Operator - R&D / Pilot Operations

Operator - R&D / Pilot Operations

Location: Vulcan Elements R&D Facility - Research Triangle Park, NC

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 an Operator supporting Vulcan's R&D and pilot operations, you will work hands-on with engineers, technicians and technical leaders to safely execute manufacturing processes while helping develop and improve the processes that will support Vulcan's future production operations.
This position is based at Vulcan's R&D facility in Research Triangle Park, NC and is intended to remain part of our R&D and pilot operations team.
Unlike a traditional high-volume production role, this environment requires flexibility, curiosity and comfort working with processes and equipment that continue to evolve. Operators may support experimental production campaigns, equipment trials, process development, commissioning activities and continuous improvement work.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys hands-on manufacturing but also wants to understand how and why a process works.

Responsibilities
• Safely execute pilot-scale and R&D manufacturing processes in partnership with engineering and technical teams.
• Prepare equipment and work areas prior to startup, including cleaning, inspection and execution of field checklists.
• Execute controlled startup, steady-state operation, shutdown and cleaning procedures.
• Monitor PLC/HMI systems and respond to alarms, deviations and abnormal operating conditions.
• Collect in-process samples and ensure accurate handling, identification and documentation.
• Perform metal tapping, material handling and other high-temperature process activities in accordance with established procedures.
• Support experimental production runs and process-development campaigns.
• Accurately document process conditions, observations, abnormalities and equipment performance to support engineering analysis.
• Work closely with engineers and technicians to troubleshoot equipment and process issues.
• Support equipment installation, commissioning, qualification and modification activities.
• Assist with development and refinement of SOPs, work instructions, checklists and operating practices.
• Adapt to changing processes, equipment configurations and priorities as development work progresses.
• Provide practical operator feedback regarding equipment usability, safety, maintainability and process execution.
• Maintain strong housekeeping and organized working conditions throughout the R&D and pilot environment.
• Contribute to continuous equipment, process and facility improvements.

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

Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Hands-on experience or demonstrated aptitude in industrial, manufacturing, laboratory, mechanical or technical operations.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn unfamiliar equipment and processes.
• Ability to follow written procedures and safety instructions while adapting appropriately as processes evolve.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately document observations and operating conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, technicians and operations leadership.
• Comfort working in an environment where priorities, equipment and processes may change as technology develops.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working in pilot plants, R&D manufacturing, process development or startup manufacturing environments.
• Experience operating vacuum furnaces, casting machines, atomizers or similar metal manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with molten metal handling or high-temperature processes.
• Knowledge of foundry operations or pyrometallurgy.
• Experience monitoring PLC/HMI systems.
• Experience commissioning, modifying or troubleshooting industrial equipment.
• Forklift and lifting/rigging equipment operation; certification preferred.
• Experience with welding, plumbing, fabrication, machining or CAD.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

The position requires regular presence in Vulcan's R&D and pilot R&D environment and the ability to navigate all areas of the facility. Candidates must be able to climb stairs, stand and walk for extended periods, and work in environments that may be hot, humid or noisy.
The role may involve exposure to cut hazards and other physical risks associated with equipment, tools and manufacturing processes. Employees must be able to recognize and avoid sharp edges, moving parts and other potential sources of injury. Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs and perform physically demanding work in an industrial environment.

This position also requires the use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, and adherence to all applicable safety policies, procedures and regulatory requirements. Employees must complete required fit testing, wear appropriate PPE for the duration of assigned tasks and respond safely to changing conditions within the R&D environment.