The company is seeking to strengthen vertical integration, improve cost competitiveness, ensure material quality, and support the long-term growth of its powder metal valve seat business by developing and industrializing an in-house powder material mixing operation.
Requirements
- Proven experience in setting up or industrializing material mixing processes (in-house or at supplier level).
- Hands-on understanding of sintering processes and their interaction with powder characteristics.
- Deep knowledge of powder characteristics, blending methodologies, and process sensitivities.
- Familiarity with quality systems (IATF 16949 preferred) and statistical process control.
- Ability to interpret material test data and translate it into actionable process improvements.
- Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
- Experience in powder metallurgy, preferably in automotive or high-volume industrial applications.
Responsibilities
- Optimize, and industrialize powder metal alloy systems for valve seat applications.
- Collaborate with product engineering, manufacturing, and customers to translate performance requirements into material specifications.
- Support material validation through lab testing, pilot trials, and production ramp-up.
- Define and implement the material mixing strategy for in-house production, including equipment selection and layout, raw material flow, traceability, and segregation, and batch vs. continuous mixing concepts
- Lead commissioning, process qualification, and capability studies for the mixing work center.
- Establish safe handling procedures for metal powders in compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations
- Develop and implement process control plans, work instructions, and standard operating procedures for powder mixing
Other
- Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Minimum of 5-10 years of experience
- Strong leadership and communication skills, capable of working cross-functionally.
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment.
- Comfortable working in a growing organization where processes are being built and refined.
