Thermal Processing Specialist

This position is located in Whitehall, MI and will support the manufacture of Single Crystal and Directionally Solidified and Equiaxed product through process control and improvement initiatives specific to the Kiln process in our state-of-the-art ceramic core facility. The Thermal Process Specialist, in partnership with the Thermal Process Owner is responsible for developing & executing operating procedures, developing process improvements, directing, and implementing equipment projects and troubleshooting operating problems for kilns and prebake ovens. Activities will include but not limited to solving technical problems, identifying best practices, process management (process control and capability improvements). This position works close with plant maintenance and manufacturing. Position will be responsible for: Plan and direct repairs, rebuilds for all prebakes and kilns (internal and external)

Identify process and equipment improvements utilizing internal and external resources. Troubleshoot operating problems and emergencies. Conduct audits and monitor/facilitate corrective actions.

Manage fuel consumption and fuel efficiency for thermal process. Work with Manufacturing and Engineering to optimize equipment utilization. Analyze process data to determine actions for process and equipment improvements. Prepare budgetary information and capital requests on equipment for process improvements. Daily thermal process audits and inspections Monitor process performance and determine corrective actions. Troubleshoots and resolves day-to-day process and equipment issues related to thermal process

Job Roles Systems thinker --sees the business and its operation holistically; understands actions and reactions; considers multiple pathways of potential effect before decisions; thinks strategically about interventions with an eye toward scale

Optimizer --constantly challenging the organization to work smarter; supports others to ensure they have what they need to do their work successfully

Anticipation --looks ahead to minimize potential issues and maximize advantages; prepares others for what comes next

Operational accelerator --drives continuous improvement; understands ramifications of automation and other advances; advocates for safety, ergonomics and scalable solutions

Organization and structure --works within existing structures while striving to improve and standardize them; provides accurate information; galvanizes others toward common goals

Influence --leverages knowledge, relationship, data and perspective to persuade, educate and navigate; gains buy in and adoption of ideas and practices at scale; interacts with a variety of stakeholders

Data informed --focused on things that drive quantifiable business outcomes; evaluates based on quantitative feedback; knows and explains the “why” behind actions

Prioritized reaction --handles the unexpected without losing sight of important objectives; reacts where greatest leverage points exist

Relationship --connects individually and with teams across shifts and practices; builds rapport and commonality; creates a “win together” ethic; serves as liaison between shop floor and engineering; keeps the pulse of the floor; helps people feel heard