Operator

Vulcan Elements; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Vulcan Elements, a producer of American rare-earth permanent magnets, seeks an Operator for the metals team to support high-temperature metallurgical processes. This hands-on role emphasizes safety, daily production activities, and collaboration with technicians and engineers.

The position involves equipment preparation, process monitoring, and participation in the expansion of pilot and R&D lines, with a strong focus on safety and reliability in a high-temperature industrial setting.

Qualifications

• Must be willing to work rotating shifts, including nights and weekends.
• Hands-on experience or aptitude in industrial or manufacturing operations.
• Ability to follow written procedures and safety instructions.
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs and perform physically demanding work in industrial environments.
• High-school diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Prepare equipment and work areas prior to startup, including cleaning, inspection, and execution of field checklists.
• Execute controlled startup, steady-state operation, shutdown, and cleaning procedures.
• Monitor PLC/HMI systems and respond to alarms, deviations, and abnormal operating conditions per procedures.
• Collect in-process samples and ensure proper handling and documentation.
• Perform metal tapping and molten metal handling activities in accordance with defined procedures.
• Replace worn components and consumables as instructed.
• Maintain housekeeping and orderly working conditions in operational areas.
• Complete operational logs, checklists, and production records accurately.
• Communicate process status and elevate anomalies to supervisors.
• Contribute to the buildout of Vulcan’s pilot and R&D line, including equipment installation, commissioning, and continuous equipment and facility improvements.

Skills

Rotating shifts

Industrial operations

Procedural safety

Physical fitness

Education

High-school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklift operation

CAD basics

Welding/Plumbing (CAD)

Lifting/Rigging equipment

Job description

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.

As an Operator on the metals team you will be responsible for the safe and reliable execution of high-temperature metallurgical processes within Vulcan’s operations. This is a hands‑on operational role with safety as the top priority.

This position supports daily production activities, equipment preparation, process monitoring, metal tapping, housekeeping, and coordination with technicians and engineering staff. Duties listed are representative and not intended to be limiting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare equipment and work areas prior to startup, including cleaning, inspection, and execution of field checklists.
• Execute controlled startup, steady-state operation, shutdown, and cleaning procedures.
• Monitor PLC/HMI systems and respond to alarms, deviations, and abnormal operating conditions per procedures.
• Collect in-process samples and ensure proper handling and documentation.
• Perform metal tapping and molten metal handling activities in accordance with defined procedures.
• Replace worn components and consumables as instructed.
• Maintain housekeeping and orderly working conditions in operational areas.
• Complete operational logs, checklists, and production records accurately.
• Communicate process status and elevate anomalies to supervisors.
• Contribute to the buildout of Vulcan’s pilot and R&D line, including equipment installation, commissioning, and continuous equipment and facility improvements.

Responsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the business.

Qualifications

• Willingness and ability to work rotating shifts, including nights and weekends.
• Hands‑on experience or aptitude in industrial or manufacturing operations.
• Ability to follow written procedures and safety instructions.
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs and perform physically demanding work in industrial environments.
• High‑school diploma or equivalent.

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

Preferred

• Experience operating vacuum furnaces, casting machines, atomizers, or similar metal manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with molten metal handling or high‑temperature processes.
• Knowledge of foundry operations, or pyrometallurgy.
• Forklift and lifting/rigging equipment operation (certification preferred).
• Experience with welding, plumbing, or CAD.