisciplinary team of computational scientists and engineers. You will drive physics‑based and data‑driven modeling to improve magnet performance, yields, and process efficiency.

You will contribute hands‑on to modeling work and build a team with expertise in FEM, CFD, thermodynamic modeling, and data analysis. The role supports pilot/R&D activities with potential to contribute to commercial plant operations.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience with COMSOL, Fluent, or equivalent; ability to build and validate coupled multiphysics models and FEA.
• Strong mathematical modeling background with image analysis, ML, statistical modeling, or signal processing applied to materials data.
• Familiarity with rare earth magnets, NdFeB alloy systems, or related materials.
• Experience leading or mentoring a small technical team; ability to set priorities and provide guidance.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, Git, or equivalents for scripting, data analysis, and post-processing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to present to non-specialists.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage a matrixed modeling and simulations team with broad expertise; define hiring roadmap and capabilities.
• Translate R&D priorities into a modeling agenda with clear deliverables and timelines.
• Foster scientific rigor, reproducibility, and rapid iteration; establish model validation and documentation standards.
• Present results to technical and executive stakeholders; communicate uncertainty and limitations clearly.

Skills

COMSOL

Fluent

FEM/FEA

Python

MATLAB

Git

Machine Learning

Education

Ph.D. or MS in Materials Science or related field

Tools

DFT Codes

Job description

Vulcan Elements in Durham, NC is seeking a Modeling and Simulation Manager to lead a multidisciplinary team of computational scientists and engineers. You will drive physics‑based and data‑driven modeling to improve magnet performance, yields, and process efficiency.

You will contribute hands‑on to modeling work and build a team with expertise in FEM, CFD, thermodynamic modeling, and data analysis. The role supports pilot/R&D activities with potential to contribute to commercial plant operations.