Product Equipment Engineer

Fiber Materials•Biddeford, ME

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Fiber Materials Inc. (FMI) has been a leading solutions provider of high temperature materials and composites for more than 50 years, serving the Department of Defense and NASA. The company's focus in Maine is on multidirectional reinforced Carbon/Carbon (C/C) and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) that enable high-temperature components such as thermal protection systems, re-entry vehicle nose tips, and rocket motor throats and nozzles. FMI's materials are used on ground-breaking space initiatives like the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle and the heat shield for NASA's Mars 2020 mission, important missile programs, airfoils in commercial and military jet engines, and as lightweight armor for U.S. military ground vehicles. FMI is seeking an experienced and hands-on Product Equipment Engineer to join the Advanced Materials group within the Research and Technology team. As the Product Equipment Engineer, you will be responsible for the installation and operation of pilot and full-scale manufacturing equipment for FMI’s new Innovation Center, which is designed to be a world-class R&D-to-production pipeline. This equipment will enable rapid development of C/C, CMC, and UHTC material systems, processes, and structures. As a core member of the Innovation Center startup team, you will participate in the full life cycle of high temperature thermal processing equipment, from collaborating on the specification and procurement of CVI reactors to leading installation, commissioning, and operation of high-pressure furnaces. The right candidate will have experience in new facility startup and/or equipment ownership, while also being very hands-on and capable in a manufacturing environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline; Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Chemical preferred
Minimum 5+ years of relevant experience with a BS, or 3+ with an MS
Familiarity with manufacturing methods for advanced high temperature carbon and/or ceramic matrix composite materials and structures
Experience with equipment ownership and/or new facility startup
Experience with equipment and processing methods for composites, ceramics, or CVI
Demonstrate results in technical problem solving, product and process development and supporting customer focused programs and services
Ability to follow and provide technical direction and communicate results
Ability to follow all safety practices for handling materials and operating processes
Experience with writing basic process procedures or instructions
Awareness of potential hazards and proper care and consideration
Ability to read, interpret, and execute technical instructions, procedures, drawings, manuals, work orders and travelers, as well as document applied processes
Capable of working independently as well as in a team environment
Respectful, with a strong work ethic
Excellent attention to detail
Strong oral and written communication skills
Familiarity with SolidWorks or other CAD design tools
Basic computer skills; Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Outlook
Ability to obtain a security clearance

Nice To Haves

BS and 8+ years of experience preferred
Strong experience in the manufacture of advanced high temperature carbon and/or ceramic matrix composite materials and structures
Possess an active security clearance
PLC programming experience
Experience with Ignition or similar MES
Experienced in CAD (Solidworks, AutoCAD)
Experienced with GD&T and engineering drawings

Responsibilities

Primary liaison with Facilities, Manufacturing Engineering, EHS, Security, and IT for new R&T equipment ownership
Represent the R&T department during the selection, specification, and commissioning of pilot and full-scale processing equipment and specialized support equipment (gas delivery, cooling water, scrubbers, etc.)
Provide input and requirements to implement health, safety and environmental controls and equipment to meet applicable standards and specifications
Participate in the development and execution of IQ/OQ/PQ (installation, operation, and performance qualification) protocols
Collaborate with R&T to translate lab-scale processes into robust, scalable manufacturing equipment designs
Implement Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles to ensure materials and structures are not only functional but easy to maintain and scale
Develop SOPs and assist on preventative maintenance schedules
Works with team members to develop manufacturing methods for high temperature thermal protection material systems
Develops, implements, and sustains policies, standards, and procedures for the engineering and technical work performed
Adhere to good manufacturing procedures and document all activity for component traceability
Participate in and lead DFMEAs and PFMEAs
Contribute to technical reports and give technical updates
Ensures that safety procedures and processes are followed and compliant
Apply quality standards to projects to ensure compliance with certification requirements in plant applications