Melting Engineer

SCHOTT Advanced Optics (Duryea, PA) is a leading manufacturer of optical glasses, special materials, ultra-thin glass, high-precision optical components, wafers, optical filter glasses, and ZERODUR®. With a portfolio of over 120 glasses, SCHOTT Advanced Optics offers a broad range of cutting-edge components and materials for applications in optics, astronomy, opto-electronics, augmented reality, life sciences, and research.

• Bachelor Degree in Chemical Engineering (or related field) or 3+ years of relevant engineering experience
• 3+ years of manufacturing experience in a relevant, fast-paced environments
• Proficiency in Six Sigma and Lean methodologies (highly preferred)
• Demonstrated communication skills (written / oral) including the ability to read/speak English
• Ability and willingness to work in fast-paced, matrix structured organization

This Manufacturing Engineer is expected (but not limited) to develop, implement, evaluate, and improve existing and new chemical and mechanical processes for manufacturing glass products of the Advanced Optics (AO) business unit.

• Glass process development — Formulates glass compositions and defines melting, forming, annealing, and processing parameters; scales processes from development to full manufacturing.
• Manufacturing method improvement — Evaluates, develops, and optimizes chemical and mechanical processes using Lean, 6S, PDCA, DMAIC, and structured deviation-management systems.
• Production planning & layout — Analyzes workforce utilization, space, workflow, and equipment layout to maximize efficiency and meet takt-time and capacity goals.
• Quality monitoring & yield improvement — Monitors glass quality, adjusts process parameters, implements yield-measurement systems, and drives continuous improvement through data analysis.
• Technical documentation & communication — Develops standard work procedures, process flow diagrams, and production records; communicates instructions and results clearly to shop-floor teams.
• Cross-functional collaboration — Works with engineering, production, quality, planning, design staff, and vendors to align tooling, product design, schedules, and equipment/material needs.
• Statistical analysis & cost management — Applies statistical methods to improve processes, estimates production times and staffing, prepares cost quotations, and implements cost-saving measures.
• Problem-solving & decision-making — Identifies root causes, resolves issues promptly, synthesizes complex information, and uses sound judgment in fast-changing environments.
• Technical services & equipment support — Provides secondary machinery support, integrates new equipment, and transforms expert knowledge into optimized production processes.
• Safety, flexibility & project leadership — Observes all safety and hazardous-waste procedures, adapts to changing production needs, and manages special projects as assigned.