Mechanical Systems 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 Integrity. As our Mechanical Systems Engineer (water) will support the design, buildout, commissioning, and ongoing operation of cooling water and gas systems at our Benson, NC production facility. This role will be responsible for chilled water and industrial gas distribution, equipment connections, system performance, and reliability. Success in the first 6–12 months will include developing strong system ownership, support facility startup, and ensuring systems are capable of meeting production requirements safely and reliably. This role is expected to be in the Benson, NC facility as construction and operations progress. Responsibilities Serve as the technical owner for facility cooling water and industrial gas systems Support the design, specification, installation, commissioning, and startup of chillers, pumps, heat exchangers, piping, valves, controls, and associated equipment. Develop and review distribution designs, equipment connections, piping layouts, flow requirements, and system operating parameters. Coordinate cooling utility and gas requirements with process equipment suppliers, engineering partners, contractors, and internal stakeholders. Review P&IDs, equipment drawings, specifications, submittals, calculations, and other technical documentation. Support system sizing, hydraulic calculations, pressure drop analysis, equipment selection, and operating strategy development. Provide field engineering support during construction, equipment installation, flushing, pressure testing, balancing, commissioning, and startup. Troubleshoot cooling system performance, reliability, capacity, water quality, and equipment issues. Identify and implement improvements that increase system reliability, efficiency, maintainability, and production capability. Develop and maintain system documentation, operating requirements, equipment records, preventive maintenance recommendations, and engineering standards. Support capital projects and facility modifications that impact cooling water systems and connected production equipment. Track asset utilization and uptime, also including KPI helping ensure uninterrupted service for production teams Own and manage operational costs for assigned systems, including utility consumption and lifecycle costs, while identifying opportunities to improve reliability and reduce total cost of ownership. Responsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the business. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related…