Applies material sciences and mathematical principles to researching and developing advanced technology materials for use in automotive and transportation lighting products. Provides engineering analysis of test data on material interactions, regarding thermal, chemical, mechanical, electrical and optical properties. Provides detailed test documentation and reports summarizing test results and engineering recommendations.
Works with cross functional disciplines to identify and evaluate enabling material(s) technology to meet the Product and Technology roadmaps.
Essential & Secondary Functions:
Safety:
- Responsible to follow all safety procedures and practices.
Quality:
- Ensures and maintains the quality guidelines, procedures, and standards are consistently followed throughout the manufacturing operation.
Responsibility & Customer-Focused:
- An interface with suppliers to define Grote’s technological and component needs.
- Provides materials development information and status to manager and NPI Proprietary Core Team.
- Develops and recommends programs and projects to incorporate new technologies and materials into lighting products to meet Product and Technology Roadmap
- Develops and recommends programs and projects to incorporate new technologies and materials into Grote manufacturing.
- Develops new product concepts and verifies patent documentation is generated.
- Establishes and expedites product cost improvements.
- Interfaces with fleet users and OEM customers to ascertain users’ needs and wants.
- Interfaces with manufacturing and process engineers to develop new material and equipment.
- Participates in TMC, IEEE, SAE, ACT, HPWO, and appropriate industry and professional organizations.
- Actively writes and submits documents for trade and company publications
- Familiar with current Grote products, their applications and customers.
- Perceived as a process and materials expert through submission and training of new technologies and manufacturing inquiries.
- Perceived as a product expert through submission and training of Grote Know-How literature and customer inquiries.
- Actively initiates and participates in trade and industries presentations and committees.
Integrity:
- Insures that internal users of new technology and process are properly trained to perform job function.
- Resolves product design and materials issues.
Other Functions:
Required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties as requested by supervisor.
Edcucation, Experience, Training, Certifications, and Licenses:
Degree or equivalent experience:
- Master degree in Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Material Engineering or Chemistry
- Or Bachelor’s degree in applied science, chemical or materials engineering and 4 years of industry experience.
Years of experience:
- Minimum 3 years of experience.
Training in:
Licenses in:
Certifications in:
Other requirements:
Must successfully pass any pre-screening test(s)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge in:
- Possess experience of at least half of the following and a working knowledge the remaining:
- Manufacturing techniques, including, but not limited to high volume manufacturing, Automation, Molding, Coating, Plastics Assembly, Design For Manufacture and Lean Manufacturing
- Original equipment manufacturers in the automotive industry.
- Design and Analysis tools, including, but not limited to Design of Experiment (DOE), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (DFMEA), Design for Manufacturability/Assembly (DFM/A), Total Quality Management (TQM), and similar product development techniques.
- Base programming and analysis techniques.
- Lighting Product Performance, and technical issues.
- Electronics Product Performance, and technical issues.
Skills in:
Attention to detail
Multi-tasking
Organization
Excellent written and oral communication
Demonstrated ability to:
- A proven track record of consistently successful projects related to cost reduction, new products and manufacturing improvements/installation is required.
- Ability to interact with all levels of employees
- Work at a highly motivated level with a sense of urgency and dedication to accomplishing tasks
- Ability to type on computer keyboard for extended periods of time
- Adapt to frequent changes in work environment & prioritization.
- Work with general or minimal supervision
- Leverage existing and potential training
Experience with:
- Possess experience of at least half of the following and a working knowledge the remaining:
- Encapsulant material technology, with specific experience in epoxy or silicone potting.
- Injection Molding
- Material interactions with resins.
- Hard coating in exterior lighting and inside components
- Conformal Coating Material and Process Technology.
- Adhesive material and process technology in the lighting industry.
Other:
- Must be proficient in use of a personal computer, laptops, tablets, smartphone, printer, calculator, copier, and fax machine.
- Must be proficient with Microsoft Office applications and data entry.
- Extensive Excel and Minitab experience is a plus
