Thermal Hardware Specialist, Furnace & Fiber (Starship)

THERMAL HARDWARE SPECIALIST, FURNACE & FIBER (STARSHIP)

The Thermal Hardware Specialist is responsible for the continuous monitoring and operation of a large glass melting furnace utilized in the production of glass fibers through a spin-forming process. This role ensures the furnace operates efficiently and safely, maintaining optimal conditions to produce high-quality glass fibers. They will focus on analyzing system performance, training staff, and driving improvements to enhance quality, efficiency, and reliability. This position requires a deep understanding of both fiber specs, application to the heat shield, and hardware applied for production. The Specialist will identify and communicate data and trends to improve processes to support production goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead training sessions, develop systems and processes to ensure technicians have qualifications to monitor and control furnace parameters, including temperature, pressure, and feed rates, to maintain optimal melting conditions
• Oversee melter operations and spin-forming process, ensuring the molten glass is correctly transformed into fibers, carefully document process parameters, status of work, and conditions of parts in the process
• Analyze system trends to propose and review regular inspections and tests to ensure the quality of the glass fibers meets established standards with engineering and development teams
• Perform root cause analyses with problems and implementation of solutions. Ensure that hardware and processes are being optimized and documented to ensure process stability based on lessons learned
• Review, maintain, and propose changes to all maintenance plans
• Ensure training for all technicians through documentation and validation of qualifications necessary to perform routine maintenance, ensure operational efficiency and longevity
• Drive maintenance completion on time, ensuring a good spare parts plan is discussed with engineering and support propose changes as needed and as process grow
• Perform walk downs, identifying process, training and flow gaps, being actively proposing solutions and actions to increase cell reliability
• Ensure proper training and that daily operations adhere to all safety protocols and procedures, promptly reporting any hazards or incidents
• Ensure safe procedures in case of failures are well documented and technicians are trained on how to react in emergency situations
• Maintain accurate records of furnace operations, including logs of temperatures, pressures, maintenance activities, and any anomalies
• Take initiative in problem solving, cost reductions, and process improvement
• Maintain ownership of the equipment and processes for designated furnaces and in the glass plant

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 3+ years of experience in furnace operation, glass melting, or high-temperature processes

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Technical certification in industrial operations or manufacturing
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, enthusiasm for the team's spirit of innovation and mission of improving reliability in cutting-edge technology
• Demonstrated application of process controls in high volume manufacturing, test, and quality environment
• Knowledge of quality tools, measurement systems analysis, design of experiments, statistical process control, root cause analysis and corrective action, control plans, and various problem-solving approaches
• Proficiency in using monitoring and control systems
• Ability to interpret technical data and make informed adjustments
• Computer skill sets such as SQL, Microsoft Office, or other electronic systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Ability to work in high-temperature environments and stand for extended periods
• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and offsite as needed
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
• Must be willing to travel for business and operational needs, travel requirement is up to 15%