Process Engineer - Kiln

Kyocera International, Inc. is hiring a Process Engineer in our Hendersonville, NC, facility!

If you have the experience noted below and want to work with an innovative team and a great company, apply today!

Look at these PERKS and see why Kyocera is a great team to be on!

• Competitive pay, benefits, and hours
• 120 hours of vacation accrued per year to start (that's 3 weeks/year for regular 8-hour shifts!); accruals grow based on years with the company
• No cap on vacation accruals - employees can save with no limit and even cash it out
• 10 Paid Holidays per year
• Generous paid Sick time for managing the unexpected and caring for your family
• Immediate 401(k) eligibility with a company match
• Pension Program (100% paid by employer)
• Medical insurance, Dental and Vision insurance for you and your family with no waiting period
• Life, AD&D and Long-Term Disability insurance (100% employer paid)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid time off for volunteer activities
• Allowances towards safety shoes/glasses for Production employees
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Adoption Assistance benefit
• Various wellness benefits including reimbursement for medical massages, plus many of our locations have on-site gyms

With nearly 80,000 employees globally, Kyocera is a leading manufacturer of high-tech Ceramics which are used in a variety of industries including aerospace, automotive, Medical applications, and semiconductor processing. You will find our innovative materials in everything from smart phones to space shuttles.

We have a wonderful and robust corporate culture and philosophy based on the experiences and writings of our founder, Dr. Kazuo Inamori, which you can learn more about here. Come find out why we have so many long-tenured staff (many with over 30 years of service). We are not only a great place to work but also a great place to retire from! We strive to have a diverse workforce made up of people from all backgrounds, including minorities, women and veterans, who bring their experience to support the innovation and quality that Kyocera is known for.

PAY RANGE = $69k-$100k/year

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION
The Process Engineer drives improvement and implementation of production processes and procedures. This position involves the setup of new production systems and the analyses of current systems. The Process Engineer takes on projects related to a needed improvement in production. They gain training from other engineers, outside vendors and department managers, typically working closely with the production floor. This person may be assigned a variety of projects at once with limited supervision. Works on problems of moderate scope. Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data from which suggestions can be made. May work closely with facilities and supply management when new parts or repairs are needed.

REQUIREMENTS

Requires 4-year degree in Engineering. 2+ years of experience in a production engineering environment with process and equipment.
Hands-on mechanical and analytical experience in a lab or production environment
Ability to manage assigned projects and follow through on process improvement procedures.
Knowledge of ceramic and industrial parts processing and properties is preferred.
Knowledge of SPC, FMEA, Lean and Six Sigma Principles
Intermediate computer skills, to include use of MS Office Suite.
Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills to interface with outside vendors and to generate and deliver presentations to internal customers.
Eligible to work in an ITAR environment

Experience in Kilns, experience sintering non-oxide ceramics is a plus.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Supports, implements, and maintains methods, operation sequence, and processes in the manufacture of final product. Uses projects to improve safety, efficiency, and quality of various manufacturing processes.
2. Observes the starting, running, and upgrading of manufacturing processes to maximize productivity without sacrificing quality requirements. May work closely with an outside vendor to set up new equipment.
3. Designs, installs, and commissions new production processes and tools. Hands-on knowledge and design experience is utilized daily. May also document applications and set up for future needs. May draft technique cards or other user instructions.
4. Creates work instructions and other associated process documentation following documented procedures. May update existing documents and follow change order and revision control requirements.
5. Makes sure that all production personnel correctly understand new processes or any changes in processes. May train production operators on new processes as are developed and solve problems at the user level to ensure ease of use and accuracy.
6. Analyzes problems and addresses RCCAAs using intuitive and analytical methods such as 8-D & 5 Why Analyses.
7. Makes observations and takes measurements directly, as well as collects and interprets data from existing production line to adjust and corrections.
8. Takes ownership of assigned projects and manages results start to finish with guidance from Senior Engineer or production manager. May manage technicians or other engineers on projects.
9. Networks with other department personnel (including other engineers and supervisors) to tackle procedural and quality issues that are related to the production and delivery of good quality product.
10. Works with a variety of team members including facilities, EHS, quality, supply management and production supervisors.
11. Ensures safety is a priority on all tools and production activity. May train operators on lock out tag out techniques and will use safe machine practices in all activities.
12. May be cross trained in a variety of skills including inspection, testing, project management, programming, gauge R and R, drawings, and metrology.
13. Candidate will be responsible for ensuring that the kiln processes are performed in compliance with the methods, materials and equipment specifications as detailed in the BU manual, business operating procedures, and customer requirements.
14. Foster continuous improvement utilizing Six Sigma methodology, Process Management, SPC to reduce variation and improve capability.
15. Contribute to the development of corporate best practices for raw materials, manufacturing techniques, control metrics, analysis, and new equipment specifications.
16. Responsible for determination of the root cause of any deviation from critical process specifications or downstream product specifications and providing technical support to resolve kiln related issues.
17. Work with facilities and finance departments to plan and execute projects, including capital improvement.
18. Institute proper project monitoring, follow-up, and feedback system to ensure financial and contract targets are met (i.e. yields, rework).
19. Educate operators about the process and proper procedures, including creating/revising work instructions and training materials.

Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is continuously required to talk or hear; regularly required to stand; frequently required to reach with hands and arms; and occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to work near moving mechanical parts, work in high, precarious places.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The above statements are intended to describe the work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. The duties and responsibilities of this position are subject to change and other duties may be assigned or removed at any time. This position may require exposure to information subject to US Export Control regulations, i.e.: the International Traffic and Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be US persons within the meaning of US regulations.

Kyocera International, Inc. values diversity in its workforce, and is proud to be an AAP/EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact Kyocera International, Inc. Human Resources team directly.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.