Engineer - Ceramic Injection Molding

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

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

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $7.4 Billion in revenue in 2024, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers' success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2024 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report. Follow: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

The Howmet engines business produces world-class aerospace engine components, including investment castings, fasteners, rings and forgings. Our vacuum melted superalloys, machining, performance coatings and hot isostatic pressing for high performance parts enable the next generation of quieter, cleaner and more fuel-efficient aerospace engines. Able to supply more than 90% of structural and rotating aerospace engine components.