Manufacturing Engineer

Free Form Fibers • City of Saratoga Springs, NY

22d • $75,000 - $85,000

About The Position

Free Form Fibers is expanding its operations as it enters the commercialization phase of its laser-driven chemical vapor deposition technology for producing inorganic High-Performance Fibers and high-purity powders. The Manufacturing Engineer role, described in the position summary as a Controls Engineer, supports the production lifecycle of in-house-designed, specialized, production-scale equipment used in the process. The work is hands-on and focuses on production controls and associated low-voltage hardware, sensors, motion-control systems, and process equipment.

The role supports equipment assembly, setup, validation, operation, changeover, maintenance, and repair to help maximize production uptime and maintain effective production flow. It includes responding to potential controls-related production stoppages, participating in planned and reactive maintenance, and working with cross-functional teams on new products and production equipment. Success requires an interest in advanced technology and the ability to contribute within a small team of chemical vapor deposition experts.

The position reports to the Manager of Production. Work may take place in offices, laboratories, a machine shop, and on the production floor, and may involve multiple shifts depending on machine downtime. Occasional travel may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.
• Demonstrated strength in Controls Engineering, including PLCs and ladder logic.
• Demonstrated strength in Controls Engineering using C, C++, and Python, with emphasis on embedded systems and real-time processing.
• Demonstrated ability to program microcontrollers and prototype embedded systems.
• Demonstrated ability to read and use schematics and other design documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to use test equipment such as DMMs, oscilloscopes, and logic probes.
• Demonstrated strength in Production, Manufacturing, or Advanced Manufacturing.
• History of learning and quickly turning learning into demonstrated success.
• Demonstrated success working with small teams.
• Demonstrated ability to respond to emerging problem-solving needs.
• Demonstrated strength in the standard-work and SOP document lifecycle.
• Effective written and verbal technical communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Master of Science degree in Manufacturing, Advanced Manufacturing, Controls, or another related field.
• Experience using design software such as Autodesk Fusion or Eagle from design concept through physical manufacturing implementation.
• Successful history working with laser optics design or equipment.
• Successful history using electronic transducers and associated circuit design.
• Successful history installing, using, and troubleshooting data acquisition systems.
• Experience coordinating with PCB manufacturers or assembly services.
• Experience operating safely in a production environment, including laser and hazardous-gas handling.

Responsibilities

• Develop competence in Free Form Fibers’ laser chemical vapor deposition process equipment controls, drawing on prior controls engineering experience and team mentorship.
• Represent Controls Engineering on cross-functional program teams bringing new products and associated production equipment into operation.
• Support the lifecycle of specialized production controls, including validation, production, planned and reactive maintenance, and continuous improvement.
• Provide first response to production stoppages thought to be controls-related.
• Represent Controls Engineering in rapid individual and structured team problem-solving.
• Lead the production-side Controls Engineering scope during assembly, integration, testing, and disassembly of pressurized-gas and vacuum process equipment.
• Support installation, troubleshooting, and replacement of vacuum pumps, valves, mass flow controllers, heaters, gas cylinders, and pressure regulators.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and support continued operation or replacement of low-voltage hardware, including sensors, flow controls, and data acquisition hardware.
• Install, troubleshoot, and replace motion-control systems, including sensors, motors, motor controllers, and associated wiring.
• Support installation, validation, and launch of new or revised production equipment to meet emerging needs and address identified failure root causes.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on experience, qualifications, and market data.
• Comprehensive benefits package available to eligible full-time employees.
• Paid time off and company-recognized holidays for eligible employees, as required by state and federal law.
• Retirement savings program available to eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time