Electron Energy Corporation

Sign Up/Sign In
Flag job

Report

Senior Powder Metallurgy Equipment Engineer

Min Experience

8 years

Location

Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States

JobType

full-time

About the job

Info This job is sourced from a job board

About the role

Job Description Date: March 2026



Title of Role: Sr. Powder Metallurgy Equipment Engineer

Department: Advanced Technology

Manager: Director, Advanced Technology

 

 

Position Summary:

 

The Sr. Equipment Engineer is responsible for the design of system components and the maintenance, optimization, improvement and qualification of powder metallurgy machinery used to manufacture rare earth permanent magnets. This role bridges the gap between mechanical engineering and materials science, ensuring that equipment like melt furnaces, powder production equipment, presses and sintering furnaces operate optimally, at peak efficiency to meet the quality and safety standards. 

 

Key Responsibilities: 

 

1. New Equipment or Systems Design, Development and Qualification

  • Develop technical specifications for new equipment procurement and work with suppliers to customize equipment.
  • Manage capital equipment projects including budgeting, scheduling, and vendor coordination. Ensure projects meet cost, schedule, and performance targets.
  • Lead the design, development and qualification into production of custom made powder metallurgy equipment or equipment components such as:
  • alloy manufacturing systems
  • alloy pulverization systems
  • powder handling and feeding systems
  • powder compaction systems
  • sintering systems
  • Lead the setup, qualification (IQOQPQ), and initial testing of new machinery to ensure it meets production and safety specifications.
  • Design systems for error-proof processes.
  • Develop work instructions for the operation of equipment and for processes. 
  • Ensure that the new powder metallurgy equipment and systems operate safely.


2. Equipment Maintenance, Reliability & Optimization

  • Develop or approve powder metallurgy equipment preventative maintenance schedules.
  • Lead or oversee troubleshooting efforts to minimize downtime. 
  • Develop predictive maintenance strategies for powder metallurgy equipment to improve reliability.
  • Perform root cause analysis of equipment failures.
  • Lead troubleshooting for complex mechanical, hydraulic, and control issues for the powder metallurgy equipment.
  • Optimize powder metallurgy equipment performance to improve productivity and product quality.
  • Ensure that all powder metallurgy equipment and systems operate safely.
  • Work with automation engineers to improve:
  • control systems
  • data acquisition and monitoring


3. Process Optimization

  • Support the qualification of new processes using new equipment or modified equipment.
  • Support the process transfer from pilot / test to large scale production.


4. Continuous Improvement 

  • Monitor key operating parameters of equipment to achieve high yields and consistent product quality, often using tools like Lean, Six Sigma.
  • Identify opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, safety, and throughput while eliminating waste.
  • Investigate deviations from engineering KPIs, perform root cause analysis, and implement approved corrective actions.
  • Generate PFMEA and continuously conduct safety observations


5. Manufacturing Support

  • Provide technical support to production teams.
  • Support new product introduction (NPI) and tooling development.


6. Technical Leadership

  • Mentor engineers and technicians.
  • Provide technical guidance on powder metallurgy equipment and processes.
  • Participate in cross-functional teams including R&D, production, and quality.



Perform additional duties as required to support operational and strategic objectives.


 

Qualifications:

 

Education and Experience:

  • Education:
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Metallurgical, Industrial, Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering.
  • Experience:
  • 8-10+ years’ experience in powder metallurgy manufacturing, metal powder processing, sintering operations, compaction press equipment. 
  • Knowledge of magnetic materials and applications is a plus. 
  • Other requirements:
  • This position may require access to ITAR-controlled technical data and services. As such, all applicants must be U.S. persons, as defined by ITAR, to be considered for this role. A U.S. person is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or individual with protected status under U.S. immigration laws. Applicants who do not meet these criteria will not be considered for the position.

 

 

Technical & Functional Expertise:

Strong knowledge of:

  • Powder metallurgy processes
  • Alloy melting and thermodynamics
  • Press tooling and compaction mechanics
  • Sintering furnace design and atmosphere control
  • Powder handling systems
  • Mechanical design and machine troubleshooting
  • CAD software
  • FEA analysis
  • PLC systems


Key Competencies

  • Advanced problem solving
  • Equipment troubleshooting
  • Process optimization
  • Project management
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Leadership and mentoring

 

 

Execution & Results Orientation

  • Perseveres through challenges, setbacks, and resistance to ensure projects are completed successfully.
  • Demonstrates resilience by learning from setbacks and improving outcomes on each challenge.
  • Adaptable, high integrity, and committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Strong process management skills; able to prioritize work, manage time effectively, and get more done with fewer resources.

 

Communication & Collaboration

  • Excellent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills; able to convey technical concepts clearly.
  • Provides timely and relevant information to team members and stakeholders to support decision-making.
  • Collaborates effectively across functions and departments.

 

 

Work Environment and Physical Demands

  • Works in both office and production environments; use of protective footwear, eyewear, and other required PPE is mandatory.
  • Occasional extended workdays and Saturdays may be required to meet project deadlines and production schedules.
  • Up to 5–10% overnight travel may be required; must be able to drive and be insurable.
  • Typical physical activity: 10% sitting, 55% standing, 10% stooping/bending, and 25% walking.
  • Ability to lift and transport items averaging 10 lbs., with a maximum of 50 lbs. using proper technique or assistance.
  • Manual dexterity and coordination required for handling tools, components, and equipment.
  • Near visual acuity (corrected or uncorrected) for inspection, reading technical documents, and working with detailed drawings.

 

About the company

Manufactures high-performance rare earth magnets and magnetic assemblies.

Skills

CAD
FEA
PLC
Data Acquisition
Instrumentation
Sintering Furnace
Press Tools
Thermodynamics
Automation Systems
Lean Six Sigma