Thermal Hardware Specialist, Kiln - Level 4/5 Verified today
About the Role
You will oversee the operations, parameters, and maintenance of sintering roller hearth kilns and dryers. You will work hands-on with the technician team, monitoring equipment constantly and ensuring processes, procedures, and training are well maintained. Your main goal is to maximize equipment reliability and product quality output.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor and adjust kiln parameters: continuously observe operations, adjusting burners, temperature, pressure, and rollers to maintain optimal performance
- Conduct regular analyses to assess kiln efficiency and identify areas for improvement
- Perform routine inspections to verify kiln component functionality and identify potential issues
- Interpret alarms and operational trends to make informed adjustments in partnership with engineering
- Oversee daily work orders and technician activities, ensuring kiln outputs meet defined quality criteria
- Ensure preventive maintenance tasks are performed on time and spare parts are in good condition
- Calibrate instruments and control systems to maintain accurate readings and control
- Adhere to all safety protocols, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe material handling
- Maintain and develop work instructions, procedures, work orders, and daily technician routines for all kilns and dryers
- Maintain documentation, training, and standard procedures to ensure technician understanding and proper machinery operation
- React to engineering and supplier recommendations for maintenance plans
- Provide visibility of machinery uptime and downtime to support corrective actions and improve reliability
- Champion maintenance execution and technician training across maintenance and production teams
- Develop machinery Key Performance Indicators to support day-to-day operations
- Create and maintain spare parts (Machine Bill of Material) in systems to enable quick maintenance turnaround
- Work with supervisors and production planning to ensure preventive maintenance execution and planned downtime
Basic Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- 7+ years of professional experience working with kiln machining
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with enthusiasm for innovation and reliability
- Demonstrated application of process controls in high-volume manufacturing, test, and quality environments
- Knowledge of quality tools: measurement systems analysis, design of experiments, statistical process control, root cause analysis and corrective action, control plans, and problem-solving approaches
- Experience developing or supporting: complex mechanical/structural assemblies, fluid component/valve assembly, CNC machining, forming, bending
- Experience with bonding, drilling, fastening, and other assembly manufacturing processes
- Computer skills: SQL, Microsoft Office, or other electronic systems
Requirements
- Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
- U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Refugee, or Asylee, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State to comply with ITAR regulations
- Ability to work in high-temperature environments and stand for extended periods
- Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and offsite as needed
- Capacity to handle lightweight supplies or materials up to 25 lbs. unassisted
- Willingness to travel for business and operational needs (up to 15%)