Modeling and Simulation Manager

Vulcan Elements • Research Triangle Park, NC

1d

About The Position

Vulcan Elements is seeking a Modeling and Simulation Manager to lead a multidisciplinary team of computational scientists and engineers. This role is crucial for driving physics-based and data-based modeling efforts to enhance magnet performance, production yields, and process efficiency. It is a hands-on technical leadership position where the manager will contribute directly to modeling work and develop a team with expertise in various simulation modalities, including mechanical, fluid dynamics, electronic structure, and mathematical/image analysis. The team's work will influence process decisions, reduce experimental cycles, and establish quantitative links between material structure, processing conditions, and final properties. This role will initially support pilot-scale and R&D activities, with potential to expand to commercial plant operations.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience with COMSOL, Fluent, or equivalent; demonstrated ability to build and validate coupled multiphysics models and finite element analysis (FEA).
• Strong mathematical modeling background; experience with image analysis, machine learning, statistical modeling, or signal processing applied to materials characterization data.
• Familiarity with rare earth magnets, NdFeB alloy systems, or related metallic/magnetic materials.
• Experience leading or mentoring a small technical team; ability to set priorities, provide technical guidance, and develop junior researchers.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, Git, or equivalents for scripting, data analysis, and model post-processing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to produce clear technical reports and present complex results to non-specialist audiences.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience with DFT codes (VASP, Quantum ESPRESSO, or similar) or demonstrated ability to direct and interpret DFT studies.
• Background in rare earth processing, hydrometallurgy, or magnet manufacturing.
• Experience with grain boundary diffusion processes or sintering simulation.
• Familiarity with thermodynamic modeling and databases such as FactSage, or ThermoCalc.
• Knowledge of machine learning principles for data analysis.
• Familiarity with electron microscopy image analysis (SEM/EDS/EBSD) and quantitative microstructural characterization.
• Publication record in computational materials science, process simulation, or permanent magnets.
• Experience managing budgets, external collaborators, or academic partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage a matrixed modeling and simulations team with broad expertise spanning Finite element analysis, Computational fluid dynamics, Stress/Strain analysis, thermodynamic modeling, mathematical/image analysis, and DFT; define hiring roadmap, team structure, and capability milestones.
• Translate R&D priorities into a modeling agenda with clear deliverables, timelines, and success criteria in partnership with process engineering, materials science, and production teams.
• Foster a culture of scientific rigor, reproducibility, and rapid iteration; establish standards for model validation, documentation, and peer review.
• Present results and recommendations to technical and executive stakeholders; communicate uncertainty and model limitations clearly.
• Responsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the business.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager