Facilities ManagerVulcan 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.The Facilities Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of Vulcan Elements' R&D facility (~21,000 sq ft), a pilot-scale NdFeB magnet manufacturing space supporting near-continuous, high-uptime operations, while also supporting facility readiness and startup activities at the Production Facility currently under construction in Benson, NC. This role balances ongoing operational support at an active site with forward-looking coordination on a greenfield facility — working closely with the construction/project team to ensure a smooth transition from construction to operations and eventually taking on full facilities management responsibility at both locations.ResponsibilitiesR&D Facility (Operational)Manage day-to-day facility operations, including building systems, grounds, and general upkeepRespond to and troubleshoot facility system failures, coordinating repairs with internal staff or contractorsManage vendor/contractor relationships (HVAC, electrical, janitorial, pest control, fire/life safety inspections, etc.)Coordinate with landlord for communications involving parking, outages, facility upgrades.Track facility-related budgets, PM contracts, and minor capital purchasesPrioritize and sequence facility upgrade projects based on production impact, urgency, and budget, particularly to support 24/7 production plansScope, budget, and manage facility improvement projects from initiation through completion, including contractor coordination and schedule trackingSupport space planning and layout changes as R&D needs evolveCoordinate permits, inspections, and code complianceProduction Facility (Construction / Startup Transition)Serve as a facility-side point of contact during construction, coordinating with the project team (owner's rep, GC, commissioning agents) on facility-related turnover itemsReview facility systems designs (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire protection) from an operations/maintainability perspective and flag concerns during design/constructionParticipate in commissioning and pre-occupancy walkthroughs; track punch list items related to facility systemsSupport development of a facilities staffing/organizational plan for the production sitePlan and stand-up facility operations at turnover: janitorial, waste management, landscaping, security, pest control, and other site servicesSupport the transition from construction warranty period into steady-state operations, including tracking warranty items and contractor callbacksBoth SitesManage facility security systems (badge access, cameras, alarms) in coordination with IT/SecuritySupport EHS initiatives related to facility conditions (housekeeping, egress, signage, spill containment) in coordination with EHS teamTravel between R&D and Production sites as neededResponsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the businessQualifications5+ years of facilities management experience in an industrial or manufacturing environmentExperience supporting a facility through construction/commissioning into operations is a strong plusWorking knowledge of building systems: HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire protectionExperience managing outside contractors and service vendorsFamiliarity with OSHA, NFPA, and local building/fire codesComfortable operating with some ambiguity, given the production site is still under developmentMust be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.Physical and Environmental RequirementsThe 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.