AMPP Technician

LIFT; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

LIFT, operated by the AMPP initiative, seeks a skilled Technician to support production of custom metal alloys at our Detroit facility. You will work with a hands-on Manufacturing Engineering team to execute schedules, operate advanced equipment, and help ensure safety, quality, and reliable delivery of metal alloy components.

You will track materials, assist in maintenance, and follow 5S and safety protocols in a hazardous environment, contributing to continuous improvement and regulatory

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, materials science, or a related field is advantageous but not required.
• 2–5+ years of experience in raw materials production or processing, ideally within the metal alloys manufacturing industry.
• Direct experience with the production of custom metal alloys, including casting, powder processing, and component fabrication, is highly desirable.
• Technical knowledge in metal alloy production processes and equipment is desirable.
• Understanding metallurgy, materials characterization, and advanced manufacturing technologies relevant to the production of metal alloys.
• Strong safety protocols and regulatory compliance related to hazardous materials handling are essential.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot issues in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Adaptability and resilience to fluctuations in demand, technology changes, and regulatory updates.

Responsibilities

• Execute production schedules to meet internal and external customer demands while maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste.
• Operate advanced manufacturing equipment used in processing metal alloys into components and test articles.
• Support tracking of inventory levels for raw materials and finished goods through the manufacturing execution system.
• Package materials for storage and shipping.
• Perform equipment cleanout/changeover processes to ensure safety, quality and reduce downtime.
• Perform routine and preventative maintenance activities to ensure safety, quality, and reduce downtime.
• Adhere to safety protocols to minimize risks associated with producing metal powders and handling hazardous materials.
• Follow 5S principles to ensure a safe and organized work environment.
• Participate in regular safety inspections and audits to identify potential hazards and ensure adherence to safety regulations.

Skills

Operational excellence

Safety compliance

Problem-solving

Communication

Adaptability

Education

Associate or Bachelor's in engineering / manufacturing / materials science or related field

Job description

Reporting To:

AMPP and Fuel Cell Operations Manager

Job Location:

Scope of Work & Purpose:

We are seeking a Technician to support the production of custom metal alloys in various forms including castings, powder, rods, and wire. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the execution of all aspects of the respective manufacturing processes. This role requires a commitment to maintaining high safety standards in a hazardous environment. The Advanced Metallic Production and Processing (AMPP) Technician will be a member of the LIFT Manufacturing Engineering team in a hands‑on environment to support delivery against key technical programs and objectives, leveraging a variety of traditional and advanced manufacturing tools and technologies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Production and Operation:

• Execute production schedules to meet internal and external customer demands while maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste.
• Operate advanced manufacturing equipment used in processing metal alloys into components and test articles.
• Support tracking of inventory levels for raw materials and finished goods through the manufacturing execution system.
• Package materials for storage and shipping.

Maintenance:

• Perform equipment cleanout/changeover processes to ensure safety, quality and reduce downtime.
• Perform routine and preventative maintenance activities to ensure safety, quality, and reduce downtime.

Safety, 5S, and Compliance:

• Adhere to safety protocols to minimize risks associated with producing metal powders and handling hazardous materials.
• Follow procedures for sorting, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain to ensure a safe and organized work environment.
• Participate in regular safety inspections and audits to identify potential hazards and ensure adherence to safety regulations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Education: An associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, materials science, or a related field is advantageous but not required.
• Experience: Candidates should have 2-5+ years of experience in raw materials production or processing, ideally within the metal alloys manufacturing industry. Direct experience with the production of custom metal alloys, including casting, powder processing, and component fabrication, is highly desirable.
• Technical Knowledge: Technical expertise in metal alloy production processes and equipment is desirable. Candidates would benefit from an understanding of metallurgy, materials characterization, and advanced manufacturing technologies relevant to the production of metal alloys.
• Safety and Compliance: A thorough understanding of safety protocols and regulatory compliance related to hazardous materials handling is essential.
• Communication and Problem-Solving: Strong communication skills are vital for success in this role. Candidates should also possess excellent problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot issues and implement effective solutions in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Adaptability and Resilience: The metal alloys manufacturing industry can be subject to fluctuations in demand, technological advancements, and regulatory changes. A good candidate should be adaptable and resilient, capable of managing change to maintain competitiveness and sustainability.

About LIFT:

LIFT, operated by the American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute (ALMMII), is a nonprofit, public-private partnership, national advanced manufacturing innovation institute. As the national advanced materials manufacturing innovation institute, LIFT is an accelerator convening and connecting government, industry and academia in the fields of advanced materials, manufacturing processes, systems engineering and talent development to enhance America’s manufacturing competitiveness, national economy and national security.