R&D Engineer, Polymer Binder

Howmet Aerospace • Morristown, TN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Polymer Binder Engineer is a position within our Howmet R&D team, located in Morristown, TN. This role is responsible for a combination of development and support for Howmet’s core manufacturing facilities. The primary responsibilities include developing new materials and processes for ceramic core manufacturing, refining existing materials and processes to improve yield and reduce cost, and evaluating and solving problems in the batching, forming, and firing of ceramic cores. The role also involves characterizing the interactions between organic/polymeric binders and ceramic materials, working collaboratively with equipment manufacturers, and maintaining relationships with raw material suppliers. This position will lead concurrent engineering, process development, and new part introduction for advanced Aero and IGT cores, advance Howmet’s technical capability in investment casting, and provide support to manufacturing operations worldwide.

Requirements

• A BS Degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Polymers Science, Organic Chemistry, Ceramics Engineering, or Chemical Engineering (or related STEM field) from an accredited institution
• 2 years experience characterizing, testing, processing, manufacturing, formulating, or evaluating performance of polymers, plastics, or silicones
• Ability to work in a self-directed or team environment, balance multiple projects, and prioritize commitments
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, and an ability to communicate at all levels of an organization
• Ability to travel up to 25%, including international travel
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) which requires U.S. person status

Nice To Haves

• MS or PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Polymers Science, Organic Chemistry, Ceramics Engineering, or Chemical Engineering (or related STEM field) from an accredited institution
• 5 years experience characterizing, testing, processing, manufacturing, formulating, or evaluating performance of polymers, plastics, or silicones
• Experience in polymer characterization techniques and equipment including DSC, TGA, DMA, rheometry, and mechanical property testing
• Experience forming complex shapes, such as in the automotive or medical fields, using techniques such as extrusion, injection molding, thermoset transfer molding, or compression molding
• Knowledge of rheology polymers, surface interactions between fillers and binders, organic binder and dispersant formulation development, mechanisms of curing, and the complex materials property relationships in composite ceramics and their interactions with metals during investment casting
• Demonstrated skills in problem solving complex issues using analytical tools, designed experiments (and the DMAIC process), and data analysis of results
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with customers on new products, processes, and materials for manufacturability and quality
• Experience in additive manufacturing (3D printing) of polymers or ceramics
• Mechanical aptitude and working knowledge of investment casting materials (polymers, ceramics, composites, and metals) or injection molding (ceramics, metals, silicones, plastics, polymers, waxes)

Responsibilities

• Develop new materials and processes for ceramic core manufacturing to support Howmet’s investment casting plants
• Refine existing materials and processes to improve yield and reduce cost while maintaining customer quality
• Evaluate and help solve problems in the batching of materials, forming of green cores, and firing of ceramic cores
• Characterize the interactions between organic/polymeric binders and ceramic materials during batching, molding, and de-bind with a focus on improving consistency and yield
• Work collaboratively with equipment manufacturers to understand and tailor the equipment (such as injection molding machines) used to make cores
• Maintain a close relationship with raw material suppliers to support improvements to current materials and processes, and to facilitate material replacements when necessary
• Lead the concurrent engineering, process development, and new part introduction for advanced Aero and IGT cores
• Advance Howmet’s technical capability in investment casting and ability to support advanced OEM part designs
• Provide support to casting and core manufacturing operations worldwide as required

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level