Pilot Operations Manager

Vulcan Elements; North Carolina; On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer of advanced materials based in North Carolina seeks a Pilot Operations Manager. The role involves overseeing pilot-scale manufacturing operations, process engineering, and material coordination to support production. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in Materials Science or a related field, along with at least 5 years of experience in advanced materials or manufacturing environments. Strong leadership capabilities, SOP implementation, and EHS adherence are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in advanced materials, pilot production, or manufacturing.
• Experience leading pilot or production teams with accountability for performance.
• Hands-on experience in pilot-scale processes and material qualification.
• Track record in SOP-driven operations and KPI management.

Responsibilities

• Own daily pilot manufacturing operations aligned with program priorities.
• Lead process optimization for pilot workflows.
• Coordinate end-to-end material flow and logistics.
• Establish and enforce SOPs and manage production schedules.
• Ensure complete and accurate process documentation.
• Maintain high-precision specifications through process control.
• Lead and develop a team of technicians.
• Partner closely with cross-functional teams for alignment.
• Integrate EHS requirements in all operations.

Skills

Leadership

Process Engineering

Material Coordination

Operational Excellence

Quality Control

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science or related field

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.

The Pilot Operations Manager is responsible for end‑to‑end execution of pilot‑scale manufacturing for advanced rare earth materials, serving as the critical link between development and full‑scale production. This role combines production leadership, process engineering, and material coordination to deliver qualified materials safely, on specification, and on schedule.

The leader will establish disciplined, scalable operations while partnering closely with development, commercial, quality, and EHS teams to enable rapid iteration, material qualification, and successful transition to production.

Responsibilities

• Pilot Production Leadership: Own daily pilot manufacturing operations from planning through delivery, ensuring reliable, safe, and on‑time execution of material and testing plans aligned with program and commercial priorities.
• Process Engineering & Scale‑Up: Translate R&D processes into robust, repeatable pilot workflows; lead process optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement to improve yield, stability, and scalability.
• Material Coordination & Logistics: Oversee end‑to‑end material flow including raw materials, work‑in‑process, and finished goods; coordinate staging, inventory, and movement of sensitive materials to align production output with testing and delivery requirements.
• Operational Excellence & Scheduling: Establish and enforce SOPs, work instructions, and standardized workflows; coordinate production schedules, resource allocation, and equipment readiness; implement and manage KPIs (yield, throughput, quality, schedule adherence) to drive performance and accountability.
• Documentation, Testing & Traceability: Ensure complete and accurate batch records, material qualification traveler sheets, and process documentation; synthesize and communicate clear material testing summaries to support data‑driven decisions and stakeholder alignment.
• Quality & Process Control: Maintain high‑precision specifications through rigorous process control, in‑process verification, and structured root cause and corrective action for deviations.
• Team Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop a team of technicians; establish clear expectations for execution, safety, and documentation; build a culture of accountability, precision, and continuous improvement.
• Cross‑Functional Leadership: Partner closely with development, commercial, quality, and EHS teams to align on priorities, communicate progress and risks, and ensure readiness for customer requirements and scale‑up milestones.
• Safe & Compliant Operations: Integrate EHS requirements into all aspects of operations, including SOPs, training, material handling, and facility practices, ensuring safe and compliant execution at all times.

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

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in advanced materials, pilot production, or manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience leading pilot or production teams, with direct accountability for execution, safety, and performance.
• Hands‑on experience working in pilot‑scale or development environments, supporting process iteration, scale‑up, and material qualification.
• Demonstrated experience in process engineering, pilot line operations, or scaling technologies from R&D to production.
• Strong track record of implementing SOP‑driven operations, KPI management, and production documentation systems.
• Experience managing material flow, production scheduling, and cross‑functional coordination.

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