Senior Powder Metallurgy Equipment Engineer

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…