QorTek Inc.
Location: State College, PA
Department/Group: Engineering
Start Date: Negotiable
Position Type: Full-time
Date Posted: 7/24/2024
QorTek Inc. is seeking a Ceramic Process Engineer who will be responsible for developing high yield and high throughput robust manufacturing processes for piezoelectric ceramic compositions and components. The successful candidate will deliver step change improvements in processes and new products and use scientific methods to develop fundamental understanding of piezo manufacturing processes leading to improved process control, product quality, and reduced manufacturing costs. This position will be on-site in our State College, PA facility.
About Qortek
QorTek Inc. is a leading developer of world-class piezoceramic materials, power electronic systems, and piezoelectric device technology solutions. The Company is actively engaged in various stages of technology development from concept feasibility to advanced engineering and manufacturing of products for defense and commercial applications. QorTek is a small business with a lively culture focused on technology advancement, career development, and a flexible work-life balance. QorTek employees enjoy solving a variety of technical challenges within teams that value mutual respect.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work in a flat organizational structure and in multidisciplinary cross-functional teams with sales, engineering, quality, and manufacturing.
- Provide hands-on support and fundamental understanding of piezoelectric ceramic manufacturing processes, including compositional formulations, powder processing, forming, sintering, machining, electrode printing, polarization, and final characterizations.
- Use statistical and scientific methods to develop fundamental understanding and translate it into process improvements.
- Design process experiments to determine and optimize important process variables and product parameters.
- Manage the process from prototype through first article and low-rate initial production (LRIP).
- Use engineering principles and data to help solve problems and troubleshoot production issues.
- Translate findings into reports and presentations to leadership that can be understood and are actionable.
- Ensure process improvement results are communicated, evaluated, and implemented
- Create work breakdown structures (WBS) and understand labor and cost impact on process changes
- Promote and develop technical growth and responsibility among department technicians and processors
- Create standard operating procedures (SOP’s) and train production staff in key process areas
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
- U.S. Citizen Or Permanent Resident Status Is Required.
- BS in Materials Science and Engineering, or equivalent degree plus relevant work experience
- 5+ years of experience in ceramic processing
- Experience in use of material characterization tools such as XRD, SEM, and EDS. Technical understanding of equipment function and principles, as well as aptitude to learn unfamiliar equipment.
- Flexible, self-motivated with strong initiative and ability to manage multiple projects proactively
- Data driven, detail oriented, time and cost conscious.
- Thrive in an entrepreneurial environment.
- Time Management skills and ability to stay focused and productive on company objectives and changing priorities.
- Experience in the use of standard MS Office applications.
- Good oral and written communication skills.
- Proven “hands on” skills and people skills.
- Ability to handle (Lift/Carry/Push/Pull) up to 25 lbs. and be able to work in an active lab environment
- Other tasks as required to support the business objectives.
