Manufacturing Engineer – Machining & Automation

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 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. 

This role begins in Durham, NC and is expected to move to Benson, NC upon completion of new facility.

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 automated production process (machining, grinding, coating, testing, and packaging). 
• 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 <10% 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 or Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical discipline with 3+ years of experience. 
• Strong, hands-on experience creating, modifying, and validating complex equipment assemblies and custom automation layouts in CAD. 
• Direct, hands-on experience specifying, integrating, or operating heavy automation, robotics, AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), advanced vision systems, and industrial laser systems. 
• 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 precision CNC machining, high-volume grinding, or industrial surface coating applications. 
• Hands-on experience with machine vision programming (e.g., Cognex, Keyence). 
• Proficiency with advanced simulation software for automated workflow and line balancing. 
• Familiarity with MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) implementation and automated 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.