Technical Director

Job Description

Technical Director - Nitrex Heat Treating Services

• Full-Time, In-Person, Aurora IL or Franklin IN or Mason MI

Company Description :

Nitrex, has been a worldwide leader and solution provider in the heat-treating industry for over 40 years

and currently conducts operations in nine countries and has partnerships in all areas of the globe.

Nitrex has over 450 employees distributed amongst commercial heat treating services, equipment

manufacturing and engineering and sales locations worldwide. Nitrex has a strong commitment to

research & development and realizes that investment in advanced technologies is a key ingredient for

our continued growth. A position at Nitrex will test your commitment to growth and your drive to

advance heat treatment technology. We offer a competitive salary and benefits, as well as a fast-paced

work environment.

http://www.nitrex.com, http://group-upc.com,

Job Summary:

Reporting to the President of Nitrex - Heat Treating Services, the Technical Director for Nitrex Heat

Treating Services will create value within the organization by driving process optimization, fostering

innovation through R&D, and providing technical expertise to key areas of the business. This role

enhances operational efficiency, product quality, and customer satisfaction and its focus on workforce

training ensures development of a skilled team capable of maintaining high standards. Contribution to

the strategic planning process and adoption of advanced technologies will help position the organization

for long-term competitiveness, profitability and market leadership.

Key Responsibilities :

Heat Treat Processes Oversight

Provide technical oversight of all global heat treatment processing with a focus on continuous

improvement. Review regular statistical process control (SPC) reports to monitor process stability and

performance and recommend changes when appropriate. Optimize heat treatment processes for

enhanced results and cost savings while ensuring high-quality outcomes. Drive research and

development efforts to create and refine heat treatment processes for new projects. Oversee parts

loading and enforce adherence to general heat treatment standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Provide comprehensive training for team members to ensure process knowledge and operational

excellence.

Sales Support

Collaborate with the sales team to provide technical expertise during customer discussions, serving as

the company’s technical representative as needed. Build trust and confidence with customers by

addressing heat treatment requirements related to ongoing and future business. Develop and provide

accurate heat treat process estimates to support the sales team in preparing quotations. Act as a key

resource for technical knowledge during the sales cycle to enhance customer satisfaction and close

opportunities.

Research and Development

Drive the company’s R&D efforts to achieve excellence in heat treatment applications for targeted

product markets, including cylinders, gears, and tooling. Expand organizational knowledge in areas such

as tribological properties and product applications, using this expertise to train engineering, quality, and

sales teams. Develop application bulletins and other resources to support sales efforts. Stay at the

forefront of industry advancements to ensure the company remains competitive and innovative.

Training and Knowledge

Design and deliver comprehensive training programs tailored to quality staff, process engineers, sales

teams, and production personnel. Ensure the workforce is well-versed in heat treatment principles, best

practices, and company-specific procedures. Ensure the company’s processing knowledge and technical

expertise is catalogued and accessible. Facilitate knowledge sharing to foster cross-functional

collaboration and elevate the overall technical proficiency of the organization.

Strategic Planning

Contribute to the company’s strategic direction by providing input on capital expenditure decisions,

particularly regarding equipment suitability and opportunities for efficiency improvements. Lead efforts

to evaluate, recommend, and approve procurement of heat treatment and supporting equipment. Stay

informed about emerging technologies and assess their potential impact on the company’s operations,

ensuring the organization maintains a competitive edge.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Create, monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous improvement. Focus

on reducing rework and cost of poor quality (COPQ) related to heat treatment process issues. Actively

participate in corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and root cause analysis (RCA) investigations,

contributing valuable insights to resolve challenges and enhance process reliability. Assess and increase

the technical knowledge of individuals within the organization.

Required Skills /Abilities :

 Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

 Thorough understanding of metallurgy and heat treatment operations.

 Ability to build and maintain long-distance relationships with internal clients.

 Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

 Strong work ethic, disciplined, works with integrity

Education and Experience:

 Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in metallurgy, engineering, or equivalent work experience

required.

 Ten years of metallurgy/operations with at least 5 years in a supervisory role required.

Physical Requirements:

 Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

 Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times and be comfortable working in a manufacturing

environment.

 Occasional travel to other Nitrex locations and to visit customers (up to 20%).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $125,000 - $150,000