Inkjet Application Engineer

Rare Bird Recruiting, LLC; Pembroke (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Rare Bird Recruiting, LLC partners with a C5ISR technology company to recruit an Inkjet Application Engineer. This hands-on role focuses on bringing an established custom printing platform from R&D into production for flexible electronics and RF/microwave components.

You will optimize inkjet and micro-pen delivery systems, troubleshoot hardware and software, mentor junior engineers, and support DoD and government research contracts.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in inkjet application development or additive manufacturing.
• 2+ years focused on electronic, electrical, or RF/microwave components.
• Proficient in troubleshooting industrial printers and refining print files.

Responsibilities

• Test inks, printheads, and substrates for quality and requirements.
• Operate and optimize industrial inkjet printers and micro-pen dispensers.
• Evaluate fluid-structure interactions and tune printing waveforms.
• Define customer requirements with sales and prepare prototypes and cost estimates.
• Conduct proof-of-concept evaluations on specialized electronics substrates.
• Support DoD and government research contracts with technical inputs.

Skills

Inkjet development

RF/microwave tech

Waveform tuning

Troubleshooting

Printhead tech

Hands-on engineering

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's or additive manufacturing cert preferred

Tools

Piezoelectric printhead tech

Thermal printhead tech

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.