Howmet Aerospace, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company’s primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems and titanium structural parts necessary for mission-critical performance and efficiency in aerospace and defense applications, as well as forged wheels for commercial transportation. Howmet Aerospace is transforming the next phase of more fuel-efficient, quieter aerospace engines and sustainable ground transportation. For more information, visit www.howmet.com. Follow @howmet: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. 

 

This position is in an R&D team performing a combination of development and support for Howmet’s core manufacturing facilities.  This role involves:

Develop new materials and processes for ceramic core manufacturing to support Howmet’s investment casting plants Refine existing materials and processes to improve yield and reduce cost while maintaining customer quality Evaluate and help solve problems in the batching of materials, forming of green cores, and firing of ceramic cores Work collaboratively with equipment manufacturers to understand and tailor the equipment (such as injection molding machines) used to make cores Maintain a close relationship with raw material suppliers to support improvements to current materials and processes, and to facilitate material replacements when necessary Lead the concurrent engineering, process development, and new part introduction for advanced Aero and IGT cores Advance Howmet’s technical capability in investment casting and ability to support advanced OEM part designs Provide support to casting and core manufacturing operations worldwide as required

 

Basic Qualifications

A BS Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution is required 2 years experience in process development, material development, or manufacturing with ceramics, plastics or polymers Ability to work in a self-directed or team environment, balance multiple projects, and prioritize commitments Strong verbal and written communication skills, and an ability to communicate at all levels of an organization Ability to travel, both domestic and international, up to 25% Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States.  Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) which requires U.S. person status.

Preferred Qualifications

BS in Materials Science Engineering, Ceramics Engineering, Polymers or Chemical Engineering is preferred MS or PhD degree in Ceramics, Materials, Polymers, or Chemical Engineering highly desired 5 or more years of experience in process development, material development, or manufacturing with ceramics, plastics, or polymers Demonstrated skills in solving complex issues using analytical tools, designed experiments (DMAIC process), and analysis of results Experience forming complex ceramic shapes (fully dense or with targeted porosity) such as in the automotive or medical fields using techniques such as extrusion, molding, or slip casting Knowledge of rheology of slurries, surface interactions between oxides powders and binders, organic binder and dispersant formulation development, de-bind/burnout phenomena, and the mechanics of sintering Understanding of the complex materials property relationships in composite ceramics and their interactions with metals during investment casting Experience creating and interacting with 3D CAD models (Siemens NX preferred) Experience in additive manufacturing (3D printing) of polymers or ceramics Experience working with complex polymer systems, including thermoplastics, thermosets, and silicones Experience with the operation of injection molding machines and the ceramic injection molding process

The Ceramic Injection Molding Material Development Engineer will be part of a high-performance multidisciplinary R&D team aiming to advance the state-of-the-art in aerospace manufacturing.  Howmet Aerospace is the largest manufacturer of ceramic cores for investment casting in the world.  An ideal candidate will use their knowledge of materials science to develop new and improved ceramic injection molding materials for use in the manufacturing facilities around the world.  Advancements in ceramic core technology allow an increase in the performance and efficiency of the next generation of turbine engines and will be key to maintaining Howmet Aerospace’s position as the premier supplier of the most complex investment castings in the world.  This position is located in Morristown, TN.

Primary Responsibilities

Develop ceramics core materials and processes that will be validated in an advanced R&D facility and implemented in high-volume production around the world Build close relationships with customers to understand the challenges they face and to design solutions that reduce cost while maintaining quality Evaluate, understand, and solve issues in material batching, compounding, forming of green cores, and firing Identify and work with equipment manufacturers to understand and tailor their equipment to our needs Collaborate with multiple raw material suppliers to solve performance challenges in production, to develop new materials, and to seek alternative materials when needed Balance multiple projects, with a variety of stakeholders, to ensure timely delivery of critical results Share results with others at all levels of the organization and act as change agent to drive continuous growth and advancement Provide support to casting and core manufacturing facilities worldwide as needed