Job Description

Provides process development, engineering support, continuous improvement, and R&D for new and existing Polycrystalline products and processes within the Diamond Fabrication department. Innovative leader in developing and implementing new processes and products that meet and exceed customer and market expectations. Supports and consults for both Production and R&D functions across all areas within Diamond Fabrication and with teams to solve problems related to materials, optics, tools, machine settings, product specifications, metrology, thin film coatings, and fabrication methods. Primary focus is on the fabrication of CVD Polycrystalline Diamond and development of proprietary polishing methods.

Designs and develops specialized equipment, processes, fixtures, measurement tools, and associated Intellectual Property to establish an industry-leading market position. Documents processes which encompass methods, equipment, facility, and safety. Effectively manages project timelines and works as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and results.

Effectively transfers new products and process into production. Initiates, develops, and provides training, quality system documentation, and technology/process transfer to technicians, engineers, and supervisors while maintaining a continuous improvement mindset.  

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Develops New and Improved Processing Methods

• Identify, initiate, and implement new processes and methods to improve process efficiency and accuracy on existing products.
• Develop and implement processing methods in support of New Product Initiatives.
• Work as part of a team to tackle high profile issues and projects in a quick and effective manner.
• Maintains project scopes and timelines to meet expectations.
• Implements new processes effectively to ensure that they can be maintained and are being followed.
• Transfers technology and processes from R&D into production by making a production ready, robust process and effectively documenting, communicating, and training.
• Evaluates new equipment and fabrication techniques to determine usefulness to current and future product.
• Proposes new equipment and idea to reduce processing steps and increase capabilities.

Production & Quality Support

• Advances yields, quality, and throughput of production processes. Develop metrics to measure improvements. Progress is demonstrated and quantified. Goals are established and met.
• Effectively uses statistical and quality tools for problem solving, improving process controls and quality, and reducing cost and cycle time.
• Project documentation is organized and maintained for all projects (test plans and results, reports, work instructions, lessons learned, etc.)
• Cost and Capacity models are created, verified, and maintained.
• Cost reduction goals are established and met.
• Provides training on new and existing processes, tooling, and equipment.

Communication & Teamwork

• Must be able to communicate, both verbally and by documentation, with operators, supervisors, maintenance, and management.
• Interacts daily with operators, supervisors, and maintenance to determine and solve problems by finding the root cause and implementing corrective actions.
• Deals effectively with difference in opinion, influences others in a positive manner, draws inputs from others, negotiates and mediates.
• Develops a cohesive work group, fosters commitment and pear enthusiasm, and promotes implementation of new processes and ideas.
• Prepares reports and presentations to effectively communicate to management on project updates and improvements.
• Ability to analyze and present on project impact and projected justification to prioritize and get approval to proceed with development and implementation.
• Works effectively as part of a team both internal and external to the department on a project basis to meet expectations and deadlines.

Health & Safety

• Ensure all departmental and company health and safety policies and procedures are promoted and adhered to.
• Ensure all policies and procedures relating to specified Personal Protective Equipment are followed.
• All machine accidents/crashes must be documented and communicated with an investigation initiated with the proper personnel (i.e., management, maintenance, engineering)
• Conduct monthly safety audits/observations, documenting any action items and close out in a timely manner.
• Work areas are kept clean and orderly.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

0-5 years of related experience including internships with a Bachelor’s degree; or 3 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD without years of experience; or equivalent work. Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or Computer Science.

SKILLS & OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Hands-on mindset and approach.
• Fault isolation, problem solving, analytical skills, DOE. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong computer, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Must have a strong math and mechanic’s background.
• Requires attention to detail and consistent pursuit of quality. 
• Knowledgeable in reading, drawing, and understanding electronic schematic drawings.
• Must be both team-oriented, self-motivated, and operate with little or no supervision
• Must have a high degree of accountability and the ability to take actions independently.
• ISO experience a plus.

WORKING CONDITIONS

 To conform to U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR), applicant must be a U.S. person, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8. U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.To conform to U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR), applicant must be a U.S. person, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8. U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.