Metrology Lead

Job Description

Job Description

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.

Initially supporting Pilot operations in Durham, then transitioning and moving to Benson (early 2027), the Metrology Lead is responsible for developing and managing the company's measurement systems to ensure product quality from development through high-volume manufacturing. This role serves as the owner for metrology strategy, partnering closely with the Analytical Laboratory, R&D, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain.

The role focuses on ensuring that critical product and process characteristics outlined in the Control Plan can be measured accurately, repeatably, and efficiently throughout the product lifecycle. This includes defining measurement requirements, selecting and qualifying metrology equipment, developing inspection methods, performing Measurement System Analysis (MSA), implementing Statistical Process Control (SPC), and transferring qualified measurement systems from Pilot to Benson manufacturing.

Responsibilities

Measurement Strategy

• Assess current metrology capabilities against product, process, and customer requirements.
• Develop the company's metrology roadmap to support Pilot operations and future high-volume manufacturing.
• Define measurement requirements for Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) characteristics identified through PFMEAs and Control Plans.
• Define measurement methods and sampling plans within Control Plans.
• Ensure measurement capability supports process capability objectives and production readiness.

Measurement Systems Analysis

• Lead selection, specification, procurement, installation, and qualification of metrology equipment.
• Develop equipment qualification protocols and acceptance criteria.
• Develop and validate inspection and measurement methods in collaboration with the Analytical Laboratory.
• Help to perform Gauge R&R, bias, linearity and stability studies.
• Establish measurement uncertainty where appropriate.
• Ensure appropriate calibration, preventive maintenance, and lifecycle management of quality inspection equipment.

Statistical Quality

• Support the development and implementation of SPC strategies for operation.
• Support process capability studies (Cp, Cpk).
• Analyze quality data and identify opportunities for process improvement.

Method Development & Transfer

• Standardize measurement methods across facilities.
• Lead installation, and qualification of metrology equipment in Benson facility.
• Lead transfer of qualified inspection methods from Pilot to Benson.
• Create SOPs, work instructions, and training materials.

Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Support ISO 9001 implementation and measurement-related processes.
• Develop laboratory and metrology practices consistent with ISO/IEC 17025 principles where applicable.
• Support internal audits, customer audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the business

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related technical discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing quality, metrology, or measurement systems, with reduced experience requirements for candidates holding advanced degrees (M.S. or Ph.D.)
• Strong experience in analytical method development.
• Strong experience with MSA and SPC.
• Experience selecting and qualifying metrology equipment.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and measurement system requirements.
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory principles.
• Experience supporting new product introduction and manufacturing scale-up.
• Excellent statistical analysis and problem-solving skills.

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