Heat Treat Process Engineering Supervisor

RH Sheppard Co Inc•Hanover, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

We're seeking a knowledgeable and detail-oriented Heat Treat Process Engineering Supervisor to lead and support all aspects of the heat treatment operations with a focus on quality, compliance, and continuous improvement. POSITION SUMMARY: The Heat Treat Process Engineering Supervisor serves as a technical expert responsible for ensuring the proper thermal processing of materials to meet metallurgical and production requirements meeting all CQI-9 requirements. This role includes overseeing furnace operations, audits, documentation, process control, equipment maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will have strong metallurgical knowledge, heat treat process experience, the ability to troubleshoot equipment and process issues, and the ability to manage compliance in a dynamic manufacturing environment. This role has direct supervisory responsibility for Lab Technicians, including scheduling, performance management, training, and ensuring compliance with laboratory testing standards and metallurgical validation requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Materials, Metallurgical, or Manufacturing Engineering required.
7+ years of hands-on heat treat or metallurgical experience, preferably in automotive or aerospace manufacturing
Demonstrated knowledge and application of CQI-9 Heat Treat System Assessment requirements
Familiarity with AIAG standards and automotive core tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA)
Experience conducting and documenting SAT, TUS, and other pyrometry-related activities
Experience operating batch and continuous furnaces, quench systems, and thermal processing equipment
Demonstrates ability to directly supervise lab personnel including assigning work, evaluating performance, managing corrective actions, and developing team capabilities.
Creates accountability, enforces standards, and drives measurable performance improvements.
Proficient in hardness testing, blueprint reading, GD&T, and metallurgical inspection techniques
Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office and plant data collection systems
Excellent troubleshooting, documentation, and analytical skills
Commitment to safety, quality, and environmental standards
Ability to lead and train team members on technical and compliance-related topics
Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and prioritize effectively

Nice To Haves

Materials Science or Metallurgical Engineering preferred

Responsibilities

Oversee and manage daily heat treat operations including carburizing, hardening, tempering, and stress relieving
Ensure compliance with AIAG CQI-9: Heat Treat System Assessment (HTSA) and other applicable standards
Implement and maintain heat treat process control plans per AIAG guidelines
Conduct and lead CQI-9 self-assessments, audits, and ensure closure of gaps and non-conformances
Ensure proper setup, calibration, and operation of furnaces and quench systems
Monitor thermal cycles and maintain control charts, pyrometry data, and process records per CQI-9
Support system accuracy tests (SAT), temperature uniformity surveys (TUS), and instrumentation calibration activities
Ensure all documentation meets internal and customer-specific AIAG compliance requirements
Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality to address process improvements and problem-solving
Perform metallurgical inspections including hardness testing and microstructure verification
Provide technical guidance to operators and maintenance personnel on best practices
Develop and optimize heat treat process parameters including atmosphere control, quench severity, and thermal cycle design to meet metallurgical and dimensional requirements
Atmosphere verification (Carbon Potential, Dew Point, etc.)
Distortion Mitigation Strategy
Develop, implement, and maintain training programs to ensure team competency on heat treat systems and compliance
Lead root cause analysis and corrective action efforts for heat treat-related non-conformities
Utilize Lean Six Sigma principles to drive cost reduction, efficiency, and quality improvements
Maintain proper traceability and process documentation for internal and external audits
Provide technical direction for furnace troubleshooting, repair validation, and upgrade initiatives in coordination with Maintenance
Perform other duties as assigned or required in support of production and quality goals
Directly supervise Lab Technicians, including daily work assignments and workload balancing
Approve timecards, PTO, and manage attendance
Perform other duties as assigned or required in support of production and quality goals