Technical Finishing Engineering Manager

SSW Advanced Technologies; Newport (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SSW Advanced Technologies in Newport, TN seeks a seasoned manufacturing process leader to optimize plating and finishing operations. You will lead process improvements, establish SOPs, and act as the technical expert for metal finishing while collaborating with production, quality, and engineering.

Responsibilities include maintaining equipment, ensuring environmental compliance, guiding CAPA investigations, and mentoring 16-person finishing teams. Travel internationally once a year is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field and 3 years of experience in a related occupation.
• 3 years of experience with Electroplating troubleshooting.
• 3 years of experience with Powder Coating, Waste Treatment, and EHS and Safety.
• 3 years of Nickel plating, Zinc plating, and Chemical Processing equipment.
• 3 years of experience with Quality Control Principles.
• 3 years of experience with surface treatment technologies, electrochemistry and material Science.
• 3 years of experience with environmental regulations related to plating and powder coating operations.
• 3 years of experience with equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• 2 years of experience with AutoCAD and SolidWorks.
• Academic/work experience with Chemistry and Lab work, Operational Research and Mechanics and Thermodynamics

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and optimize nickel plating, zinc plating, and powder coating processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance quality.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions, and control plans.
• Serve as the technical expert for metal finishing processes and provide guidance to production, quality, and other departments.
• Stay current with advancements in surface treatment technologies and evaluate their application.
• Troubleshoot process-related issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and implement quality control procedures to ensure compliance with customer specs and standards.
• Oversee maintenance and calibration of finishing equipment.
• Manage environmental compliance programs related to plating and powder coating operations.
• Lead or participate in projects related to new product introductions, process improvements, or equipment upgrades.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to finishing department personnel.
• Monitor process costs and negotiate with suppliers and service providers.
• Ensure safety and conduct safety training; investigate incidents and implement corrective actions.
• Supervise 16 employees across various roles as listed in the ad.
• Support continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Consider environmental sustainability factors in processes and practices.
• Engage in literature review and professional development to stay current.
• Provide assistance to SSW Management Team as requested.

Skills

Process optimization

Technical expertise

Quality control

Equipment maintenance

Environmental compliance

Project management

Team leadership

Cost management

Safety

Troubleshooting

Continuous improvement

Lean manufacturing

Environmental sustainability

Literature review

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Job location – Newport, TN-International travel is required once a year

Responsibilities:

• Process Optimization: Evaluate and optimize existing nickel plating, zinc plating, and powder coating processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance quality. Implement process improvements based on data analysis, experimentation, and industry best practices. Develop and maintain process documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and control plans. (15%)
• Technical Expertise: Serve as the technical expert for all metal finishing processes, providing guidance and support to production teams, quality control, and other departments. Stay current with the latest advancements in surface treatment technologies and evaluate their potential application in our operations. Troubleshoot process-related issues, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions. (10%)
• Quality Control: Develop and implement quality control procedures to ensure compliance with customer specifications, industry standards (e.g., ASTM), and regulatory requirements (e.g., environmental regulations). Monitor process parameters, conduct testing, and analyze data to identify trends and potential quality issues. Lead investigations of non-conformances and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). (5%)
• Equipment Management: Oversee the maintenance and calibration of equipment used in the finishing processes, including plating tanks, powder coating booths, ovens, and related systems. Evaluate equipment performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and recommend upgrades or replacements as needed. Manage relationships with equipment vendors and service providers. (15%)
• Environmental Compliance: Ensure compliance with all applicable environmental regulations related to plating and powder coating operations (e.g., wastewater discharge, air emissions, hazardous waste management). Develop and implement environmental management plans to minimize the environmental impact of finishing processes. Manage waste disposal and recycling programs. (10%)
• Project Management: Lead or participate in projects related to new product introductions, process improvements, or equipment upgrades. Develop project plans, manage budgets, and track progress to ensure timely and successful completion of projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, production, and quality. (10%)
• Team Leadership: Provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to finishing department personnel. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork. Evaluate employee performance and provide feedback. (5%)
• Cost Management: Monitor finishing process costs, including material consumption, energy usage, and labor costs. Identify opportunities for cost reduction and implement costsaving initiatives. Negotiate pricing with suppliers and service providers. (5%)
• Safety: Ensure all finishing operations are conducted in a safe manner, following established safety procedures and regulatory requirements. Conduct safety training and promote a culture of safety awareness. Investigate accidents and incidents, implement corrective actions, and prevent recurrences. (10%)
• Troubleshoot new or existing product problems involving designs, materials, or processes. (1%)
• Identify opportunities or implement changes to improve manufacturing processes or products or to reduce cost. (2%)
• Apply continuous improvement methods such as lean manufacturing to enhance manufacturing quality, reliability, or cost-effectiveness. (2%)
• Evaluate current or proposed manufacturing processes or practices for environmental sustainability, considering factors such as emissions, air pollution, water pollution, energy use, or waste creation. (4%)
• Read current literature, talk with colleagues, participate in educational programs, attend meetings, attend workshops, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in the manufacturing field. (3%)
• Provide additional assistance to the SSW Management Team as requested. (3%)
• Supervises 16 employees:
  • 2 Material Handlers.
  • 1- Powder Technician
  • 7- Production Team members
  • 2- Team Leaders
  • 4- Wastewater Systems Technician

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field and 3 years of experience in a related occupation. Employer will also accept knowledge gained through any education, work/internship, training or coursework.

The position also requires:

• 3 years of experience with Electroplating troubleshooting.
• 3 years of experience with Powder Coating, Waste Treatment, and EHS and Safety.
• 3 years of Nickel plating, Zinc plating, and Chemical Processing equipment.
• 3 years of experience with Quality Control Principles.
• 3 years of experience with surface treatment technologies, electrochemistry and material Science.
• 3 years of experience with environmental regulations related to plating and powder coating operations.
• 3 years of experience with equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• 2 years of experience with AutoCAD and SolidWorks.
• Academic/work experience with Chemistry and Lab work, Operational Research and Mechanics and Thermodynamics