What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technical Program Engineer / Technical Project Manager – Melt Pour Systems position at IPS Custom Automation?
Who We Are: Integrated Production Systems, Inc. (IPS) is a custom automation company located in Arlington Texas. We have been in business for over 30 years specializing in providing production solutions for Defense and Commercial industries. We have extensive experience in the energetics (explosives), medical, and semiconductor industries.
Who We’re Seeking: IPS Custom Automation is seeking an experienced technical professional to support the engineering, program execution, and technical leadership associated with melt-pour explosive processing systems and related energetic material manufacturing equipment.
This role will function as a Technical Program Engineer and Project Leader, supporting the planning, design, and execution of complex melt-pour system projects. The position will play a key role in coordinating engineering efforts, supporting proposal development, and serving as a technical interface with customers and project stakeholders.
The position is intended for an individual capable of operating at a high technical level, with the potential to develop into a Senior Technical Program Manager and/or Subject Matter Expert (SME) in melt-pour processing systems and energetic material manufacturing equipment.
What You’ll Do: This job is onsite/in-office each day. You’ll also be responsible for:
Key Responsibilities
Technical Program Support
Support engineering and development of melt-pour equipment including:
Desired Qualifications
This position is expected to evolve into a senior technical leadership role within the melt-pour systems group. Over time the individual may assume responsibilities such as:
Any physical and mental requirements described in this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
IPS Custom Automation is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status
Who We’re Seeking: IPS Custom Automation is seeking an experienced technical professional to support the engineering, program execution, and technical leadership associated with melt-pour explosive processing systems and related energetic material manufacturing equipment.
This role will function as a Technical Program Engineer and Project Leader, supporting the planning, design, and execution of complex melt-pour system projects. The position will play a key role in coordinating engineering efforts, supporting proposal development, and serving as a technical interface with customers and project stakeholders.
The position is intended for an individual capable of operating at a high technical level, with the potential to develop into a Senior Technical Program Manager and/or Subject Matter Expert (SME) in melt-pour processing systems and energetic material manufacturing equipment.
What You’ll Do: This job is onsite/in-office each day. You’ll also be responsible for:
Key Responsibilities
Technical Program Support
- Support the planning and execution of melt-pour and energetic system projects from conceptual design through installation and commissioning.
- Coordinate engineering activities across multiple disciplines including mechanical design, process systems, utilities, and controls.
- Assist in resolving complex technical challenges associated with melt-pour system design, integration, and operation.
- Participate in technical design reviews and contribute to engineering decisions impacting system performance and reliability.
- Provide technical leadership supporting engineering design and system development activities for melt-pour and energetic material (LAP – Load, Assemble, Pack) systems.
- Assist in driving engineering solutions and coordinating technical work between engineering, fabrication, and field installation teams.
- Contribute to development of technical standards, system configurations, and best practices for melt-pour equipment, LAP operations, and energetic material processing facilities.
- Support integration of safety, compliance, and process controls specific to energetic systems, including explosive handling, thermal management, and hazard mitigation.
- Support preparation of technical proposals, ROM estimates, and bid documentation for melt-pour system projects.
- Assist with development of technical narratives, equipment specifications, and conceptual system layouts for customer proposals.
- Provide technical input to project cost development and system configuration decisions during the proposal process.
- Participate in customer technical meetings, design reviews, and program discussions.
- Support preparation of technical presentations, reports, and project documentation for customers and stakeholders.
- Serve as a technical resource during project execution and equipment installation.
Support engineering and development of melt-pour equipment including:
- Melt kettles
- Grid melters
- Pouring machines
- Conditioning and cooling systems
- Fume collection and environmental control systems
- Energetic material handling, transfer, and feed systems
- Supporting utilities and facility infrastructure (steam, hot water, chilled water, etc.)
- Direct experience with energetic systems and LAP (Load, Assemble, Pack) operations, including explosive processing, handling, and manufacturing environments
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Chemical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field.
- Strong technical background in industrial process systems, manufacturing equipment, or engineered systems.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, process diagrams, and technical documentation.
- Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.
- Willingness to travel periodically to support equipment installation and commissioning activities. - About 10% travel annually.
- Technical project or program management on complex industrial equipment systems.
- Technical bid support, proposal development, and quotation generation.
- Customer technical interface and program coordination experience.
- Technical leadership supporting engineering design and system integration.
- Experience with energetic material processing equipment or similar industrial process systems.
- Experience with equipment fabrication, system installation, and commissioning.
- Experience working on defense or government technical programs.
This position is expected to evolve into a senior technical leadership role within the melt-pour systems group. Over time the individual may assume responsibilities such as:
- Leading technical execution of major melt-pour system programs
- Serving as a Senior Technical Program Manager
- Developing into a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for melt-pour processing systems and equipment
- Supporting strategic program development and future system architectures
- Generous employer contribution to the Employee portion of medical insurance (75 %)
- Dental, Vision, and Gap insurance offered
- Employer-paid Life insurance and Short-Term Disability
- 401(k) employer match and immediately vested
- Generous paid time off policy
Any physical and mental requirements described in this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
IPS Custom Automation is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status