Machining Site Lead

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 Machining Site Lead is responsible for leading day-to-day machining operations to safely and reliably produce finished, on-specification magnet shapes from sintered rare-earth material using wire saws, linear and 5-axis grinders, CNC, and EDM. This role is expected to be hands-on, and also manage a team of machinists and operators and works closely with the customer-facing and coating teams to ensure consistent execution, accurate cost and lead-time estimation, and a strong safety culture. 

The ideal candidate combines hands-on precision-machining and grinding experience with disciplined operations management and a deep respect for the hazards inherent to machining hard, brittle magnet material. This role begins at Johnston Community College, Advanced Manufacturing Facility in Four Oaks, NC and is expected to move to Benson NC upon completion of a new facility. Some travel to the development site in Durham, NC is expected. 

Responsibilities  

• Maintain and operate a variety of CNC equipment including wire EDM, grinders, mills, lathes, wire saws, lasers  
• Lead, train, and manage a team of machinists and operators conducting magnet finishing. Plan and execute production runs across wire saws, linear grinders, 5-axis grinders, and EDM to meet quality, throughput, and schedule objectives. 
• Process a variety of test samples and parts to internal and external specifications  
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized working environment  
• Create, document, and refine processing parameters for a variety of materials  
• Perform first article and test inspections on processed parts  
• Design and implement custom Workholding solutions  
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians to establish scheduling and processing plans  
• Maintain a spare parts and consumables inventory  
• Establish SOPs for Workholding and equipment operation  
• Allocate personnel, equipment, and materials to support both production and development campaigns. 
• Enforce safety procedures, PPE requirements, and lockout/tagout practices. 

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

  Qualifications    

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or equivalent hands-on experience. 
• Hands-on experience operating precision machining or grinding operations.  
• Minimum 3 years of experience with CAD and CAM software's  
• Familiarity with G and M code  
• Familiarity with analog and digital inspection and measurement tools  
• Read and generate technical drawings  
• Demonstrated experience managing precision machining or grinding operations, including supervising a team.  
• Strong understanding of operational safety in machining environments, including dust, coolant, and electrically energized systems (EDM). 
• Working knowledge of GD&T, blueprint reading, and dimensional metrology (micrometers, CMM, surface-finish measurement). 
• Experience developing or maintaining SOPs and operational documentation. 
• Direct experience with one or more of the following: 
• Wire saws or precision sawing 
• Linear/surface or 5-axis grinding 
• Wire or sinker EDM Preferred 
• Experience machining or grinding hard, brittle materials - rare-earth magnets, ceramics, carbide, or similar sintered materials. 

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

Preferred Qualifications  

• Experience creating custom gcode post processors  
• Experience with multiaxis grinding  
• Experience with laser cutters, waterjets, wire and sinker EDMs, and diamond wire saws  
• Experience with die and toolmaking  
• Experience with automated part loading  
• Experience estimating cost and lead time for quoting new and repeat work.  

  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 involves exposure to cut hazards and other physical risks associated with equipment, tools, and production processes. Employees must be able to recognize and avoid sharp edges, moving parts, and other potential sources of injury. 

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 production environment.