Process Development Engineer at Phononic, Inc. – Durham, North Carolina

As a Process Development Engineer at Phononic, you will play a crucial role in developing and optimizing innovative solid-state cooling and heating solutions. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and quality, to design, implement, and scale up manufacturing processes. Your expertise in process engineering, problem-solving, and continuous improvement will contribute to the development of groundbreaking technologies that redefine efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability.

Responsibilities:

· Process Development: Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes for Phononic's solid-state cooling and heating solutions. Ensure processes are scalable, reliable, and meet quality standards.

· New Product Introduction: Collaborate with R&D teams to translate new product designs into efficient and robust manufacturing processes. Drive the successful transition of prototypes to volume production.

· Process Characterization: Conduct comprehensive process characterization studies to identify critical process parameters and their impact on product quality and performance. Establish process control plans and monitor process capabilities.

· Tool Qualification: Work with tool supplier to develop and qualify new tools to improve capability and expand capacity at Phononic’s factories both in the US and overseas.

· Continuous Improvement: Identify areas for process improvement and drive initiatives to enhance yield, cycle time, and cost efficiency. Implement Lean Six Sigma methodologies to drive process optimization.

· Troubleshooting and Problem-solving: Investigate and resolve process-related issues, including yield, reliability, and quality concerns. Implement corrective and preventive actions to ensure consistent process performance.

· Documentation and Reporting: Maintain detailed documentation of process development activities, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), process specifications, and engineering change orders (ECOs). Generate regular reports on process performance and improvement initiatives.

· Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with R&D, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure smooth process transfer, alignment of goals, and effective communication.

· Compliance and Safety: Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, regulations, and safety protocols. Participate in risk assessments and implement appropriate controls.

· Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.

· Proven experience in process development, preferably in a high-tech manufacturing environment.

· Strong understanding of process engineering principles, including process characterization, statistical analysis, and design of experiments (DOE).

· Proficiency in data analysis and statistical software (e.g., JMP, Minitab, Excel).

· Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma methodologies and tools.

· Experience with solid-state cooling and heating technologies, thermoelectric devices, or related fields is a plus.

· Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently as well as in cross-functional teams.

· Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.

· Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

· Detail-oriented and committed to maintaining high-quality standards.

· Familiarity with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Phononic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.