Product Engineer

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Materion is seeking a Product Engineer to join our rapidly growing Precision Optics and Thin Film Coatings team located in Westford, MA. This hands-on position is focused on the characterization, optimization, and continuous improvement of a diverse range of manufacturing processes for thin-film optics and Array value added assemblies.

The Product Engineer will play a critical role in enhancing process efficiency, product quality, and project management. This position requires a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and ability to plan and track tasks for complex projects. The ideal candidate will leverage their expertise to drive innovative solutions and foster a culture of continuous improvement within the team.

Salary range: $77,000-87,000*
*The salary range listed is a guide for this position and may vary depending on experience, education, geographic location, and other qualifications. The final offer will be determined based on the candidate's individual merits and the company's compensation policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

% Time Spent

List the primary job duties and responsibilities in order of importance.  Include percentage of time spent on each item listed.  There should be between 4 – 7 key responsibilities depending on the level of the position.

35%

Take ownership of assigned projects defining key aspects of the assembly project, collaborating with subject matter experts on feeder processes and tracking vital tasks and project schedules to optimize execution. Lead initiatives to ensure effective execution of assigned projects, enable solutions and prepare status reports to both internal and external customers.

25%

Develop and implement strategies to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles. Ensures all necessary process documentation exists and reside in ERP. Oversees and validates SPC, process trouble shooting, MRB investigations and continuous improvement recommendations.

20%

Collaborate with production, quality assurance, EHS and R&D teams to integrate innovative solutions and ensure alignment on process improvements. Facilitate effective communication, drive projects and status updates to achieve common goals.

10%

Mentor and train technicians and operators on optimized processes and best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration within the team.

10%

Establish & monitor integrated project schedule to include all phases of development. Develop & track projects using Microsoft Project or similar project scheduling tool. Demonstrate ability to establish & track project budget through entire development cycle.

100%

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in technical discipline (Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or similar technical discipline) or equivalent experience in engineering and process development.
• 0- 3 years of Engineering experience in manufacturing process development, optics or optical coating technologies is preferred.
• Experience in a low volume / high mix product environment is an asset
• Exhibit sound interpersonal skills involving interfacing, coordinating and negotiating with company personnel at all levels, customers and suppliers
• Experience with SPC, Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing skills in problem solving, statistics, manufacturing quality, and quality principles
• Ability to understand, analyze, and resolve complex technical problems
• Ability to work independently and efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel and MS Project or similar planning software

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with SPC tools, DOE, and root cause analysis (e.g., 5-Whys, Fishbone).
• Track record of successful project management experience, leading multiple projects simultaneously
• Background in high-mix, low-volume production environments.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position may require the eligibility to obtain a security clearance. Non-US citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. For individuals to be considered for a security clearance, the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), conducts personnel security background investigations for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. More information about security clearances can be found on the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) website here: https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/adjudications/

The selection of the person to be hired for this position is contingent on the candidate having export compliance eligibility for access to U.S. controlled technology which comes under the licensing jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of State, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the U.S. Department of Commerce, Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

The candidate selected will have to qualify as either a U.S. citizen, a U.S. National, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., a Person Admitted into the U.S. as an Asylee or Refugee., a National of a country that is not prohibited from having access to U.S. controlled technology (via a letter of assurance), or a Person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on Materion’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with Materion’s business requirements.

Materion Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) is an equal employment opportunity employer. It is the Company’s policy to not unlawfully discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also the Company’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity and maintain employment statistics on applicants.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the Company. Please inform the Company’s personnel representative if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Materion’s Veteran Employee Resource group supports veterans and promotes the benefits of hiring veterans in the workplace. We honor all those who have served and are a military friendly company. Veterans are encouraged to apply and military experience and skills are transferrable to Materion careers.

Please provide complete information. An incomplete application may affect your consideration for employment.