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 Controls Engineer you will own controls execution for the magnet equipment portfolio within a massive 1 million square foot manufacturing facility expansion . You will own your equipment packages cradle-to-grave - design review, FAT witness, site commissioning, and sustaining support This is a high-impact, high-ownership leadership role requiring technical expertise in industrial automation. The role includes hands-on implementation and domestic travel to OEM FATs 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.

Responsibilities

• PLC Programming & Commissioning : Execute hands-on programming, debugging, and commissioning of Siemens and AllenBradley/Rockwell PLCs and HMIs for new and existing automation equipment.
• Advanced Automation & System Integration : Drive the integration and commissioning of robotics, conveyors, and motion control systems - including servos and VFDs - to enable seamless material flow and high reliability production operations.
• SCADA/MES Connectivity : Configure and maintain communications between PLCs/HMIs and SCADA/Batch systems. Support tag mapping, alarming, and data acquisition to the site SCADA platform as required.
• Vendor Technical Support & FATs : Review vendor electrical schematics, controls architectures, and PLC/HMI logic. Participate in and support Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and Site Acceptance Tests (SATs) to ensure full compliance with functional and safety requirements.
• Troubleshooting & Technical Escalation : Serve as the first-line, hands-on responder for diagnosing complex automation issues involving networks, motion systems, instrumentation, and industrial communication protocols.

Deliverables You Will Develop, Review, or Support

• Controls & IT : PLC code architecture, HMI screens, vision inspection programs, tag databases, network lists, and system backups.
• Risk & Safety : Controls risk assessments, interlock/guarding logic, and safety rated PFMEA inputs.
• Process Design : Contro