Manufacturing Process Engineer - Screen Printed Electronics & Graphics

Advanced Input Systems, AIS, located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is a leading design and manufacturer of Human Machine eXperience (HMX) Products and Solutions for a broad range of markets and applications. Our culture values winning through empowered, innovative, teams that solve problems together to delight our customers. We seek engaged and motivated employees with an entrepreneurial spirit to support the ‘startup-like’ mindset of our mid-sized company.

We offer a comprehensive health benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and mental health. Generous PTO including 1-week Company shut down to enjoy the beautiful PNW summers, exciting career growth opportunities, and access to innovative technology in our collaborative work environment. 

The role of Process Engineer is specifically focused on Screen-Printing equipment and processes for Printable Electronics and Graphics. The processes support development and manufacturing for the production of graphic overlays, membrane switch components, conductive printed circuits used in final assembly of HMI products. This Process Engineer role ensure that the processes and equipment can achieve design requirements, and ensures production staff can produce quality parts to meet customer quality and delivery expectations. AIS develops Standard Products and OEM Custom Solutions consisting of electro-mechanical HMI/X assemblies and immersive products, including virtual/augmented reality & electronic wearables, telerobotic controls and systems, night-vision systems, electric vehicle and marine interfaces, infection control products, medical and industrial display interfaces & control panels, and touchscreen displays. Our Coeur d’Alene factory has numerous vertically integrated manufacturing processes, including Final Assembly, SMT, Screen Print, Compression Molding, and Plasma Bonding.

This position is ideal for hands-on candidates that thrive with being a subject matter expert in a manufacturing process. Projects and tasks will vary in scope and complexity, require good design of experiment methodologies, and attention to detail. You will help our teams with raw material conversion processes by using Screen-Printing to turn polymer sheet stock into parts for final assembly. You will support development and sustainment of best practices, lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, facilities/infrastructure CAPEX planning, and preventative maintenance operations.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Subject matter expert for printing process technology
• Support development and manufacturing readiness for the production of graphic overlays, membrane switch components, and conductive printed circuits used in final assembly of HMI products
• Qualify screen-printing equipment and processes
• Identify solvent and UV inks and associated processing, formulations, and coloring
• Advise on polymer sheet material and texture for specific end use applications
• Influence design for manufacturing attributes into the new product design process
• Develop and implement process control parameters and monitor process metrics/KPIs
• Perform root cause analysis and corrective actions for nonconformances
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve quality and efficiency
• Support related processes of lamination and die cutting
• Establish and maintain preventive maintenance for Screen-Printing equipment
• Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering on various initiatives including capacity planning and operator training

Qualifications:

Essential:

• BSME, BSMfgE, BSIE, or equivalent, plus at least 3 years of applicable work experience or non-degreed candidates with 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience in Screen-Printing (preferably graphic overlay Screen-Printing)
• Problem solving/analytical ability, understanding of lean initiatives
• Excellent written and oral communications, good employee relation skills
• Understanding of process capability, statistical analysis and design of experiments
• IQ, OQ, PQ and PPAP Processes Validation
• Experience with CAD Software (i.e. SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Illustrator)
• Self-starter, highly motivated, exceptional character, and extremely collaborative
• Comfortable with fast pace, constant change, and supporting multiple concurrent projects

Desired:

• Experience with Design for Automation, Manufacturability, Assembly, and Cost
• Experience with Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
• Experience with Root Cause/Corrective Action methods
• Process Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (pFMEA)
• Experience in an ESD controlled environment
• Familiar with TQM, Six Sigma, TPS, etc.
• Experience in automated processes using cobots, pneumatics, PLCs, fixtures, etc.