Manufacturing Engineer – Machining & Automation

Vulcan Elements•Research Triangle Park, NC

8h•Onsite

About The Position

Vulcan Elements is manufacturing American rare-earth permanent magnets for a secure, resilient future, focusing on national security and economic resiliency for critical industries like defense, aerospace, and automotive. The company is building a team committed to Mission Focus, Technical Excellence, and Transparency. As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will be involved in 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. This role requires you to be responsible for a specific process step, translating pilot-line processes into full-scale, stable, and repeatable production systems. It is a high-impact, high-ownership position demanding deep technical expertise and leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical discipline with 7+ years of experience OR a Master’s degree with 5 to 7 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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Lead the evaluation, quote comparison, and selection of advanced manufacturing technologies and vendors.
Own the technical and financial side-by-side comparisons to ensure selected machinery meets 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.
Travel to support equipment development reviews and Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) as needed (estimated at <10% travel).
Develop, review, or manage Risk Assessments, Ergonomic Assessments, PFMEA.
Develop, review, or manage Line Layouts, Process Flow Charts, Bill of Process (BOP), Station Cycle Times, Process Sheets, and Simulations.
Develop, review, or manage CAD Drawings, Electrical & Pneumatic Drawings, and perform necessary Electrical and Pneumatic Calculations.
Develop, review, or manage Quality Control Plans, R&R (Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility) Studies, Quality Checklists, and Process Checklists.
Develop, review, or manage Work Instructions (SOPs), Calibration Procedures, Spare Parts Lists, Bill of Materials (BOM), and Maintenance Manuals.
Develop, review, or manage HMI Controls Manuals, Vision Programs, MES Transactions Lists.