Materials Engineer

Company / Location Information

A. O. Smith Corporation, founded over 140 years ago in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, is a global leader in applying innovative technology and energy-efficient solutions to products marketed worldwide.  Our goal is to be a leading global water technology company, and our focus is on building this platform through new product development, global expansion, strategic acquisitions, and partnerships.  Today’s A. O. Smith is one of the world's leading residential and commercial water heating equipment manufacturers, offering a comprehensive product line featuring the best-known brands in North America and China. In November 2009, the company entered the global water treatment industry by creating a new venture, A. O. Smith (Shanghai) Water Treatment Products Co. Ltd.

With manufacturing operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, India, and Europe, A. O. Smith has the global reach to serve customers worldwide. We have sales and distribution in more than 60 countries around the world.  A. O. Smith is committed to continuous improvement, not just in its factories, processes, and people.  It values people who can analyze problems and take rapid, decisive action.  For more information regarding A. O. Smith, visit our website at www.aosmith.com.

Primary Function

This position will coordinate improvements and changes to manufacturing processes and procedures in the industrial plant to establish the best methods of work. This position will constantly evaluate processes and procedures of the production process to identify areas for improvement. Plans, directs, and coordinates manufacturing processes in industrial plant by performing the following duties.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the ablation process for steel sheets in preparation for ceramic enamel coatings
Responsible for ceramic coating manufacturing process for steel sheets.
Responsible for sustaining the electrostatic powder coating manufacturing process.
Provides technical support and troubleshooting for ablation equipment.
Provides technical expertise for the vitrification process.
Provide direct support to sustain the electrostatic powder manufacturing equipment.
Directly responsible for the proper operation of vitrification equipment
Sustain and apply key process parameters for all internal ceramic coating processes.
Apply problem-solving activities to resolve manufacturing and field service performance problems related to ceramic coating applications.  
Directly collaborate with the corporate technical center to develop new steel surface preparation and ceramic coating processes.
Understand and implement Lean Manufacturing Principles such as Continuous Improvement, Blitzes, Kanban, Line Balancing, TPM, Takt time, etc.
Work closely in a team environment with engineers, supervisors, and manufacturing personnel and promote company principles such as Quality and Lean Manufacturing.
Work closely with maintenance personnel in troubleshooting problems as needed and equipment installation and set-up.
Other duties as assigned by Management in support of Manufacturing Operations.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Engineering or Ceramic Engineering (or Technical Degree with at least seven years of ceramic engineering experience)
Knowledge of ceramics raw materials, powder selection, and mixing.
Experience with Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and other Continuous Improvement Methodologies.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, fundamentals of plane and solid geometry, and trigonometry.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

We Offer

Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits plans which include medical and dental insurance, company-sponsored life insurance, retirement security savings plan, short- and long-term disability programs and tuition assistance.