Project Engineer – Equipment & Industrial Construction

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.

Key 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.

Responsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the business

Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.