Machining Manager

<p><span data-contrast="none">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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="none">The Machining Manager is responsible for leading day-to-day machining operations to safely and reliably produce finished, on-specification magnet shapes from sintered rare-earth material using wire saws, linear and 5-axis grinders, CNC, and EDM. This role is expected to be hands-on, and also manage a team of machinists and operators and works closely with the customer-facing and coating teams to ensure consistent execution, accurate cost and lead-time estimation, and a strong safety culture.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="none">The ideal candidate combines hands-on precision-machining and grinding experience with disciplined operations management and a deep respect for the hazards inherent to machining hard, brittle magnet material. This role begins at Johnston Community College, Advanced Manufacturing Facility in Four Oaks, NC and is expected to move to Benson NC upon completion of a new facility. Some travel to the development site in Durham, NC is expected.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <p><strong><span data-contrast="none">Responsibilities</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <ul> <li><span data-contrast="none">Maintain and operate a variety of CNC equipment including wire EDM, grinders, mills, lathes, wire saws, lasers </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none">Lead, train, and manage a team of machinists and operators conducting magnet finishing. Plan and execute production runs across wire saws, linear grinders, 5-axis grinders, and EDM to meet quality, throughput, and schedule objectives.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none">Process a variety of test samples and parts to internal and external specifications </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none">Maintain a clean, safe, and organized working environment </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none">Create, document, and refine processing parameters for a variety of materials </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none">Perform first article and test inspections on processed parts </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none">Design and implement custom Workholding solutions </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none">Collaborate with engineers and technicians to establish scheduling and processing plans </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none">Maintain a spare parts and consumables inventory </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none">Establish SOPs for Workholding and equipment operation </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none">Allocate personnel, equipment, and materials to support both production and development campaigns.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none">Enforce safety procedures, PPE requirements, and lockout/tagout practices.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <p><em><span data-contrast="none">Responsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the business.</span></em><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <p><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span><strong><span data-contrast="none">Qualifications </span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <ul> <li><span data-contrast="none">Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or equivalent hands-on experience. </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none">Hands-on experience operating precision machining or grinding operations. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none">Minimum 3 years of experience with CAD and CAM software's </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none">Familiarity with G and M code </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none">Familiarity with analog and digital inspection and measurement tools </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none">Read and generate technical drawings </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none">Demonstrated experience managing precision machining or grinding operations, including supervising a team. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none"> Strong understanding of operational safety in machining environments, including dust, coolant, and electrically energized systems (EDM). </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none"> Working knowledge of GD&amp;T, blueprint reading, and dimensional metrology (micrometers, CMM, surface-finish measurement). </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none">Experience developing or maintaining SOPs and operational documentation.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none"> Direct experience with one or more of the following: </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none">Wire saws or precision sawing </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none"> Linear/surface or 5-axis grinding </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none"> Wire or sinker EDM Preferred </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none"> Experience machining or grinding hard, brittle materials — rare-earth magnets, ceramics, carbide, or similar sintered materials. </span></li> </ul> <p><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-props="{}"><em>Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.</em> </span></span></p> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Preferred Qualifications </span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <ul> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience creating custom gcode post processors </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience with multiaxis grinding </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience with laser cutters, waterjets, wire and sinker EDMs, and diamond wire saws </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience with die and toolmaking </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience with automated part loading </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="none">Experience estimating cost and lead time for quoting new and repeat work. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <p><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Physical and Environmental Requirements</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">The position requires regular presence on the production floor 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 involves exposure to cut hazards and other physical risks associated with equipment, tools, and production processes. Employees must be able to recognize and avoid sharp edges, moving parts, and other potential sources of injury.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">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 production environment.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <p><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>