Opportunity
Under the direction of the Sr. Staff Engineer NPI, develop new products following the Vitreous Development Management System (VDMS). Cast New product block molds, produce products for qualification testing, develop ware boards, bowl horseshoes, special props and punching gauges. Suggest alterations necessary to improve product manufacturability. Work as liaison between Model, Block and Case and Pottery Cast shop in introducing new and improving current manufacturing methods and yields.
Dry finish, transport, spray, fire and inspect new products for qualification testing. Develop procedures for finishing, dryer and transportation propping, spray setters, gauges, firing props, decks and special methods to improve product manufacturability. Work as liaison between Product development and the Pottery ware processing departments to introduce new products and improve current product manufacturing methods and product yields. Assist the Processing Departments as directed to resolve product problems.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBLILITIES
Cast new product block molds, develop and document casting procedures for Pottery cast shops. Suggest mold and casting procedure changes, work closely with Model, Block and Case on mold alterations to rapidly develop correct fitting moldsDevelop casting, finishing and hole punching methods/tooling and make method changes as required by product engineering or manufacturing.Maintain Excel data collection files of all products, casting method changes, mold alterations and special tool dimensions during the development stage to include a daily record of methods and alterations on each new product cast.Create JIC’s from mold preparation to Firing process using Microsoft Word.Dry finish all products produced by Product Development and develop dry finishing procedures necessary to produce good product.Transport new products to the dryer using current equipment wherever possible. Develop any special transportation props and drying times and methods required to produce good pieces.Inspect product after drying and record defects found by location. Review these defects and develop procedures to eliminate the problems.Transport products to the Spray department and help develop spray methods, setters, and gauges.Transport product to the Kiln Department and develop kiln placing locations, methods, firing props and setters as required. Development of drop-in lavatory firing rings is a major responsibility.Inspect fired products for problems and defects. Record all defects and critical dimensions in an Excel file/Excel concentration diagram, which are used to help reduce and eliminate product defects and cull.Develop and implement logo gauges for production use.Assist manufacturing in the process qualification (PQ) and process verification (PV) run stage of the new product introduction to ensure proper procedures and methods are followed, changing procedures as necessary to improve product quality.Assist manufacturing in the troubleshooting of manufacturing problems on both new and existing vitreous productsTravel up to 20% to the satellite pottery when necessary to assist them with the introduction of new products at PQ/PV.