Thermal Hardware Specialist, Kiln - Level 4/5

About the role

This role is responsible for overseeing the operations, parameters, and maintenance of several sintering roller hearth kilns and dryers, bridging the technician day to day work and operations of machinery with engineering. The Specialist will be constantly monitoring equipment with the technician team using a hands-on approach, ensuring processes, procedures, and training are well maintained and in place with the main goal of maximizing equipment reliability and product quality output.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and adjust kiln parameters: continuously observe kiln operations, adjusting burners, temperature, pressure, and rollers to maintain optimal performance
• Conduct regular analyses to assess kiln efficiency and identify areas for improvement
• Perform routine inspections to verify the functionality of kiln components and identify potential issues
• Interpret alarms and operational trends to make informed adjustments to kiln settings in partnership with engineering
• Complete daily work orders that will oversee technician work orders, ensuring that kiln outputs meet defined quality criteria
• Ensure that preventive maintenance tasks are performed in a timely manner, and that spare parts are in good condition
• Calibrate instruments and control systems to maintain accurate readings and control
• Adhere to all safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe handling of materials.
• Maintain and support development of work instructions, procedures, work orders and daily tech routine for all kilns and dryers
• Ensure good documentation, training and standard procedures are in place to ensure high level of technician understanding and operation of machinery
• Understand and react with engineering and suppliers recommendations and directions for maintenance plans
• Give visibility of machinery up and down time to ensure that corrective actions are being taken to improve machinery reliability
• Champion maintenance tickets, training and execution by technicians and production teams
• Develop machinery Key Performance Indicators to support day to day operations
• Ensure spare parts (Machine Bill of Material - MBoM) are properly created in the systems generating good replenishment system to allow quick turnaround for maintenance execution
• Work hand to hand with supervisors and production planning to ensure technicians execution of preventive maintenance plan, making sure that properly down times are planned to allow machinery preventive maintenance

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 7+ years of professional experience working with kiln machining

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, enthusiasm for the team's spirit of innovation and mission of improving reliability in cutting-edge technology
• Demonstrated application of process controls in high volume manufacturing, test, and quality environment
• Knowledge of quality tools, measurement systems analysis, design of experiments, statistical process control, root cause analysis and corrective action, control plans, and various problem-solving approaches
• Experience developing or supporting any of the following products/processes:
• Complex mechanical/structural assemblies
• Fluid component/valve assembly
• CNC machining, forming, bending
• Bonding, drilling, fastening and other assembly manufacturing processes
• Computer skill sets such as SQL, Microsoft Office, or other electronic systems

Additional Requirements

• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Ability to work in high-temperature environments and stand for extended periods
• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and offsite as needed
• Physical effort with some handling of lightweight supplies or materials (up to 25 lbs. unassisted)
• Must be willing to travel for business and operational needs, travel requirement is up to 15%

Itar Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.