Vulcan Materials Company

Pilot Process Engineering Lead

Vulcan Materials Company • $100K — $130K *
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 3+ years of process engineering or manufacturing engineering experience in chemical or materials production.
  • Hands-on experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and ERP integration.
  • Proven record of owning and improving live production processes with deviation management.
  • Proficiency in data analysis tools like Python or SQL for dashboard and data pipeline creation.
  • Experience in authoring SOPs and maintaining production documentation in a regulated environment.

Responsibilities

  • Lead MES implementation for recipe management and data integration at the pilot plant.
  • Serve as the operations interface for ERP, managing production orders and inventory transactions.
  • Develop real-time production dashboards and maintain process data pipelines.
  • Ensure scalable data architecture to support transition from pilot to commercial production.
  • Troubleshoot on-floor production issues and lead structured problem-solving efforts.
  • Manage production scheduling and report on throughput and efficiency metrics.
  • Author and train on SOPs while enforcing change control on all operational documents.

Benefits

  • Opportunity for career advancement to production engineering leadership.
  • Hands-on experience in a pilot plant setting leading to commercial production.
  • Direct influence on the design and staffing of the commercial facility.
  • Involvement in cutting-edge technology and process development in rare earth magnet production.
Full Job Description
As the Pilot Process Engineering Lead, you will own the operational and engineering backbone of our rare earth magnet pilot plant from floor-level production support to MES/ERP architecture - and build the technology transfer foundation that takes us from pilot to commercial production at our Benson facility.

Responsibilities

OT Data Integration and Analytics Focal Point
  • Lead MES implementation at the pilot plant, including recipe management, electronic batch records, equipment integration, and data historian connectivity.
  • Serve as the primary operations interface for ERP integration - production orders, material consumption, inventory transactions, and batch genealogy.
  • Build and maintain process data pipelines; develop operator-facing dashboards for real-time production visibility.
  • Ensure MES and ERP data architecture is designed from the start to scale directly to the Benson commercial facility with minimal rework.
  • Drive data integrity across production records, material traceability, and batch history - audit-ready and transfer-ready at all times.

Production Operations
  • Work on the floor with operators during magnet production runs: powder handling, pressing, sintering, and post-process finishing.
  • Own production scheduling support, shift standup, and daily reporting across throughput, yield, uptime, and open deviations.
  • Troubleshoot process deviations and equipment issues in real time; lead structured problem-solving and document root cause findings.
  • Partner with maintenance on preventive maintenance schedules and failure mode tracking to continuously improve equipment uptime.
  • Manage production consumables, tooling, and material readiness to keep runs on schedule.

Process Engineering & Recipes
  • Own production recipe documentation - pressing parameters, sintering profiles, atmosphere controls, and post-processing specs - in close alignment with R&D.
  • Execute and support process improvement trials at the pilot plant; analyze data and translate findings into updated procedures.
  • Apply statistical process control (SPC) and trend analysis to critical process parameters; identify drift early and drive corrective action before it impacts output.
  • Build and maintain the process characterization package that underpins commercial scale-up.

Quality Documentation & Change Control
  • Author, maintain, and train to production SOPs covering all pilot plant operations: equipment, process steps, safety, and quality checks.
  • Enforce rigorous change control on recipes and procedures - every revision documented, approved, and reflected in the MES.
  • Support internal audits and customer/partner quality reviews with organized, traceable production records.

Technology Transfer to Benson
  • Build and maintain the technology transfer package: process descriptions, critical parameters, operating ranges, known failure modes, and scale-up considerations.
  • Partner with R&D to translate experimental results into validated production procedures ready for commercial deployment.
  • Contribute to Benson equipment specifications, capacity planning, and production readiness - with direct input into how the commercial facility is designed and staffed.
  • This role is the direct path to a production engineering leadership position at Benson; the pilot plant is where that foundation gets built.

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

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 3+ years of process engineering or manufacturing engineering experience in a production environment - chemicals, advanced materials, metals, or similar process-intensive industries.
  • Hands-on experience with MES platforms (recipe management, electronic batch records, equipment integration); familiarity with ERP systems and production/inventory transaction workflows.
  • Demonstrated ability to own and improve a live production process - scheduling, deviation management, SPC, and root cause analysis.
  • Proficiency with data analysis tools (Python, SQL, or similar); ability to build and maintain process data pipelines and operator dashboards without heavy IT support.
  • Experience authoring and maintaining SOPs, batch records, and process documentation in a regulated or audit-ready environment.

Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.

About Vulcan Materials Company

Vulcan Materials Company is the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregates, primarily crushed stone, sand and gravel, and a major producer of other construction materials including asphalt and ready-mixed concrete. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Vulcan operates aggregate facilities, serving markets in 18 states, the District of Columbia, Mexico and the Bahamas, and employing 7,211 dedicated men and women.

Vulcan Materials Company Careers

Join the robust team at Vulcan Materials Company, the nation's largest producer of construction aggregates and a leader in the production of other construction materials. Our dedicated professionals are at the forefront of industry innovation and sustainability, making now the most exciting time to advance your career with us.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career at Vulcan Materials Company and contribute to the infrastructure of tomorrow. Engage in meaningful work that makes a tangible impact on our communities. With a variety of job opportunities across multiple disciplines, you can find your perfect fit within our dynamic team.

Innovate and Lead

At Vulcan Materials Company, innovation and leadership go hand in hand. Drive change and efficiency in the construction materials industry by leveraging your skills in one of our leadership or technical positions. Our commitment to innovation isn't just about technology; it's about fostering a culture where diverse ideas and perspectives lead to groundbreaking solutions.

Grow and Develop

We believe in the growth and professional development of our employees. Vulcan offers comprehensive training programs and development opportunities that encourage our team members to expand their skills and advance their careers. From internships to leadership roles, the potential for professional growth within our company is limitless.

Be Part of Our Team

Our team at Vulcan Materials Company is our strongest asset. We prioritize a culture of safety, diversity, and inclusion, where every team member is valued and given the opportunity to thrive. Join us and be part of a team that is dedicated to excellence and leadership in the industry.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you’re starting your career or looking to make a significant impact in your professional journey, Vulcan Materials Company offers a range of positions from entry-level to senior management. Explore job opportunities that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for new talent to join our professional network.

Benefits and Culture

Vulcan Materials Company is committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package that meets the needs of our employees and their families. These benefits include health care, retirement plans, and wellness programs. Our culture is centered on building strong teams, recognizing achievements, and promoting from within.

Stay Connected

Stay ahead in your career by connecting with Vulcan Materials Company. Keep up to date with the latest company news, industry insights, and career tips by visiting our Careers Blog. Engage with us through professional networking events and stay informed about upcoming job fairs and interview opportunities.

Apply Now

Ready to make a difference? Start your journey with Vulcan Materials Company by exploring open positions that align with your career aspirations. Submit your resume, complete your application, and prepare for an interview where you can showcase your unique qualifications.

Join Vulcan Materials Company—where your career is set in stone.

[SEARCH VULCAN MATERIALS JOBS] [READ CAREERS BLOG]
Learn more about Vulcan Materials Company
Size
11,437 employees
Market Cap
$23.1 billion
Industry
Real Estate & Construction
Net Income
$584.4 million
Founded
1909
5 Year Trend
+9.1%
Revenue
$4.8 billion
NASDAQ
VMC
* Ladders Estimates

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