Inkjet Application Engineer

Soap Creek Resources; Pembroke (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Soap Creek Resources is seeking an Inkjet Application Engineer to advance a production‑ready printing platform for flexible electronics, today serving national security and commercial markets. The role focuses on optimizing inkjet and micro‑pen delivery systems, solving hardware/software challenges, and driving milestones for electronic and RF/microwave components.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in inkjet application development or additive manufacturing, with strong knowledge of printhead

Qualifications

• 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 hardware/software issues, and refining print files using standard tools.
• Familiarity with motion control systems, digital imaging tools, and metrology equipment such as drop-watchers and profilometers.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and communicate technical information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Test inks, printheads, and substrates for print quality, cycle time, compatibility, and customer requirements.
• Operate and optimize industrial inkjet printers and micro‑pen dispensers for high-precision electronic and RF components.
• Evaluate fluid‑structure interactions and tune printing waveforms for flexible and RF/microwave electronics.
• Collaborate with sales to define customer requirements, configure custom printing solutions, and prepare cost estimates.
• Conduct proof‑of‑concept evaluations on specialized electronics substrates.
• Support DoD and government contracts with white papers, proposals, and demonstrations.
• Troubleshoot fluidic, hardware, software, and integration issues for field teams and subcontractors.
• Identify printing and product performance risks and implement defect‑free solutions.
• Conduct customer site visits, develop work plans, and adapt capabilities to customer needs.
• Monitor progress against objectives and authorizations.
• Train customer engineers and mentor junior staff.
• Document design work and prepare technical reports and SOPs.
• Use field data to guide internal R&D and suppliers in reducing production time and cost.

Skills

Independent work

Clear communication

Problem solving

Deadline oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Materials/Chemical Engineering or related field

Master's degree or certifications in additive manufacturing or printing technologies

Tools

Piezoelectric printhead tech

Thermal printhead tech

Waveform tuning

Fluid rheology

Metrology equipment (drop-watchers, profilometers)

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.