Inkjet Application Engineer

Calqulate; Pembroke (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Calqulate Metrics Ltd is recruiting an Inkjet Application Engineer for a C5ISR technology client. This role advances a custom printing platform from research into production for flexible electronics, emphasizing inkjet and micro-pen delivery systems used in defense and commercial applications.

The engineer will test inks, printheads, and substrates; optimize industrial printers; tune waveforms; and collaborate with sales to define requirements, produce prototypes, and prepare estimates for DoD

Qualifications

• At least 7 years in inkjet application development or additive manufacturing with 2+ years on electronic/RF/microwave parts.
• Advanced knowledge of industrial inkjet systems, piezoelectric and thermal printhead tech, waveform tuning.
• Troubleshooting industrial printers, debugging hardware/software, refining print files.

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.
• Evaluate fluid-structure interactions and tune printing waveforms for flexible/RF electronics.
• Collaborate with sales to define customer requirements and provide prototypes and cost estimates.
• Conduct proof-of-concept evaluations on electronics substrates.
• Support DoD and government research contracts with technical demonstrations.

Skills

Inkjet engineering

Waveform tuning

RF/microwave components

Troubleshooting printers

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

Master's or certs in additive manufacturing

Related engineering field

Tools

Drop-watchers

Profilometers

Piezoelectric printheads

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.