Operator

Vulcan Elements; North Carolina; On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company producing rare-earth magnets in North Carolina is seeking an Operator for its metals team. The role involves the safe execution of high-temperature metallurgical processes, including equipment preparation, monitoring, and metal handling. Candidates should have a high-school diploma, be able to lift 50 lbs, and work rotating shifts. Previous experience in industrial operations or related equipment is preferred. This position prioritizes safety and reliability, playing a key part in production efforts.

Qualifications

• Willingness and ability to work rotating shifts, including nights and weekends.
• Experience operating vacuum furnaces or similar metal manufacturing equipment.
• Knowledge of foundry operations or pyrometallurgy.

Responsibilities

• Prepare equipment and work areas prior to startup, including cleaning and inspection.
• Execute controlled startup, steady-state operations, and shutdown procedures.
• Monitor PLC/HMI systems and respond to alarms and deviations.

Skills

Hands-on experience in industrial or manufacturing operations

Ability to follow written procedures

Physical capability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs

Education

High-school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklift operation

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 *escalate* 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.