Production Engineer

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Production Engineer – Porcelain Enameling Specialist to join our dynamic manufacturing team. In this pivotal role, you will oversee the entire porcelain enameling process on steel, from raw material preparation to high-temperature firing, ensuring operational excellence, product quality, and process optimization. Reporting directly to the Production Manager or Plant Manager, you will play a critical part in maintaining our reputation as a leader in high-quality porcelain enameled steel products.

Key Responsibilities

As a Production Engineer in our porcelain enameling facility, your core responsibilities will include:

• Production Line Leadership & Optimization: Take charge of the production line, managing critical stages such as milling, slip application, and high-temperature furnace firing (approximately 850°C). Your expertise will drive efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance throughput while maintaining stringent quality standards.
• Quality Assurance & Control: Establish and rigorously monitor Critical Process Parameters (CPPs) to ensure consistent product quality. Conduct comprehensive quality tests, including adhesion, hardness, chemical resistance, and color accuracy, to identify and mitigate potential defects before they impact production.
• Process Troubleshooting & Defect Resolution: Diagnose and resolve complex production defects such as peeling, blistering, crazing, and color variation. Your analytical skills and technical acumen will be essential in identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the Quality Assurance team to analyze defects and develop Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA). Partner with Maintenance to optimize equipment performance, plan preventive maintenance, and enhance overall operational reliability.
• Team Leadership & Development: Provide hands-on training, mentorship, and supervision to operators and technicians. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within the production team to drive operational excellence.
• Inventory & Resource Management: Oversee the inventory of key raw materials, ensuring timely procurement and minimizing disruptions to the production schedule. Collaborate with procurement and supply chain teams to maintain optimal stock levels.

Qualifications & Experience

To excel in this role, you must meet the following educational and professional requirements:

Education & Certifications

• Essential: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials/Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering.
• Highly Preferred: Specialized certification or training in Ceramic Engineering, Coating Technology, or Corrosion Science. Candidates with a strong academic background in surface science, adhesion, or coatings will also be considered.

Professional Experience

• Minimum Experience: 3–5 years of hands-on experience in a continuous process manufacturing environment, with a proven track record in industrial coating processes such as powder coating, wet painting, or galvanizing.
• Technical Expertise: Direct experience in porcelain (vitreous) enameling on metal substrates is highly desirable. Alternatively, candidates with experience in ceramic or glass manufacturing, furnace operation, and thermal profiling will be considered.
• Adaptability: High-potential engineers with a strong foundation in materials science or chemical engineering, coupled with a willingness to specialize in porcelain enameling, are encouraged to apply.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Comprehensive understanding of surface preparation techniques, including cleaning, pickling, and priming, as well as thermal processing methods.
• In-depth knowledge of steel properties, ceramic frit compositions, and thermal expansion compatibility to ensure product integrity and performance.
• Proficiency in Quality Assurance tools, lab test interpretation, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) methodologies to drive continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with milling equipment, spray systems, continuous/batch furnaces, and basic Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems for process control and automation.
• Strong command of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and AutoCAD for documentation, reporting, and process design.

Core Competencies & Personal Attributes

We are looking for a candidate who embodies the following qualities:

• Problem-Solving Aptitude: The ability to tackle rare and complex technical challenges with limited precedents, leveraging analytical thinking and innovation to develop effective solutions.
• Hands-On Mentality: A willingness to be actively involved on the factory floor, conducting practical trials, and leading by example to drive operational improvements.
• Commitment to Continuous Learning: A passion for mastering a specialized field through dedicated study, research, and global networking to stay ahead of industry trends and technological advancements.
• Quality-Driven Mindset: An unwavering focus on excellence, with a zero-tolerance approach to process deviations and a relentless pursuit of perfection in every aspect of production.