This position is located in Whitehall, MI and will support the manufacture of Single Crystal and Directionally Solidified and Equiaxed product through process control and improvement initiatives specific to the Kiln process in our state-of-the-art ceramic core facility.
The Thermal Process Specialist, in partnership with the Thermal Process Owner is responsible for developing & executing operating procedures, developing process improvements, directing, and implementing equipment projects and troubleshooting operating problems for kilns and prebake ovens. Activities will include but not limited to solving technical problems, identifying best practices, process management (process control and capability improvements). This position works close with plant maintenance and manufacturing.
Position will be responsible for:
Plan and direct repairs, rebuilds for all prebakes and kilns (internal and external)
- Identify process and equipment improvements utilizing internal and external resources.
- Troubleshoot operating problems and emergencies.
Conduct audits and monitor/facilitate corrective actions.
- Manage fuel consumption and fuel efficiency for thermal process.
- Work with Manufacturing and Engineering to optimize equipment utilization.
- Analyze process data to determine actions for process and equipment improvements.
- Prepare budgetary information and capital requests on equipment for process improvements.
- Daily thermal process audits and inspections
- Monitor process performance and determine corrective actions.
Troubleshoots and resolves day-to-day process and equipment issues related to thermal process
Systems thinker--sees the business and its operation holistically; understands actions and reactions; considers multiple pathways of potential effect before decisions; thinks strategically about interventions with an eye toward scale
Optimizer--constantly challenging the organization to work smarter; supports others to ensure they have what they need to do their work successfully
Anticipation--looks ahead to minimize potential issues and maximize advantages; prepares others for what comes next
Operational accelerator--drives continuous improvement; understands ramifications of automation and other advances; advocates for safety, ergonomics and scalable solutions
Organization and structure--works within existing structures while striving to improve and standardize them; provides accurate information; galvanizes others toward common goals
Influence--leverages knowledge, relationship, data and perspective to persuade, educate and navigate; gains buy in and adoption of ideas and practices at scale; interacts with a variety of stakeholders
Data informed--focused on things that drive quantifiable business outcomes; evaluates based on quantitative feedback; knows and explains the “why” behind actions
Prioritized reaction--handles the unexpected without losing sight of important objectives; reacts where greatest leverage points exist
Relationship--connects individually and with teams across shifts and practices; builds rapport and commonality; creates a “win together” ethic; serves as liaison between shop floor and engineering; keeps the pulse of the floor; helps people feel heard
Basic Qualifications
- High School diploma or GED equivalency is required.
- Minimum of 10 years’ experience in machine rebuilds, retrofits and integrations.
- Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ceramic core mfg. / thermal processing of ceramics or thermal processing
- Familiar with maintenance of Kilns
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Basic electrical, masonry and mechanical stills
- Knowledge of Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing
- PLC and controller programming