Job Summary
Anovion is North America’s premier developer and manufacturer of synthetic graphite anode products for the lithium-ion battery industry. Our facility in Sanborn, NY is home to our pilot scale manufacturing operations, our world-class battery materials and prototype cell assembly laboratory and is home to our Technology team. These combined capabilities are known as the Anovion Center of Excellence (ACE). The ACE capabilities enable Anovion to develop, test, and evaluate all aspects of anode manufacturing from raw materials through the conversion processes, thermal treatments, and finally the relationship to battery performance characteristics.
We seek a Process Engineer to join our growing Technology team. This is a hands-on position that will oversee, contribute and support the design and execution of Research Furnace development and implementation. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with Anovion engineering teams as well as external engineering and construction firms, to improve the function of existing research furnaces as well as assist in the development of next generation graphitization techniques. The furnace engineer will develop DOE’s, SOP’s, perform HAZOP analyses as well perform reports to share performance information to the greater teams.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience:
B.S. Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Materials Engineering, or related science or engineering field
Proficiency working with machinery, hand and power tools
Proficient with CAD software (SOLIDWORKS Preferable)
Experience designing, running, performing data analysis and reporting results for complex multivariate experiments
Experience with anode materials, lithium-ion batteries, and/or high temperature furnaces preferred
5+ years experience with manufacturing preferred
Experience with Controls, PLCs, electrical systems, power supplies and facilities engineering.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Core People Skills. Ability to positively interact and work collaboratively with a diverse group of people at all levels of the organization and across the globe. Genuine with high ethical standards and values, and personal integrity and honesty. Displays humility and adaptability. Ability to apply a large measure of common sense to a variety of situations.
Communication Skills. Ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, listen and obtain clarification, and respond well to questions. Proficiency in writing clearly and concisely and editing work for spelling and grammar.
Computer/Applications Skills. Proficient MS Office computer skills, especially data analysis, organization and plotting with Excel. CAD experience. Experience with PLCs a plus. Experience with high current power applications a plus.
Technical Skills.
Familiar with the scientific process and manufacturing process development methodologies. Understands the importance of the connection between process and performance. Familiar with creating process KPIs. Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose problems with complex mechanical systems. Understanding of the basic functions of major mechanical components and systems. Ability to operate or learn to operate diagnostic and testing equipment, including multimeter, data logger, thermocouples, cameras, etc. a plus. Competent use of maintenance tools and equipment, including power and hand tools. Strong mechanical aptitude and excellent hand/eye coordination. Ability to follow instructions and ask clarifying questions. Experience designing and running experiments, developing detailed reports to demonstrate findings, and make recommendations regarding conclusions and next steps.
Ability to take ownership of technical projects, developing the vision, purpose, goals and milestones, proposing experiments and identifying technical value, and ensuring forward progress independently, while proactively asking for guidance, approval and support when needed.
Core Business Skills. Ability to exercise sound judgement and discretion in handling of proprietary and confidential information. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, judgment and keen attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to work collaboratively within a matrix environment. Exceptional prioritization, time management and organizational skills. Highly organized, detail oriented and self-disciplined. High level of self-motivation and willingness to identify issues and raise them to technical leadership.
Professional Investment. Demonstrated commitment to own personal professional development and learning.
Essential Functions/Responsibilities
Work independently and with other ACE team members, Anovion engineering teams, and external engineering teams to build and test furnace implementations
Assist with installation, setup, and commissioning of furnace equipment
Install equipment, develop equipment maintenance documentation, calibration procedures and perform routine maintenance of equipment and tools
Develop safe operating parameters for newly designed systems
Assist with lean process development efforts utilizing 5S methodology to improve performance and efficiency
Identify suppliers and vendors, evaluate benefits and make recommendations on go-forward path
Manage vendors, suppliers and project budgets
Prepare and deliver updates, reports and project status updates to company leaders and pertinent parties
Analyze materials characterization and furnace performance data. Identify trends and develop conclusions.
Research high temperature furnace applications used throughout the world and suggest implementation of performance improvements
Ideate, design, and run experiments to test performance of new process variations
Assist, as directed, with diagnosing, understanding and identifying furnace failures, and developing solutions
Ensure work area is maintained in a neat and orderly condition
Promptly report all maintenance or safety concerns to the appropriate party
Accurately complete all documents as required
Ensure proper use of equipment and required PPE at all times
Adhere to the Anovion Code of Conduct at all times
Clearly communicate with your supervisor, with reasonable advanced notice, of any vacation, personal, or family needs that result in time away during working hours
Actively and positively participate in problem resolution, demonstrating constructive communication, timely response and effective resolution skills. Work effectively within team environments both within your department and across the organization
Cooperate and comply fully with all Anovion policies and procedures. Actively support and follow the Anovion Safety Program
Participate in company/department meetings, training activities, continuing education programs and other associated activities
Perform other tasks as assigned
Physical/Sensory Requirements
The following physical activities described here are representative of those required by a team member to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation, if feasible, will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions of position.
While performing the duties of this job, the team member is constantly required to stand; frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel, kneeling and reach with hands or arms; occasionally required to climb stairs, ladders, scaffolds and power lifts, talk or hear. Team member is required to lift or carry up to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 75 pounds occasionally.
Working Environment
While performing the essential responsibilities of this position the team member will work in multiple areas including research and manufacturing environments. The team member may also be exposed to moderate background noise, moderate amounts of airborne graphite dust, presence of natural and artificial light, exposure to work temperatures from ambient to controlled, hard surfaces for standing and walking. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be required.