What are the responsibilities and job description for the Heat Treat Specialist position at Engine Power Components?
- Purpose:
The Heat Treat Specialist is responsible for supporting the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of heat-treating processes for new and existing products. This role is highly hands-on, requiring active involvement on the production floor as well as in the metallurgical lab. The position ensures product quality, process consistency, and supports troubleshooting and process optimization efforts.
- Essential Duties:
Process & Product Quality
- Ensure all products meet customer specifications and internal quality standards
- Support development and implementation of heat treat processes for new product launches
- Assist in optimizing existing processes to improve quality, consistency, and throughput
- Perform hands-on troubleshooting of heat treat and metallurgical-related issues on the shop floor
- Conduct daily reviews (e.g., camera systems, process checks such as Millipore) to ensure operator compliance
- Ensure incoming materials meet required certifications and specifications
Metallurgical Lab & Testing
- Perform metallurgical inspections including microscopic and macroscopic examination, hardness testing, magnetic particle inspection, and etch conformance
- Prepare samples including sectioning, mounting, polishing, and etching
- Cut cross-sections and perform detailed measurements and evaluations
- Perform measurement tasks associated with APQP and PPAP processes, including capability studies and ISIR layouts
- Maintain and verify certification of testing equipment including gages, hardness testers, black lights, and ovens
Process Control, Audits & Compliance
- Participate in internal audits and calibration system processes to ensure integrity of process standards
- Support root cause analysis and corrective action activities; assist in ensuring timely completion
- Train operators and process stakeholders on new or updated procedures; verify effectiveness through audits across all shifts
- Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and safety standards; actively participate in safety improvements
Supplier & Material Management
- Communicate with suppliers regarding incoming material quality and certification requirements
- Support resolution of supplier non-conformance issues, including material discrepancies and returns (e.g., scrap reconciliation)
Lab & Equipment Support
- Order and maintain inventory of lab supplies and testing materials
- Perform mixing and handling of chemicals in accordance with safety and process requirements
- Support maintenance activities including cleaning and recharging equipment (e.g., magnetic particle inspection systems)
- Assist with equipment setup, validation, and process adjustments
- Work Environment:
- Successful completion of EPC drug screen.
- Office/Plant environment. Limited or no lifting, stooping, bending, reaching or grasping.
- Lift at least 10 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds on occasion.
- Suggested Qualifications:
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, or related field or equivalent hands-on experience
- 2–5 years of experience in heat treating or metallurgical lab environment
- Strong understanding of metallurgical principles including steel properties and heat treatment response
- Experience with hardness testing, microstructure evaluation, and lab procedures
- Hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment
- Strong problem-solving skills and mechanical aptitude
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with induction heat treating processes
- Familiarity with quenching methods and distortion control
- Experience with APQP / PPAP documentation and requirements
- Experience in automotive or heavy industrial manufacturing