Sr. Controls Engineer

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 the Sr. Controls Engineer (FAT/CSV) you will lead automation acceptance and commissioning for a massive 1 million square foot manufacturing facility expansion. You will own the automation acceptance thread across a large OEM equipment campaign - authoring standardized FAT/SAT protocols, running the program-wide punch register; writing, modifying, and troubleshooting PLC code from punch-item fixes through commissioning and a share of live controls support. This is a high-impact, high-ownership role requiring deep technical expertise in industrial automation. Domestic and international travel to OEM facilities up to ~50% during test campaigns. 

This role begins in Durham, NC and is expected to move to Benson, NC upon completion of new facility.

• →Background as a commissioning-focused controls engineer at a system integrator or machine OEM - someone who has both written machine code and accepted other people’s. 
• →Robotics & Vision Systems: Working experience with multi axis robotic systems (Fanuc, Kuka, ABB) and machine vision platforms (Cognex, Keyence) 
• →Experience in heavy industrial, greenfield, chemical, or metallurgical manufacturing environments. 
• →Experience developing SCADA applications in Ignition, FactoryTalk, Wonderware, or similar platforms. 
• →AGV integration experience 
• →Familiarity with Python, C++, or other high-level languages for automation or data analytics. 
• →Experience in regulated industries or such as Defense, Aerospace, or Automotive or GAMP 5 / computer system validation exposure 

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