Materials Engineer

Position Summary
Reporting to the Director of Product Engineering, the Materials Engineer is responsible for the development and testing of new products, the development of associated manufacturing processes for those products, and the improvement of products and processes related to existing products.  Product improvement initiatives with the goal of improving product yields and overall manufacturing efficiencies are a key element of the role.  A deep understanding of the manufacturing processes, as well as the ability to revise and modify the processes, while maintaining product performance requirements are core to success for efficiency and yield improvements.  The Materials Engineer will primarily work to develop products, components, and processes related to Heim self-lubricating liner products and tribological coatings where utilization of materials knowledge is essential.  Additional areas of work and development include transitioning new technology into a repeatable and consistent manufacturing process.

Strong communications with cross-functional peers, defining clear project objectives and timelines, and expediting the speed of product delivery to the various stakeholders are all key factors for success in the role.  The Materials Engineer will collaborate cross functionally to ensure timely coordination and communication with other disciplines in order to identify, prioritize and efficiently execute product development and improvement initiatives that align with our company goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following duties as needed to lead Heim’s product development and improvement activity focused on self-lubricated liners, surfaces, finishes and tribology:

• Collaborate with corporate New Products and Processes team to develop new liner systems and technologies for use in Heim products.
• Incorporate new technologies into the Heim product line and test resulting performance based on relevant requirements.
• Transition new technologies to Heim products and to Heim manufacturing by standardizing and optimizing necessary processes for efficient and repeatable execution within a manufacturing setting.
• Implement process improvements on existing self-lubricated product lines with a focus on optimization of processes for increased product yields and operational efficiencies.
• Evaluate manufacturing capabilities and align processes for repeatability and consistency.
• Provide support on new and existing RBC/Heim special processes.
• Perform analytical analyses of existing and newly developed products and processes.
• Collaborate cross divisionally within RBC as the Heim subject matter expert on self-lubricated products to obtain and to share best practices.
• Develop detailed project plans for product development projects and estimate development and product costs.
• Manage and execute product development projects and monitor project milestones to deliver new products on time and within budget.
• Develop rigorous test plans for the qualification of the products being developed, and manage the execution of the tests.  Document and release test results.  Evaluate test results and recommend design modifications for performance improvements.
• Lead and conduct research and trade studies on design options to determine the best approach, and products, to be used, or developed, that meet customer requirements while also satisfying company goals and objectives related to improving overall growth and delivering products to customers in an efficient manner. 

Requirements and Qualifications

• Masters, or PhD Degree in Chemical or Materials Engineering or related field.
• 7 - 10 years of experience in self-lubricated bearings or related field.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of preparing and presenting concise technical presentations.
• Experience with manufacturing or development of products utilizing thermosetting resins, thermoplastics or elastomers.
• Experience with manufacturing and testing of composite systems and their components.
• Knowledge of plating principles and practices is preferred.
• Organic material properties understanding and classification.
• Analytical chemistry knowledge and experience, especially with FTIR, DSC, TGA, and Rheometry.
• Anticipate travel requirements to various customers, suppliers, and RBC facilities of approximately 10-15%.