---
title: 'Operator - R&D / Pilot Operations at Vulcan Elements'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/operator-r-d-pilot-operations-vulcan-elements-research-triangle-park-35krxp35k1yr'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-10-18'
---

# Operator - R&D / Pilot Operations at Vulcan Elements

- **Company:** Vulcan Elements
- **Location:** Research Triangle Park, NC
- **Posted:** 2026-10-09
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-18
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/vulcanelements/jobs/5440922008

## Job description

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.

## About Vulcan Elements

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Vulcan Elements manufactures American rare-earth permanent magnets to build a resilient, Western supply chain for critical industries including defense, aerospace, automotive, and AI datacenters.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Seed + Series A + Debt financing)
- **Headquarters**: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States (primary R&D operations also in Research Triangle Park, NC)
- **Founded**: 2023
- **Founders**: John Maslin (CEO) and Dr. Piotr Kulik (CTO)

## Core Business
- Primary industry: Advanced manufacturing of rare earth permanent magnets (neodymium).
- Target customers: B2B and government/defense – enterprise customers in defense, aerospace, automotive, industrial, consumer electronics, AI datacenters, semiconductor fabrication.
- Mission: "Improving U.S. and allied security by producing the Rare Earth Magnets that are critical to economic and national security." – [vulcanelements.com](https://vulcanelements.com/)

## Products & Services
- **Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (Neodymium)**: High-performance sintered and bonded magnets used in motors, generators, sensors, and actuators. Application areas include defense systems, satellites, AI datacenters, semiconductor fabrication, consumer electronics, industrial motors, power tools, and non-drive train motors. – [vulcanelements.com](https://vulcanelements.com/)
- **R&D and Process Optimization**: Developing next-generation magnetic technologies and advanced manufacturing processes focused on efficiency, cost competitiveness, and supply chain transparency. – [vulcanelements.com](https://vulcanelements.com/)

## Market Standing
- **Valuation**: Not publicly disclosed.
- **Total Funding**: $690.2 million (as of November 2025) across three rounds:
  - Seed Round (Dec 2023): $5.2M – 3 investors.
  - Series A (Sep 2025): $65M – led by Washington Harbour Partners and Altimeter.
  - Debt Financing (Nov 2025): $620M – led by the Department of Defense’s Office of Strategic Capital (OSC). – [cbinsights.com](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/vulcan-elements) / [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/vulcan-elements)
- **Key Metric**: Total funding $690.2M; production output of 10 metric tons in 2025.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Department of Defense’s Office of Strategic Capital, Washington Harbour Partners, Altimeter.
- **Growth Signals**: 
  - Announced a $1.4 billion partnership with the United States government.
  - Selected Benson, North Carolina, for a 1.1 million sq ft facility – the largest magnet manufacturing plant outside China.
  - Employee headcount of 38 (+200% YoY) as of mid-2026.
  - Rapidly scaling pilot operations; 37 open job listings on Greenhouse. – [vulcanelements.com](https://vulcanelements.com/) / [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/vulcan-elements) / [greenhouse.io](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/vulcanelements)

## Competitive Advantages
- **Domestic Supply Chain**: The only U.S. company vertically integrating rare earth magnet production, reducing reliance on Chinese supply.
- **Technical Expertise**: Co-founder Dr. Piotr Kulik is one of four rare earth magnet science professors in the U.S. and opened the first academic rare earth magnetics lab in the country in over 20 years.
- **Government Backing**: Strong ties to U.S. national security agencies and over a billion dollars in government-funded partnerships.
- **Process Innovation**: Proprietary process optimization methods aimed at cost competitiveness without sacrificing performance.
- **National Security Focus**: All operations require U.S. Person status, aligning with defense and aerospace customer needs.

## Strategic Focus
- **Scale Production**: Transition from pilot-scale (10 metric tons/year) to mass production at the Benson, NC facility to meet surging demand from defense, AI, and automotive sectors.
- **Supply Chain Resilience**: Partnering exclusively with U.S. and allied-country suppliers (UK, Australia, Japan).
- **R&D**: Developing next-generation magnetic materials and advanced manufacturing processes.
- **Talent Acquisition**: Actively hiring engineers, scientists, operations, and business development talent to support rapid growth. – [greenhouse.io](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/vulcanelements)

## Why Work Here
- **Mission-Driven Culture**: Employees contribute directly to national security and economic resilience, with values of Mission Focus, Technical Excellence, and Transparency. – [vulcanelements.com](https://vulcanelements.com/careers/)
- **Benefits**: Competitive equity, unlimited PTO, 90% health insurance (100% for employee), 99% dental and vision, 401K, fully stocked kitchen. – [vulcanelements.com](https://vulcanelements.com/careers/)
- **Work Environment**: Fast-paced startup with a "startup manufacturer" ethos; roles are largely on-site in Research Triangle Park, NC or Benson, NC. Internship opportunities available with mentorship and real impact on critical projects.
- **Growth Opportunity**: Extremely high headcount growth (+200% YoY) and large-scale facility expansion offer rapid career advancement.
- **U.S. Person Requirement**: Many positions require U.S. Person status due to government contracts.

## Sources
1. [vulcanelements.com](https://vulcanelements.com/)
2. [vulcanelements.com/careers](https://vulcanelements.com/careers/)
3. [greenhouse.io (Vulcan Elements jobs)](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/vulcanelements)
4. [linkedin.com/company/vulcan-elements](https://www.linkedin.com/company/vulcan-elements)
5. [cbinsights.com/company/vulcan-elements](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/vulcan-elements)

## Other roles at Vulcan Elements

- [Laboratory Technician – Materials Characterization](https://feeny.ai/job/laboratory-technician-materials-characterization-vulcan-elements-research-dyjdvhdanh07) — Research Triangle Park, NC
- [Safety Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/safety-manager-vulcan-elements-research-triangle-park-pt78qasw38w5) — Research Triangle Park, NC
- [Maintenance Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/maintenance-manager-vulcan-elements-research-triangle-park-16xbaat3zj0e) — Research Triangle Park, NC
- [Capital Projects Analyst](https://feeny.ai/job/capital-projects-analyst-vulcan-elements-research-triangle-park-r89w58fw2m94) — Research Triangle Park, NC
- [Controls Technician](https://feeny.ai/job/controls-technician-vulcan-elements-research-triangle-park-44dpx717q56q) — Research Triangle Park, NC
- [Mechanical Systems Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-systems-engineer-vulcan-elements-benson-th27p71e149r) — Benson, NC
- [Capital Projects Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/capital-projects-engineer-vulcan-elements-benson-snfcd58ssmqm) — Benson, NC
- [Electrical Systems Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/electrical-systems-engineer-vulcan-elements-benson-t95hqdykgzfk) — Benson, NC
- [Senior Laboratory Technician](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-laboratory-technician-vulcan-elements-research-triangle-park-mc2ps4vvd8jj) — Research Triangle Park, NC
- [Technical Program Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/technical-program-manager-vulcan-elements-benson-bztp80dghrxt) — Benson, NC