Job Description

**Position Overview

**

This position is based in Muskegon County, MI and supports the manufacture of Single Crystal, Directionally Solidified, and Equiaxed product through process control and improvement initiatives specific to the kiln process in a state-of-the-art ceramic core facility.

Working in partnership with the Thermal Process Owner, the Thermal Process Specialist is responsible for developing and executing operating procedures, driving process improvements, directing and implementing equipment projects, and troubleshooting operating problems for kilns and prebake ovens. The role centers on solving technical problems, identifying best practices, and managing process control and capability improvements. This position works closely with plant maintenance and manufacturing.

**Key Responsibilities

**

• Plan and direct repairs and rebuilds for all prebakes and kilns, both internal and external.

• Identify process and equipment improvements using internal and external resources.

• Troubleshoot operating problems and emergencies.

• Conduct audits and monitor and facilitate corrective actions.

• Manage fuel consumption and fuel efficiency for the 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 for equipment and process improvements.

• Perform daily thermal process audits and inspections.

• Monitor process performance and determine corrective actions.

• Troubleshoot and resolve day-to-day process and equipment issues related to the thermal process.

**What You Bring to the Role

**

This role is a fit for a hands-on technical problem solver who thinks about operations holistically and looks ahead to prevent issues before they arise. Success in this position looks like:

• Systems thinking: you see the operation as a whole, anticipate downstream effects, and weigh multiple pathways before acting.

• An optimizer mindset: you constantly look for smarter ways to work and set others up to succeed.

• Anticipation: you look ahead to minimize issues, maximize advantages, and prepare others for what comes next.

• A drive for continuous improvement, with an eye toward safety, ergonomics, and scalable solutions.

• Comfort working within existing structures while improving and standardizing them.

• The ability to influence and educate a range of stakeholders using knowledge, relationships, and data.

• A data-informed approach that ties decisions to quantifiable business outcomes and explains the why behind them.

• Strong relationships across shifts and functions, serving as a liaison between the shop floor and engineering.

**Qualifications

**

Basic Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in machine rebuilds, retrofits, and integrations.

• Legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility is required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ceramic core manufacturing, thermal processing of ceramics, or thermal processing.

• Familiarity with the maintenance of kilns.

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Basic electrical, masonry, and mechanical skills.

• Knowledge of Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing.

• PLC and controller programming experience.

**Compensation and Benefits

**

• Salary: $70,000 to $90,000 annually

• Relocation assistance available for qualifying candidates

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) with employer match

• Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave

• Professional development and continuing education support

• Employee wellness and assistance programs