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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 Pilot Operations Manager is responsible for end-to-end execution of pilot-scale manufacturing for advanced rare earth materials, serving as the critical link between development and full-scale production. This role combines production leadership, process engineering, and material coordination to deliver qualified materials safely, on specification, and on schedule. The leader will establish disciplined, scalable operations while partnering closely with development, commercial, quality, and EHS teams to enable rapid iteration, material qualification, and successful transition to production.Responsibilities Pilot Production Leadership: Own daily pilot manufacturing operations from planning through delivery, ensuring reliable, safe, and on-time execution of material and testing plans aligned with program and commercial priorities. Process Engineering & Scale-Up: Translate R&D processes into robust, repeatable pilot workflows; lead process optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement to improve yield, stability, and scalability. Material Coordination & Logistics: Oversee end-to-end material flow including raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods; coordinate staging, inventory, and movement of sensitive materials to align production output with testing and delivery requirements. Operational Excellence & Scheduling: Establish and enforce SOPs, work instructions, and standardized workflows; coordinate production schedules, resource allocation, and equipment readiness; implement and manage KPIs (yield, throughput, quality, schedule adherence) to drive performance and accountability. Documentation, Testing & Traceability: Ensure complete and accurate batch records, material qualification traveler sheets, and process documentation; synthesize and communicate clear material testing summaries to support data-driven decisions and stakeholder alignment. Quality & Process Control: Maintain high-precision specifications through rigorous process control, in-process verification, and structured root cause and corrective action for deviations. Team Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop a team of technicians; establish clear expectations for execution, safety, and documentation; build a culture of accountability, precision, and continuous improvement. Cross-Functional Leadership: Partner closely with development, commercial, quality, and EHS teams to align on priorities, communicate progress and risks, and ensure readiness for customer requirements and scale-up milestones. Safe & Compliant Operations: Integrate EHS requirements into all aspects of operations, including SOPs, training, material handling, and facility practices, ensuring safe and compliant execution at all times. Responsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the business   Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. 5+ years of experience in advanced materials, pilot production, or manufacturing environments. Proven experience leading pilot or production teams, with direct accountability for execution, safety, and performance. Hands-on experience working in pilot-scale or development environments, supporting process iteration, scale-up, and material qualification. Demonstrated experience in process engineering, pilot line operations, or scaling technologies from R&D to production. Strong track record of implementing SOP-driven operations, KPI management, and production documentation systems. Experience managing material flow, production scheduling, and cross-functional coordination.   Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.

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.   Core Expectations & Responsibilities  Critical Priority — Equipment & Vendor Selection: 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.  End-to-End Process Ownership: Own equipment design/requirements, vendor performance and schedule, commissioning activities, process development, and production qualification for a major heavy production process (alloy production, casting, jet milling, powder production, pressing, and sintering operations).  Process Optimization: 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.  Project Management: Manage technical schedules, budgets, and deliverables aligned with company milestones and customer commitments.  Hands-on Startup Support: Provide hands-on support during production startup, helping stabilize processes and eliminate early bottlenecks.  Future Innovation: 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.  EHS & Quality Compliance: Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards across all process activities.  Travel: This position will require some interaction and travel to support equipment development reviews and Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) as needed (estimated at <25% travel).  You will also be responsible for developing, reviewing, or managing the following deliverables:  Risk & Safety: Risk Assessments, Ergonomic Assessments, PFMEA.  Process Design: Line Layouts, Process Flow Charts, Bill of Process (BOP), Station Cycle Times, Process Sheets, and Simulations.  Engineering Diagrams: CAD Drawings, Electrical & Pneumatic Drawings, and performing necessary Electrical and Pneumatic Calculations.  Quality & Control: Quality Control Plans, R&R (Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility) Studies, Quality Checklists, and Process Checklists.  Operations & Maintenance: Work Instructions (SOPs), Calibration Procedures, Spare Parts Lists, Bill of Materials (BOM), and Maintenance Manuals.  Controls & IT: 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  Education & Experience: Bachelor’s or Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical discipline with 3+ years of experience.  CAD Proficiency: Strong, hands-on experience creating, modifying, and validating complex equipment assemblies in CAD.  Equipment Design & Commissioning: A proven track record in heavy custom equipment design, vendor management, and full-cycle commissioning for thermal or raw material processing.  Documentation Mastery: Expert-level experience authoring and developing standard manufacturing documents (PFMEA, Control Plans, Work Instructions, and Process Flows).  Technical Literacy: 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 heavy industrial manufacturing, metallurgy, foundry operations, or chemical processing.  Experience handling reactive powders or managing high-temperature vacuum furnace environments.  Proficiency with advanced simulation software for workflow and line balancing.  Familiarity with MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) implementation and transaction mapping.   

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.   Core Expectations & Responsibilities  Critical Priority — Equipment & Vendor Selection: 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.  End-to-End Process Ownership: 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).  Process Optimization: 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.  Project Management: Manage technical schedules, budgets, and deliverables aligned with company milestones and customer commitments.  Hands-on Startup Support: Provide hands-on support during production startup, helping stabilize processes and eliminate early bottlenecks.  Future Innovation: 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.  EHS & Quality Compliance: Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards across all process activities.  Travel: 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 & Safety: Risk Assessments, Ergonomic Assessments, PFMEA.  Process Design: Line Layouts, Process Flow Charts, Bill of Process (BOP), Station Cycle Times, Process Sheets, and Simulations.  Engineering Diagrams: CAD Drawings, Electrical & Pneumatic Drawings, and performing necessary Electrical and Pneumatic Calculations.  Quality & Control: Quality Control Plans, R&R (Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility) Studies, Quality Checklists, and Process Checklists.  Operations & Maintenance: Work Instructions (SOPs), Calibration Procedures, Spare Parts Lists, Bill of Materials (BOM), and Maintenance Manuals.  Controls & IT: 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  Education & Experience: Bachelor’s or Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical discipline with 3+ years of experience.  CAD Proficiency: Strong, hands-on experience creating, modifying, and validating complex equipment assemblies and custom automation layouts in CAD.  Advanced Automation & Systems: Direct, hands-on experience specifying, integrating, or operating heavy automation, robotics, AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), advanced vision systems, and industrial laser systems.  Documentation Mastery: Expert-level experience authoring and developing standard manufacturing documents (PFMEA, Control Plans, Work Instructions, and Process Flows).  Technical Literacy: 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 Qualificiations 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.