Job Description

Process Engineer – Chicago, IL

Are you passionate about technology and process improvement? Do you have an interest in R&D and a love for working with thin films, but also thrive in a hands-on production environment? Ionbond is looking for a dynamic Process Engineer to collaborate closely with our Plant Manager and local team, driving the development of the Ionbond™ family of coatings and services. If you have a background in engineering and quality systems, and bring curiosity, perseverance, a willingness to tackle challenges, and a commitment to excellence, this role could be your ideal career opportunity. Join us at our West Chicago Coating Center and be a part of our innovative team!

Ionbond – The Surface Engineers™

Ionbond provides advanced coating solutions for applications in the aerospace, medical, food contact, automotive, decorative, tooling and fuel cells industries. We offer a broad range of hard, low-friction, wear-resistant coatings based on PVD, PACVD and CVD technologies. With over 30 job coating centers in 15 countries in Europe, North America and Asia, Ionbond has one of the largest coating networks in the world. Ionbond is part of renowned Japanese industrial consortium IHI Group.

What defines this job?

• Be one of the key technical resources for the plant in developing, planning, mentoring, and coaching in all steps involved in the production of surface engineered solutions in PVD coating operations.
• Identify, recommend, and implement improvements in plant performance to optimize product volume, quality yields, and flow in accordance with business needs and requirements.
• Assist Plant Management team in application development and scale-up of major programs.
• Use statistical techniques to improve process capability, use failure analysis methodology to investigate, and find root causes.
• Recommend and implement equipment and/or process modifications and upgrades for continuous improvement.
• Maintain Ionbond’s Quality Management System based ISO 9001:2016 standards and train plant personnel on related procedures and work instructions
• Use Lean Manufacturing principles such as 5S, Kanban, and Value Stream Mapping
• Other related duties as apparent or assigned.

What do we offer?

Unleashing potential is at the core of our approach. We provide a dynamic environment that opens doors to both international and local growth opportunities, helping you reach your full potential. Here's what you can expect from being part of our team:

• International and local growth opportunities
• Diverse work environment where we embrace teamwork and innovation that drives us towards new applications and customer service excellence.
• Competitive compensation package: salary based on experience and educational credentials.
• Excellent Medical. Dental, vision benefits with affordable premiums and annual deductibles
• Flexible spending accounts (medical and dependent care)
• Life insurance
• Short-term & long-term disability
• Employee assistance program
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 401k Safe Harbor Retirement Account plus company match
• Bonus plan eligibility

What do we ask?

The preferred candidate will have a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Materials Science/Metallurgy, or Plasma Physics, and at least three years of experience in the vacuum coating field, specializing in thin film coatings. Hands-on knowledge of PVD coatings and coating systems is required, along with familiarity with ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D quality standards. Strong problem-solving skills using tools like 8D, Fishbone, and Five Why’s are essential, as well as experience with the APQP approach for process development, including PFMEA and Control Plans. Proficiency in mechanical design and AutoCAD or similar design software is necessary. The candidate should have experience managing small to medium-sized projects and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. A strong work ethic, attention to detail, and organizational skills are also important. The ability to travel within the U.S. and internationally (minimally 10%) is required. Additionally, the candidate must be able to pass a background check and be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Interested in this job?

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You should be proficient in:

• 5 Why (Root Cause Analysis Method)
• Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)
• Lean Manufacturing Principles
• ISO 9001 Certification Experience
• chemical engineering
• kanban
• manufacturing
• materials science
• PVD Coating
• thin film coating
• vacuum coating field
• value stream mapping

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• ERP Software