Project Engineer – Equipment & Industrial Construction

Vulcan Elements•Research Triangle Park, NC

About The Position

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. We are seeking a proactive Project Engineer to support the full lifecycle of a major manufacturing expansion — from early design and equipment specification through installation, commissioning, production startup, and scale‑up to full capacity. This role is ideal for someone with a background in project management, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or engineering technology who has worked in metal fabrication, powder metal, automotive, or other heavy industrial facilities. As a Project Engineer at Vulcan Elements, you will lead and support capital projects from planning through commissioning, ensuring safe, efficient, and high‑quality execution.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or engineering technology, Mechanical, Electrical preferred
Minimum 3–5 years of experience in project engineering in an industrial environment
Experience working in powdered metal or steel manufacturing, automotive production, or similar industrial environments.
Strong understanding of mechanical and/or electrical systems, industrial equipment, and facility infrastructure.
Proficiency with CAD tools (AutoCAD, Inventor) and project management software.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and technical specifications.
Strong communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills.
Ability to work in active industrial environments and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.

Nice To Haves

Experience with automation, robotics, and PLC‑based systems.
Exposure to capital project budgeting and procurement.
Knowledge of industrial utilities (compressed air, power distribution, cooling systems).
OSHA 30, PMP, EIT/FE, Six Sigma, or similar certifications.

Responsibilities

Manage and support equipment installation projects, including mechanical systems, electrical systems, automation, and material‑handling equipment.
Coordinate construction activities with contractors, OEMs, maintenance teams, and internal stakeholders.
Develop project scopes, schedules, budgets, and installation plans.
Create and review equipment layouts, drawings, and technical documentation (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, etc.).
Oversee equipment installation, commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and performance validation.
Conduct field inspections to verify installation quality, safety compliance, and adherence to engineering specifications.
Support capital project justification, cost tracking, and reporting.
Lead or participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance equipment reliability and production efficiency.
Ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety standards throughout all project phases.
Communicate project status, risks, and milestones to leadership and cross‑functional teams.