**Position Overview**
We are looking for a Thermal Spray Engineer to enhance the development, optimization, and production of advanced coating processes specifically tailored for aerospace and industrial gas turbine components.
This role requires a hands-on approach to manufacturing engineering, emphasizing expertise in Air Plasma Spray (APS) and thermal spray technologies.
The engineer will engage with robotic coating systems, focusing on process development, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives. Collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams will be key to advancing process capability, quality, efficiency, and readiness for production.
**Key Responsibilities**
- Develop, qualify, and refine Air Plasma Spray (APS) and various thermal spray coating processes.
- Create and optimize robotic spray programs, tooling, and fixtures, including precise process parameter adjustments.
- Support FANUC robotic coating systems in terms of programming, optimization, and ongoing equipment enhancements.
- Diagnose coating and manufacturing issues, implementing effective and sustainable corrective measures.
- Assist in new product introduction, ensuring thorough process qualification and readiness for production.
- Drive improvements in manufacturing processes with an emphasis on quality, yield, throughput, capability, and cost-efficiency.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams—Manufacturing, Quality, Materials, Design, and Operations—on turbine component fabrication and repair methodologies.
- Author and develop comprehensive technical procedures, specifications, engineering reports, and detailed work instructions.
- Facilitate dimensional inspection and process verification using tools such as CMM, laser scanning, and white-light scanning.
- Actively participate in continuous improvement and optimization initiatives within the manufacturing process.
**Required Qualifications**
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in manufacturing or process engineering within aerospace, gas turbine, or a similar technical field.
- Proficient in coating technologies, with a strong preference for thermal spray and Air Plasma Spray experience.
- Ability to interpret and analyze engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
- Solid background in manufacturing process development, troubleshooting, and optimization methodologies.
- Strong analytical capabilities and proficient problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a hands-on, on-site manufacturing environment.
**Preferred Experience**
Ideal candidates will possess experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Expertise in Air Plasma Spray (APS), HVOF, or other related thermal spray technologies.
- Competency in FANUC robotic programming and its optimization for coating applications.
- Experience with the manufacturing or repair of aerospace or industrial gas turbine components.
- Proficiency in metallurgical laboratory testing and coating performance evaluation.
- Familiarity with dimensional inspection technologies, including CMM, laser scanning, and white-light scanning.
- Acquainted with 3D CAD and/or Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
- Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement frameworks.
- Understanding of FAA PMA and RS-DER regulatory requirements.