Staff Manufacturing Engineer

Vulcan Elements; Benson (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Vulcan Elements, a U.S. manufacturer of American rare-earth permanent magnets, is seeking a Staff Manufacturing Engineer for a massive 1 million square foot facility expansion.

You will own the full lifecycle from design through start-up, translating pilot processes into full-scale, stable production. The role requires deep technical leadership, strong CAD capabilities, and experience in heavy equipment development, vendor management, and commissioning.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in mechanical/equipment engineering or a Master's with 5+ years.
• Strong CAD experience with complex assemblies and validation.
• Track record in heavy equipment design, vendor management, and full-cycle commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Lead evaluation, quote comparison, and vendor selection for advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Own equipment design requirements, vendor performance, scheduling, commissioning, and qualification.
• Develop and optimize processes to improve throughput, quality, and equipment reliability.
• Manage technical schedules, budgets, and deliverables aligned with milestones.
• Provide hands-on support during production startup to stabilize processes.
• Collaborate with R&D to implement new strategies in future lines and ensure safety/compliance.

Skills

CAD design

Vendor management

Commissioning

Process development

PFMEA

Control plans

Electrical diagrams

Pneumatic diagrams

Safety/compliance

Heavy equipment design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

CAD software

Electrical schematics

Pneumatic diagrams

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 a Staff Manufacturing Engineer, you will contribute to the full lifecycle of a massive 1 million square foot manufacturing facility expansion—from design and equipment specification through installation, commissioning, production startup, and scale-up to full capacity. You will be responsible for a process step, translating pilot-line processes into full-scale, stable, and repeatable production systems. This is a high-impact, high-ownership role requiring deep technical expertise and leadership.

Core Expectations & Responsibilities

• Lead the evaluation, quote comparison, and selection of advanced manufacturing technologies and vendors. You will own the technical and financial side-by-side comparisons to ensure selected machinery meets our aggressive scaling and quality goals.
• Own equipment design/requirements, vendor performance and schedule, commissioning activities, process development, and production qualification for a major heavy production process (alloy production, casting, jet milling, powder production, pressing, and sintering operations).
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes to improve throughput, quality, and equipment reliability. Monitor OEE results and station cycle times to drive yield and capacity improvements.
• Manage technical schedules, budgets, and deliverables aligned with company milestones and customer commitments.
• Provide hands-on support during production startup, helping stabilize processes and eliminate early bottlenecks.
• Develop and innovate new processes and equipment strategies (collaborating with R&D) to implement in future production lines, pushing Vulcan to achieve best-in-class magnet manufacturing.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards across all process activities.

This position will require some interaction and travel to support equipment development reviews and Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) as needed (estimated at <25% travel).

You will also be responsible for developing, reviewing, or managing the following deliverables

• Risk Assessments, Ergonomic Assessments, PFMEA.
• Line Layouts, Process Flow Charts, Bill of Process (BOP), Station Cycle Times, Process Sheets, and Simulations.
• CAD Drawings, Electrical & Pneumatic Drawings, and performing necessary Electrical and Pneumatic Calculations.
• Quality Control Plans, R&R (Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility) Studies, Quality Checklists, and Process Checklists.
• Work Instructions (SOPs), Calibration Procedures, Spare Parts Lists, Bill of Materials (BOM), and Maintenance Manuals.
• HMI Controls Manuals, Vision Programs, MES Transactions Lists.

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

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related technical discipline with 7+ years of experience or a Master's degree with 5+ years of experience.
• Strong, hands-on experience creating, modifying, and validating complex equipment assemblies in CAD.
• A proven track record in heavy custom equipment design, vendor management, and full-cycle commissioning for thermal or raw material processing.
• Expert-level experience authoring and developing standard manufacturing documents (PFMEA, Control Plans, Work Instructions, and Process Flows).
• Ability to read, interpret, and create electrical schematics and pneumatic diagrams, including performing core engineering calculations (electrical/pneumatic).

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience specifically in heavy industrial manufacturing, metallurgy, foundry operations, or chemical processing.
• Experience handling reactive powders or managing high-temperature vacuum furnace environments.
• Proficiency with advanced simulation software for workflow and line balancing.
• Familiarity with MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) implementation and transaction mapping.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

The position requires regular presence on the production floor 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 also requires the use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, and adherence to all applicable safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Employees must be able to complete required fit testing, wear appropriate PPE for the duration of assigned tasks, and respond safely to changing conditions within the production environment.