JOB TITLE: Material Engineer                                                               JOB GRADE: EX05

FLSA STATUS: Exempt                                                           DEPARTMENT NAME: Material Control/DPF

DEPARTMENT CODE:  MATCTL  /Powder Prep                                                        REPORTS TO: Area Manager

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I. POSITION SUMMARY

Process engineer supporting the efficient operation of our ceramic material departments by driving continuous improvement through studying new technology or by member suggestions.
 

II. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES DEPENDING ON SPECIFIC MATERIAL ENGINEER ASSIGNMENT (The section is not intended to be an all-inclusive list and NGK Ceramics reserves the right to include other duties as assigned):

Provides Process Engineering support for three materials departments
 

Approves incoming and pre-shipment raw materials for use at NGK USA
 

Updates department procedures, work instructions, and forms
 

Champions or participates in continuous improvement projects related to material production areas.
 

Could be selected to be the Radiation Safety Officer requiring outside training / certification.
 

Participates in 5S / Kaizen teams
 

Champions or participates in completing special projects to provide support for NGK USA.
 

Maintains NGK USA batch proportions and bill of materials.
 

Conducts line tests and writes reports to test and document new materials, process supplies, or operating parameters.
 

Submits Process Change requests to obtain official approval to change a process parameter.
 

Participates or champions weekly quality improvement meetings for department depending on specific job assignment.
 

Creates computer programs to aid in testing of NGK’s products.
 

Creates reports for Quality Assurance or Material Control, both in US and Japan. .
 

Communicates clearly and professionally with other NGK plants and equipment suppliers via email, phone, or reports.
 

Maintains databases used for raw material quality and for assisting with shrinkage control.
 

Works with Maintenance and Facilities Engineering to install new equipment or make repairs to existing equipment.
 

Works with related departments to drive global powder processing and weighing improvements.
 

Participates in auditing raw material and/or equipment suppliers
 

Learn operational principles of laboratory test equipment and material processing equipment
 

III. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Material Engineer has no supervisory responsibilities.

IV. REQUIRED COMPETENCIES                      

 
Customer Focus: Knows and anticipates relevant internal / external customer needs and acts accordingly; gives high priority to customer service; seeks to understand customer expectations; consistently demonstrates extra effort to insure customer satisfaction.
 

Integrity and Accountability: Acts with integrity; adheres to stated core values and beliefs; accepts responsibility for his/her actions and decisions; is trusted; seen as a direct, truthful individual; admits mistakes; doesn’t misrepresent him/herself for personal gain.
 

Respect and Humility: Approaches others with respect and humility; shows respect for other's feelings, attitudes, reasoning and opinion; recognizes the value of diversity; emphasizes team success above personal gain; responds well to constructive criticism.
 

Teamwork: Recognizes and appreciates the use of the combined efforts of the group of members, working effectively and efficiently to achieve goals and objectives safely.
 

Communication: Conveys information clearly in writing and speech; listens effectively and responds appropriately; communicates in a timely manner; is open and honest; keeps and uses confidential information with discretion; adjusts to a level understandable for the audience.
 

Decision Making and Problem Solving: Searches for creative, innovative new ideas; displays sound judgment; makes effective and appropriate decisions; acts promptly; is decisive; provides holistic solutions; identifies problems in advance; gathers and analyzes information; determines root cause; considers multiple factors.
 

Dependability / Self-Management: Self-adheres to policy, schedules and procedures; carries out work assignments without close supervision; reliable and follows through on commitments; accepts feedback and pursues self-development; deals confidently with challenging circumstances.
 

Interpersonal Skills: Gets along well with others; cooperative, flexible and responsive; actively contributes to team goals; values diversity; demonstrates respect; appreciates opinions; builds unity; communicates constructively.
 

Motivation and Commitment: Proactive positive approach; dedicated to responsibilities; gives extra effort; adapts to change in a positive, constructive manner; needs little supervision; seeks additional assignments.
 

Safety & Environmental Awareness & Compliance: Practices safe behavior; follows safety policies and guidelines; embraces activities that will promote member safety; adheres to personal and team safety regulations; actively participates and supports company safety initiatives; expects and communicates adherence to safety standards from members at all levels. Understands and follows established personal safety, security and environmental practices;         complies with local, federal and company health, safety, security and environmental regulations; and identifies unsafe or unsecure conditions and takes corrective actions.
 

V. REQUIRED AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and/or Experience                                                  

 
Bachelor's degree (B. S.) from accredited college or university preferably in Material Engineering, Materials Science (composites or ceramics), or Chemical Engineering.  Experience with ceramics a plus.
Required Language Skills                                                         
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations

2.   Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

             3.   Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers.
Required Mathematical Skills                                                    
Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations. Apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.
Required Reasoning Ability                                                       
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Other Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities    

                                               
Proficient working knowledge of MS Office, Minitab, and business intelligence software, a plus.

 
Must be able to work in a team setting with individuals of different educational and work experience and expertise.
Must be able to manage their time and priorities to complete projects and tasks on time and correctly.
Ability to conduct oneself professionally when in the office and when representing NGK on company business trips. 

       6. Travel Requirements                                                      
Some domestic and international travel is required (< 10%).

VI. PHYSICAL DEMANDS (The physical demands 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 will be determined on a case by case basis):

 
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear; and sit.
 

The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
VII. WORK ENVIRONMENT  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to work in typical office conditions.
 

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
 

VIII. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS/PPE

Safety shoes must be worn while on NGK property.

 
PPE is generally not required while performing the duties of this job.

 
Safety glasses, safety glasses with side shields, hearing protection, goggles and/or full face shield are required while performing certain job duties.

 
Task appropriate gloves or mitts (e.g. latex gloves, cloth gloves, or heat resistance gloves) are required while performing certain job duties.

 
Respirators may be required while performing certain job duties.

IX. EMPLOYMENT DISCLAIMER

 
This job description is not to be considered a written contract.  Employment with NGK is at will.  This means that the employee, as well as the company, is free to terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason not prohibited by law.  Also, this job description is not designed to be a complete listing of the tasks, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.