Senior Manager, Machining Operations

About the role

Vulcan Elements is seeking a senior leader to launch and run its new machining operations for rare‑earth magnet production. The role will build the organization, qualify processes, and manage day‑to‑day performance once the equipment is installed.

Key responsibilities

• Own machining process startup end‑to‑end, from equipment specification review through installation, commissioning and rate ramp.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Capital Execution and Automation teams on equipment selection, tooling, fixturing, cell layout and controls integration.
• Lead first‑article inspection, process capability studies and Cpk qualification for machining, grinding, coating and finishing operations.
• Design the shift model, cell structure and technician progression, defining roles and skill blocks across CNC, grinding, coating and inspection.
• Own safety performance and culture, establishing job hazard analysis, pre‑startup safety reviews and shift safety routines.
• Manage Overall Equipment Effectiveness, first‑pass yield, scrap reduction and cycle‑time improvements.
• Control the operating expense budget, including labor, tooling, consumables and plating chemistry, and drive cost‑control initiatives.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 8+ years in precision machining or discrete manufacturing, with at least 5 years leading 24/7 multi‑shift production teams.
• Deep working knowledge of CNC machining and precision grinding, including setup, tooling, feeds, speeds and tool‑life management.
• Strong command of GD&T, dimensional metrology, process capability (Cpk) and statistical process control.
• Proven experience commissioning new machining equipment through first‑article and capability sign‑off.
• Demonstrated ownership of OEE metrics and safety performance in a machining environment.
• Operating budget responsibility with demonstrated cost‑control of labor and consumables.
• U.S. Person status required for access to export‑controlled information.

Required skills

• CNC machining
• Precision grinding
• GD&T
• Dimensional metrology
• Statistical process control (SPC)
• Process capability analysis (Cpk)
• Equipment commissioning
• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) tracking
• Tool life and consumable management
• Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher)
• MES deployment