Inkjet Application Engineer

6 Degrees Search; Pembroke (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

6 Degrees Search seeks an Inkjet Application Engineer to bring a proven printing platform from R&D into production for flexible electronics used in defense and commercial markets.

You will optimize inkjet and micro-pen delivery, troubleshoot hardware/software, develop prototypes, and support DoD/government contracts while mentoring junior engineers. A bachelor’s in a related field is required; U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a security clearance are required.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in inkjet or additive manufacturing with 2+ years in electronics/RF/microwave.
• Deep knowledge of industrial inkjet systems and printhead tech.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex hardware and software in printers.
• Strong communication and independent work style.

Responsibilities

• Test inks, printheads, and substrates for quality, cycle time, and requirements.
• Operate and optimize industrial inkjet printers and micro-pen dispensers for high-precision electronics.
• Tune waveforms for flexible and RF/microwave electronics.
• Define customer requirements and configure custom printing solutions.
• Produce prototypes and cost estimates with sales.
• Conduct proofs-of-concept on specialized electronics substrates.
• Prepare technical reports, application guides, and SOPs.
• Train customer engineers and mentor junior staff.
• Monitor progress against objectives, timelines, and work authorizations.

Skills

Inkjet application development

Additive manufacturing

Troubleshooting hardware/software

Motion control systems

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's in EE/ME/Materials/Chemical Eng

Master's in additive manufacturing (preferred)

Tools

Piezoelectric printheads

Thermal printheads

Waveform tuning equipment

Profilometers

Drop-watchers

Job description

We are recruiting an Inkjet Application Engineer on behalf of our client, a C5ISR technology company serving national security and commercial markets. The organization designs, manufactures, tests, and installs technologies supporting situational awareness, threat detection, and communications.

Position Overview

The Inkjet Application Engineer will help bring an established custom printing platform from advanced research and development into production for flexible electronics. This hands‑on role focuses on optimizing inkjet and micro‑pen delivery systems, resolving hardware and software challenges, and independently advancing technical milestones for electronic and RF/microwave components used in defense and commercial applications.

Key Responsibilities

Test inks, printheads, and substrates for print quality, cycle time, compatibility, and customer application requirements.

Operate and optimize industrial inkjet printers and micro‑pen dispensers to produce high‑precision electronic and RF components.

Evaluate fluid‑structure interactions and tune printing waveforms for flexible and RF/microwave electronics.

Partner with sales to define customer requirements, configure custom printing solutions, produce prototypes, and prepare cost estimates.

Conduct proof‑of‑concept evaluations on specialized electronics substrates.

Contribute to technical discussions, white papers, proposals, and demonstrations supporting Department of Defense and government research contracts.

Apply electronics knowledge to troubleshoot fluidic, hardware, software, and integration issues for field service teams, subcontractors, and end users.

Identify printing and product performance risks and implement solutions to support defect‑free components.

Conduct customer site visits and technical reviews, develop work plans, and adapt internal capabilities to customer needs.

Monitor technical task progress against project objectives, timelines, and work authorizations.

Train customer engineering teams and guide and mentor junior engineers.

Document design work and prepare technical reports, application guides, and standard operating procedures.

Use field data and customer feedback to guide internal R&D teams and material suppliers in reducing production time and cost.

Required Experience and Skills

At least 7 years of experience in inkjet application development or additive manufacturing, including at least 2 years focused on electronic, electrical, or RF/microwave components.

Advanced knowledge of industrial inkjet systems, including piezoelectric and thermal printhead technology, waveform tuning, micro‑pen dispensers, and fluid rheology.

Proficiency in troubleshooting industrial printers, debugging complex hardware and software issues, and refining print files using standard software tools.

Familiarity with motion control systems, digital imaging tools, and metrology equipment such as drop‑watchers and profilometers.

Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, exercise sound judgment, and communicate technical information clearly.

Commitment to quality, adaptability, initiative, confidentiality, ethical conduct, and responsive customer service.

Education

A bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field is required. A master's degree or certifications in additive manufacturing or printing technologies are preferred.

Citizenship and Security Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required under the client's stated ITAR requirements. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. All hires must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification process.