Inkjet Application Engineer

Food Management Search; Pembroke (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Food Management Search, Inc. is seeking an Inkjet Application Engineer to transition an established printing platform from R&D to production for flexible electronics.

The role focuses on optimizing inkjet and micro-pen delivery systems, resolving hardware/software challenges, and meeting milestones for electronic and RF/microwave components used in defense and commercial markets. The candidate will test materials, operate industrial inkjet systems, and collaborate with sales to tailor solutions,

Qualifications

• 7+ years in inkjet application development or additive manufacturing
• 2+ years focused on electronic, electrical, or RF/microwave components
• Advanced knowledge of industrial inkjet systems, including piezoelectric and thermal printhead technology
• Waveform tuning and micro-pen dispensers experience
• Familiarity with metrology equipment and motion control systems
• Ability to troubleshoot complex hardware/software issues and refine print files
• Strong communication of technical information to stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Test inks, printheads, and substrates for quality, cycle time, and requirements
• Operate and optimize industrial inkjet printers and micro-pen dispensers
• Evaluate fluid-structure interactions; tune printing waveforms for flexible/RF electronics
• Collaborate with sales to define customer requirements and prepare cost estimates
• Conduct proof-of-concept evaluations on specialized electronics substrates
• Support DoD and government research contracts with technical discussions and proposals
• Assist field teams and subcontractors with troubleshooting and integration issues
• Identify risks and implement solutions for defect-free components
• Visit customers, develop work plans, and adapt capabilities to needs
• Mentor junior engineers and document design work and SOPs
• Use field data to guide R&D and supplier decisions to reduce time and cost

Skills

Inkjet applications

Additive manufacturing

RF/microwave components

Piezoelectric printheads

Waveform tuning

Fluid rheology

Troubleshooting printers

Motion control systems

Digital imaging tools

Metrology equipment

Independent work

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree or certifications in additive manufacturing

Tools

Standard software tools

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.