Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

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.

This Mechanical Engineer position will support a major manufacturing expansion, with responsibility spanning design, installation, commissioning, startup, operation, and handover of critical mechanical and utility systems. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in industrial environments and wants to own complex mechanical infrastructure from concept through long‑term operation.

The Mechanical Engineer will lead mechanical utility design and installation—including chilled water, cooling water, domestic water, compressed air, argon, nitrogen, and hydrogen systems—and support the integration of new production equipment. As the facility reaches steady state operation, this role has the potential to evolve into an asset ownership or system stewardship position, providing long‑term technical leadership for mechanical systems. 

This role begins in Durham, NC and is expected to move to Benson, NC upon completion of new facility.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, specification, and installation of mechanical utility systems: chilled water, cooling water, domestic water, compressed air, argon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and related distribution infrastructure.
• Work with EPC contractors developing mechanical system layouts, P&IDs, equipment specifications, and installation packages using CAD tools (AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks)
• Manage mechanical installation activities with EPC, GC, contractors, OEMs, and internal maintenance and operations teams.
• Oversee equipment and utility system commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and performance validation.
• Support production equipment installation by ensuring proper mechanical utility integration and system readiness.
• Conduct field inspections to verify installation quality, safety compliance, and adherence to engineering standards.
• Develop project scopes, schedules, budgets, and technical documentation for mechanical utility and equipment projects.
• Support procurement, cost tracking, and reporting.
• Lead or participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system reliability, energy efficiency, and maintainability.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety standards throughout all project phases.
• Communicate project status, risks, and milestones to leadership and cross‑functional teams.
• Provide technical support during startup and early production, transitioning systems to operations and maintenance teams with proper documentation and training.

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 Engineering Technology.
• 3+ years of experience in mechanical engineering within an industrial, manufacturing, or heavy‑industry environment.
• Strong understanding of mechanical utility systems, piping design, fluid systems, and industrial equipment.
• Experience with industrial utilities such as chilled water, cooling water, compressed air, or industrial gases.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks) and project management software.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, schematics, and technical specifications.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work in active industrial environments and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with industrial gas systems (argon, nitrogen, hydrogen) or high‑purity piping.
• Exposure to capital project budgeting, procurement, and contractor management.
• Knowledge of industrial utilities such as power distribution, HVAC, and process cooling.
• Certifications such as OSHA 30, PMP, EIT/FE, Six Sigma, or similar.
• Experience with commissioning, reliability engineering, or long‑term asset ownership.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

The position requires regular presence on the production floor and the ability to navigate all areas of the facility. Candidates must be able to climb stairs, stand and walk for extended periods, and work in environments that may be hot, humid, or noisy. The role also requires the use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, and adherence to all applicable safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Employees must be able to complete required fit testing, wear appropriate PPE for the duration of assigned tasks, and respond safely to changing conditions within the production environment.