Advanced Manufacturing Engineer

CC Industries•Blacksburg, VA

About The Position

The Advanced Manufacturing Engineer will work in HCC’s Research & Innovation Center on diverse projects, collaborating with colleagues across HCC companies, Virginia Tech, suppliers, and other research centers. The role focuses on solving manufacturing challenges through mechanical design, advanced automation, process monitoring and control, and new sensing technologies. The engineer will contribute to designing, prototyping, testing, and integrating automated systems, while developing expertise in adaptive control and motion control applications. The position also involves optimizing system performance and helping users operate and troubleshoot systems.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, or similar engineering.
At least 4 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
Experience with team leadership, project management, and tool and fixture design using SolidWorks or applicable CAD software; a foundation in SolidWorks is specified.
A holistic approach to advanced manufacturing systems design and implementation, including mechanical design, system analysis, inspection requirements, and control strategies.
Exposure to manufacturing automation systems using vision, robotics, sensors, and data analysis.
Experience implementing Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies to develop adaptive processes using actionable data-based algorithms (Industry 4.0).
Effective communication with diverse teams and stakeholders; excellent verbal and written communication, ability to convey technical and non-technical ideas, and active listening.
Ability to define problems and work effectively with open-ended or ambiguous problem statements or applications, adapting strategies to achieve results.
Exposure to factory automation and coordinated drive systems, including hardware integration and programming with off-the-shelf industrial automation hardware and drives such as Siemens and Rockwell.
Ability to contribute to systems, electrical, and mechanical design and analysis using tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and Excel, and analytical methods such as brainstorming and thought experimentation.
Collaborative, team-first approach with a proactive, positive, can-do attitude.
Willingness to travel 25% of the time.

Nice To Haves

Fabrication, welding, controls, and/or programming knowledge.
Experience implementing advanced analytical and control techniques such as statistical process control, model predictive control, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and precision motion control of mechanisms.
Experience collaborating with multiple stakeholders from partner companies.
Project management and capital expenditure purchasing experience.

Responsibilities

Transform customer specifications into proof-of-concept demonstrations.
Assist with the design of factory automation and coordinated systems, including hardware integration and programming with off-the-shelf industrial automation hardware and drives such as Siemens and Rockwell.
Contribute to overall system design and analysis using available technology tools and analytical methods.
Collaborate with Mechanical Design and Manufacturing Engineers to optimize system performance and machine process sequencing and provide intuitive machine controls.
Apply research to add value to manufacturing processes and product development.
Use best engineering practices to conceive, design, and analyze automated solutions.
Train users in system operation and diagnostics as a subject matter expert.
Maintain a safe working environment and use safe work practices in offices, manufacturing spaces, and production facilities.
Collaborate with and support partner companies throughout the project lifecycle.
Establish and maintain a network within partnering companies and collaborative organizations.
Continually improve personal efficiency and skills.
Participate in user groups and industrial societies.
Act as an effective steward of project budgets and schedules.