Vulcan Materials Company

Senior Machining Process Engineer - R&D

Vulcan Materials Company • $90K — $120K *
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or equivalent hands-on experience.
  • 5+ years of process engineering experience in machining/finishing.
  • Proven ownership of a machining process from development to production release.
  • Experience with NdFeB or permanent magnet materials is advantageous; however, strong expertise in grinding is sufficient for training.
  • U.S. Person status required for access to export-controlled information.

Responsibilities

  • Evaluate and optimize machining pathways including wire sawing and precision grinding.
  • Establish SPC baselines and drive defect rates down using data analysis.
  • Select and validate new machining and finishing processes through vendor trials.
  • Document and hand off validated processes to pilot production for high-volume magnet manufacturing.
  • Develop and optimize slicing, grinding, and tumbling processes to minimize loss and maximize yield.
  • Create novel tooling and fixturing as necessary for efficient machining processes.
  • Analyze surface effects on coating adhesion, corrosion, and magnetic performance.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in magnet production.
  • Hands-on experience with abrasive machining of advanced materials.
  • Potential for professional development and skills enhancement in process engineering.
  • Collaborative work environment with focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
Full Job Description
Sintered NdFeB magnets are a challenge to machine and finish: hard, brittle, chip-prone, corrosion-sensitive. As a Machining Process Engineer you will own the key performance indicators for machining and finishing processes that turn sintered magnet blocks into finished coating-ready parts. You will evaluate and optimize machining pathways, including wire sawing, precision grinding, tumbling, and other processes.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on abrasive machining expert who can also make a detailed and quantitative process flow diagram. You will improve existing machining methods, including slicing, grinding, chamfering, and surface prep. You will select and qualify new shaping processes from lab-scale development to validated, documented production handoff.

Responsibilities

Process Characterization, Metrology & Quality
    • Metrology, surface finish, and inspection methods
    • Establish SPC and capability baselines and drive loss/defect rates down with data

Equipment Specification & New Process Introduction (NPI)
    • Evaluate, specify, and justify new machining and finishing processes to Vulcan; run vendor trials, define acceptance criteria.
    • Document developed processes and hand off validated, capable processes to pilot production - including processes destined for future high-volume magnet factory programs.

Optimization of Existing Machining Processes
    • Develop and optimize slicing, grinding, abrasive, tumbling processes
    • Minimize loss and maximize material yield while holding thickness tolerance, TTV, bow, and warp targets; quantify the yield-vs-throughput trade space for varying magnet geometries.
    • Development of novel tooling and fixturing as needed
    • Understand and quantify surface effects on downstream coating adhesion, corrosion, and magnetic performance.

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

We are looking for depth in abrasive machining plus the range to own everything around it:
  • Abrasive Machining of Hard/Brittle Materials: Direct experience machining sintered magnets, technical ceramics, carbide, glass, silicon/semiconductor wafers, or similar brittle materials.
  • Diamond Tooling: Working knowledge of diamond wire, wheel, and media specification.
  • Machine Craft: Comfortable at the machine: setup, alignment, fixturing, troubleshooting vibration and chatter.
  • Coolant & Filtration Systems: Practical understanding of coolant chemistry, delivery, filtration technologies, and swarf/sludge handling.
  • Statistics & DOE: Fluency in designed experiments, measurement system analysis, SPC, and capability studies.
  • Metrology & GD&T: Strong command of GD&T interpretation and precision dimensional/surface metrology at micron scale.
  • CAD & Fixture Design: Able to design and iterate workholding, carriers, and handling fixtures (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar).

Qualifications
  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or equivalent hands-on experience.
  • 5+ years of process engineering experience in machining/finishing.
  • Demonstrated ownership of a machining process from development through production release.
  • Experience with NdFeB or other permanent magnet materials is a strong plus, but we will gladly teach magnets to someone who deeply knows grinding.
  • Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.

Desired Skills
  • Experience in semiconductor wafering, optics fabrication, cutting tool manufacturing, or technical ceramics.

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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