Inkjet Application Engineer

True North Consultants, Inc.; Pembroke (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

True North Consultants, Inc. is seeking an Inkjet Application Engineer to move a flexible electronics printing platform from R&D into production, optimizing inkjet delivery systems and resolving hardware/software challenges for defense and commercial use.

The role requires independent work, milestone delivery, and collaboration with DoD contracts, with a strong background in piezoelectric/thermal printheads and RF/microwave components.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in inkjet application development or additive manufacturing.
• At least 2 years on electronic/RF/microwave components.
• Strong background in printhead tech and waveform tuning.

Responsibilities

• Test inks, printheads, and substrates for quality and requirements.
• Operate industrial inkjet printers and micro-pen dispensers.
• Evaluate fluid-structure interactions and tune waveforms.
• Define customer requirements with sales and prepare prototypes.
• Support DoD and government research contracts with technical proposals.
• Document design work and prepare guides and procedures.
• Mentor junior engineers and train customer teams.

Skills

Inkjet application development

Additive manufacturing

RF/microwave components

Printhead technology

Troubleshooting hardware/software

Education

B.S. in EE/ME/Materials/Chemical Eng

Master's or certifications preferred

Tools

Piezoelectric printhead tech

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.