NPI Technical Director; Alloy Development and R&D Leader

NPI Technical Director (New Alloy Development and R&D Leader)

Country:
United States of America

State / County:
Michigan

City:
Muskegon

Division:
Metals

Company:
Cannon Muskegon

Function:
Engineering

Workplace Type:
On-Site

Position type:
Full Time

Opportunity

The NPI Technical Director will work onsite at our flagship Aerospace and Orthopedics metals plant in Cannon-Muskegon (in West Michigan). Rich relocation support is available for non-local candidates.

The NPI Technical Director is responsible for development, implementation, and management of the technical strategy for the Cannon-Muskegon alloy product range, including melting and refining practices, controls, raw materials, and aim chemistry for all superalloy products. This includes development of new and improved proprietary superalloys and turbine engine applications, and marketing and business strategies on a worldwide basis.

• Manage the Technology Department including work assignment planning, time scale, budget, and personnel evaluations.
• Ensure state‑of‑the‑art vacuum induction melting and refining aim chemistry, raw materials, trace and tramp elements, and cleanliness for cast superalloys, maintaining consistent heat quality.
• Oversee MFG changes/governance on technical changes to process and their impact on alloy quality (refractory, melt practices, etc.).
• Provide laboratory support for testing trends/analysis, confirmation of process control trends, and troubleshooting unexpected test results.
• Introduce new alloy products for turbine engine companies and proprietary superalloys to production, attaining and maintaining engine company approval.
• Review incoming vacuum superalloy customer specifications for acceptance or negotiation of technical changes.
• Maintain major accreditations (NADCAP, turbine engine vendor agreements) and update as needed.
• Provide world‑class technical service to customers, including metallurgical support beyond alloy production.
• Stay current with technology development via patents, technical papers, journals, and conference proceedings.
• Enhance market intelligence and penetration through contacts with design, project engineering, purchasing, and senior management at ultimate customers.
• Participate in preparing and presenting significant technical papers, especially joint papers with turbine engine companies at major conferences.
• Ensure competitive AOD refining and continuous casting practices with Manufacturing.
• Keep laboratory technology and testing capabilities up to date.
• Manage R&D budget – financial and work time scale completions.
• Be willing to work extra hours when needed to meet deliverables.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Master of Science Degree in Metallurgy, Metallurgical Engineering, or Materials Engineering with emphasis on Metallurgy.
• 10–15 years of experience in the Aerospace/IGT materials field, with knowledge of cast superalloys, melting and refining superalloys and stainless steels, and a strong background in physical and microstructural metallurgy.

• Excellent computer skills.
• Strong managerial skills.
• Excellent written, oral communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to develop good interpersonal relationships with customers, peers, and co‑workers.
• Excellent knowledge of cast superalloy and cast stainless steel metallurgy.
• Knowledge of investment casting processes.
• International marketing experience and formal education.
• Knowledge of airworthiness and FDA requirements.
• Knowledge of the superalloy patent field and associated legal implications.
• Strategic thinking.
• Leadership skills.
• Business acumen.
• Entrepreneurial orientation.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

This position requires use of information or access to production processes subject to national security controls under U.S. export control laws and regulations (including, but not limited to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR)). To comply with those regulations, this position may require applicants to be U.S. Persons or eligible to obtain the required export authorizations.