Operator - R&D / Pilot Operations

Vulcan Elements Inc.; North Carolina; On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Vulcan Elements Inc. is seeking an Operator for our R&D and pilot operations at the RTP, NC facility. You will work hands-on with engineers and technicians to safely execute pilot-scale manufacturing while helping develop processes for future production.

This role requires adaptability to evolving processes and a strong emphasis on safety, documentation, and collaboration with cross-functional teams in a high-tech materials environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Hands-on experience or aptitude in industrial, manufacturing, laboratory, mechanical or technical operations.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn unfamiliar equipment and processes.
• Ability to follow written procedures and safety instructions while adapting as processes evolve.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to document observations and operating conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, technicians and operations leadership.
• Comfort working in dynamic environments where priorities may change as technology develops.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to access to export-controlled information or facilities.

Responsibilities

• Safely execute pilot-scale and R&D manufacturing processes with engineering teams.
• Prepare equipment and work areas prior to startup, including cleaning and checklists.
• Execute startup, steady-state operation, shutdown and cleaning procedures.
• Monitor PLC/HMI systems and respond to alarms and deviations.
• Collect in-process samples and ensure proper handling and documentation.
• Perform high-temperature process activities and material handling.
• Support experimental production runs and process-development campaigns.
• Document process conditions, observations and equipment performance for analysis.
• Collaborate with engineers to troubleshoot equipment and processes.
• Assist with installation, commissioning, qualification and modification activities.
• Contribute to SOPs, work instructions, checklists and operating practices.
• Adapt to evolving processes and configurations as development progresses.
• Provide equipment usability and safety feedback to improve execution.
• Maintain strong housekeeping and organized R&D environment.
• Contribute to continuous equipment, process and facility improvements.

Skills

Hands-on manufacturing

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Follow procedures

Engineer communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Vacuum furnaces

Casting machines

Atomizers

Molten metal handling equipment

Welding / CAD experience

Job description

Location: Vulcan Elements R&D Facility - Research Triangle Park, NC

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 supporting Vulcan's R&D and pilot operations, you will work hands-on with engineers, technicians and technical leaders to safely execute manufacturing processes while helping develop and improve the processes that will support Vulcan's future production operations.
This position is based at Vulcan's R&D facility in Research Triangle Park, NC and is intended to remain part of our R&D and pilot operations team.
Unlike a traditional high-volume production role, this environment requires flexibility, curiosity and comfort working with processes and equipment that continue to evolve. Operators may support experimental production campaigns, equipment trials, process development, commissioning activities and continuous improvement work.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys hands-on manufacturing but also wants to understand how and why a process works.

Responsibilities

• Safely execute pilot-scale and R&D manufacturing processes in partnership with engineering and technical teams.
• 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.
• Collect in-process samples and ensure accurate handling, identification and documentation.
• Perform metal tapping, material handling and other high-temperature process activities in accordance with established procedures.
• Support experimental production runs and process-development campaigns.
• Accurately document process conditions, observations, abnormalities and equipment performance to support engineering analysis.
• Work closely with engineers and technicians to troubleshoot equipment and process issues.
• Support equipment installation, commissioning, qualification and modification activities.
• Assist with development and refinement of SOPs, work instructions, checklists and operating practices.
• Adapt to changing processes, equipment configurations and priorities as development work progresses.
• Provide practical operator feedback regarding equipment usability, safety, maintainability and process execution.
• Maintain strong housekeeping and organized working conditions throughout the R&D and pilot environment.
• Contribute to continuous equipment, process and facility improvements.

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

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Hands-on experience or demonstrated aptitude in industrial, manufacturing, laboratory, mechanical or technical operations.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn unfamiliar equipment and processes.
• Ability to follow written procedures and safety instructions while adapting appropriately as processes evolve.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately document observations and operating conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, technicians and operations leadership.
• Comfort working in an environment where priorities, equipment and processes may change as technology develops.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in pilot plants, R&D manufacturing, process development or startup manufacturing environments.
• 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.
• Experience monitoring PLC/HMI systems.
• Experience commissioning, modifying or troubleshooting industrial equipment.
• Forklift and lifting/rigging equipment operation; certification preferred.
• Experience with welding, plumbing, fabrication, machining or CAD.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

The position requires regular presence in Vulcan's R&D and pilot R&D environment and the ability to navigate all areas of the facility. Candidates must be able to climb stairs, stand and walk for extended periods, and work in environments that may be hot, humid or noisy.
The role may involve exposure to cut hazards and other physical risks associated with equipment, tools and manufacturing processes. Employees must be able to recognize and avoid sharp edges, moving parts and other potential sources of injury. Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs and perform physically demanding work in an industrial environment.

This position also requires the use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, and adherence to all applicable safety policies, procedures and regulatory requirements. Employees must complete required fit testing, wear appropriate PPE for the duration of assigned tasks and respond safely to changing conditions within the R&D environment.

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in Vulcan Elements’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A \"disabled veteran\" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A \"recently separated veteran\" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An \"active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran\" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An \"Armed forces service medal veteran\" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.