Position Summary

We are   seeking an experienced Material Engineer / Metallurgist with strong expertise   in powder metallurgy, specifically alloy systems for wear resistance and   thermal conductivity, to lead the development and industrialization of an   in-house powder material mixing operation. This role is critical to   strengthening vertical integration, improving cost competitiveness, ensuring   material quality, and supporting the long-term growth of our powder metal   valve seat business.

The   successful candidate will be responsible for designing the material mixing   work center, establishing robust processes and quality controls, and building   and leading a technical team to support day-to-day operations and continuous   improvement.

Key   Responsibilities

· Optimize,   and industrialize powder metal alloy systems for valve seat applications.

· Collaborate   with product engineering, manufacturing, and customers to translate   performance requirements into material specifications.

· Support   material validation through lab testing, pilot trials, and production   ramp-up.

· Define   and implement the material mixing strategy for in-house production,   including:

o Equipment selection and layout (mixers,   feeders, storage, handling)

o Raw material flow, traceability, and   segregation

o Batch vs. continuous mixing concepts

· Lead   commissioning, process qualification, and capability studies for the mixing   work center.

· Establish   safe handling procedures for metal powders in compliance with environmental,   health, and safety regulations

· Develop   and implement process control plans, work instructions, and standard   operating procedures for powder mixing

· Define   incoming, in-process, and final material quality controls, including:

o Particle size distribution

o Apparent density, flowability, and   compressibility

o Chemical composition and homogeneity

· Support   audits (internal, customer, and third-party) related to material processes.

· Drive   root cause analysis and corrective actions for material-related issues.

• Build,        train, and mentor a materials and mixing operations team, including        technicians and junior engineers.
• Define roles,        responsibilities, and skill requirements for the material mixing        organization.

· Foster a culture of quality, safety, and   continuous improvement within the team.

· Identify   opportunities to reduce material cost, scrap, and variability through process   optimization and supplier collaboration.

· Support   localization and vertical integration initiatives related to raw materials   and blends.

· Stay   current with industry trends and emerging technologies in powder metallurgy

Desired Qualifications

· Bachelor’s   degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field   (Master’s degree preferred).

· Minimum   of 5-10 years of experience in powder metallurgy, preferably in automotive or   high-volume industrial applications.

· Proven   experience in setting up or industrializing material mixing processes   (in-house or at supplier level).

· Experience   in building and leading technical or operations teams.

· Hands-on   understanding of sintering processes and their interaction with powder   characteristics.

· Deep   knowledge of powder characteristics, blending methodologies, and process   sensitivities.

· Familiarity   with quality systems (IATF 16949 preferred) and statistical process control.

· Ability   to interpret material test data and translate it into actionable process   improvements.

· Strong   problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.

· Strong   leadership and communication skills, capable of working cross-functionally.

· Structured,   hands-on mindset with the ability to operate in a manufacturing environment.

· Comfortable   working in a growing organization where processes are being built and   refined.