Job Scope

Reporting to the Engineering Manager, this position is responsible for the development and execution of advanced ceramics manufacturing processes to produce precision ceramic parts and components. The candidate must have diversified knowledge that includes ceramics forming methods, heat treatment, basic materials testing and inspection methods, and experience with design-for-manufacturability principles, structured problem solving, and shop floor control.

Responsibilities

• Performs research, design, and development of manufacturing processes, methods, and controls incoming material quality, mixing, forming, product handling, heat treatment, inspection, and testing.
• Designs custom equipment, tools, fixtures, and supporting apparatus to improve manufacturing production rates, yields, cost, and quality.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing drawings, procedures, work instructions, and other quality control documentation.
• Assist with ceramic manufacturing and production as needed, processing materials and parts, scheduling work, and monitoring work in process.
• Evaluates and troubleshoots manufacturing or quality issues using designed experiments, structured root cause and problem-solving techniques.
• Assumes responsibility for cleanliness, safety, and environmental issues associated with manufacturing processes, equipment, and work areas.
• Maintain detailed and organized records of all research, design, and development work through laboratory notebook and written reports.
• Provides engineering progress, manufacturing performance, and project status reports to the engineering and management teams in a timely manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications & Education

• B.S. degree in Ceramics, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related area.
• Hands on experience in ceramic processing methods.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a related area involving manufacturing processes utilizing raw materials, mixing, part formation, high temperature heat-treatment, and materials defect inspection and testing methods
• Basic understanding of Quality Management Systems under ISO 9001
• Experience developing and documenting procedures and work instructions
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Additional Qualifications

• A product quality focus and attention to detail.
• Ability to clearly present ideas and issues in written and verbal formats.
• Good time management and planning skills.
• Independent thinker with proactive approach to solving problems and identifying preventive actions.
• Experience working with external vendors, negotiating cost and delivery terms and establishing inspection and quality requirements.
• Comfortable working and interacting in a small team environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced setting where priorities can shift, and quick response times are paramount.

Job Scope

The Senior Manufacturing Technician will have broad responsibilities related to manufacturing advanced ceramic prototypes and products for government, defense, and commercial customers. The successful candidate will contribute to development projects and manufacturing efforts with direct manufacturing labor (ceramic powder processing, forming, drying, heat treatment, outside service scheduling) and indirect support by ensuring that equipment, tooling, and measurement systems are operating per specifications, properly maintained & repaired, and set up for use in safe, accessible, and efficient configurations.

This hands-on role requires extensive process development with manufacturing advanced materials. The Senior Technician will have demonstrated abilities working with a wide range of laboratory and large-scale processing, manufacturing, and measurement equipment. This position requires a highly self-motivated individual with a positive attitude and a strong desire to get things done. The successful candidate must have a professional work ethic, high capacity to multi-task, and be able to interact with all employees in a small team environment.

Process development and manufacturing responsibilities:

• Assisting with design, fabrication, and assembly of ceramic blank forming fixtures and tooling
• Fabricating green ceramic parts from raw materials (ceramic powder and/or slurry preparation, cold pressing, casting, injection molding, etc.)
• Executing experiments as directed in support of process development work
• Recording data neatly and accurately in production travelers, laboratory notebooks, and electronic logs.
• Performing physical, dimensional, and optical metrology measurements as needed.

Equipment operation and maintenance responsibilities:

• Ceramic milling and mixing equipment
• Controlled temperature/relative humidity environmental chambers
• Various bench top and floor standing high temperature furnaces (up to 1750 °C)
• Compounding, extrusion, injection molding, and hydraulic press systems
• Water filtration and distillation equipment
• Cold (Carver) press and controlled environment hot press systems
• Precision contact and optical measurement tools (e.g., calipers, profilometers, etc.)
• Utility (electric, water, gas) connections for equipment.
• Contact with equipment manufacturers and suppliers for maintenance needs and repair.

Additional responsibilities:

• Monitoring and maintaining lab supplies and consumables.
• Assisting with hazardous waste collection and disposal.
• Help drive and maintain an organized lab and manufacturing setting; support 5S practices.
• Assisting with shipping and receiving activities – insure incoming and outgoing shipments are correctly processed, received, recorded, and stored in proper locations.
• Help manage and maintain material SDS logs.
• Help enforce safety training and compliance.
• Aid the development and implementation of ISO-based methodologies and documents.
• Assist with report writing and support for customer meetings and visits, as needed.

Qualifications / Skills

• A minimum 10 years’ experience in development and manufacturing of advanced materials.
• An Associate degree or equivalent in materials, manufacturing, or engineering is desired.
• Basic shop knowledge and hands-on skills for fabricating custom fixtures and assemblies from metal / wood / plastic.
• Extensive experience dealing with equipment, material and repair suppliers and service providers.
• Excellent observation and record keeping skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications.
• Some knowledge of Six Sigma practices including SPC, process capability, problem solving and root cause analysis.
• Familiarity with testing and experimental procedures including DOE methods/analysis.
• Understanding of ISO-related requirements and practices.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently and multitask in a fast-paced team environment; attention to detail and a willingness to learn.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.