Job PurposeAs the
Staff Thermal Process & Furnace Engineer, you will serve as the principal technical authority and strategic execution leader for the advanced thermal processing and atmosphere-controlled furnace infrastructure powering VulcanForms' newest, highest-priority program launch. You will own the thermal processing framework, manage major equipment commissioning matrices, and act as the primary operational link between external furnace OEMs and internal stakeholders. Success in this role means independently navigating complex technical boundaries to take advanced furnace systems from initial unboxing through strict pyrometric validation and into a highly optimized, 24/7 stable manufacturing state.
Key Responsibilities- Independently lead the end-to-end deployment, commissioning, and verification of complex, multi-million dollar industrial vacuum, batch, and inert-atmosphere (N₂, Ar, H₂) furnace systems. Own the creation and execution of rigorous Installation Qualification (IQ) and Operational Qualification (OQ) protocols.
- Serve as the ultimate site authority for thermal precision. Define, execute, and oversee advanced Temperature Uniformity Surveys (TUS) and System Accuracy Tests (SAT) in strict alignment with rigorous industrial standards (such as AMS 2750 or CQI-9). Establish the baseline testing protocols for high-vacuum, positive-pressure, and helium/pressure-decay leak testing.
- Utilize advanced furnace assets as an R&D sandbox to pioneer custom thermal processing cycles (annealing, sintering, brazing, stress-relieving). Design complex Design of Experiments (DOE) using statistical software (Minitab or JMP) to manipulate heating/cooling ramp rates, gas delivery/exhaust flows, and soak times to achieve flawless mechanical and aesthetic properties for the product.
- Bridge the gap between experimental thermal processing and high-volume production. Define, monitor, and optimize macro-level equipment KPIs (OEE, Uptime, MTBF, MTTR) and process/production KPIs (Thermal Yield, Scrap Rates, Cycle Times, Process Capability Cp/Cpk).
- Drive a culture of world-class engineering excellence across the site. While free from administrative direct reports, you will actively lead critical design reviews, shape thermal engineering hiring strategies, define standard operating procedures (SOPs), and coach and grow the skills of junior and mid-level engineers.
- Act as the primary technical authority interfacing with external equipment manufacturers and automation integrators. Collaborate seamlessly across internal Quality, Product Development, Operations, and Maintenance teams to integrate thermal cells into enterprise "digital threads" (MES/PLM/PLC networks) and eliminate launch blockers.
Qualifications- 8+ years of progressive engineering experience leading high-precision thermal systems integration, vacuum furnace operations, pyrometry calibration, or industrial heat-treating initiatives within a high-stakes manufacturing environment.
- Documented history of executing formal IQ/OQ protocols, thermal mapping, and leak testing. Deep hands-on familiarity with industrial data loggers, controllers, and profiling systems (e.g., Datapaq, Fluke, Eurotherm, Honeywell).
- Robust working knowledge of strict pyrometric and validation standards (e.g., AMS 2750, CQI-9, NADCAP requirements, or related medical device/semiconductor validation frameworks).
- Proven ability to build, execute, and analyze DOEs and statistical process control (SPC) data using Minitab, JMP, or equivalent data tools to establish stable manufacturing windows.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering.
- Exceptional communication and negotiation skills with a demonstrated ability to translate highly complex thermal data and technical risk into clear project health metrics for management-level internal teams and executives.
Preferred Qualifications- Direct experience developing high-temperature thermal recipes specifically targeting complex post-processing or stress-relief workflows for metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) applications.
- Advanced expertise in configuring SCADA monitoring networks, PLC/HMI control architectures, and vacuum pump arrays (turbo, diffusion, or mechanical systems).
- Background scaling thermal processes within high-precision, rapid-cycle manufacturing sectors such as Semiconductor diffusion, Aerospace heat treatment, or Medical Device processing.
VulcanForms offers a competitive salary and equity package. Actual compensation is based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience. In addition, VulcanForms provides comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; generous paid time off; and a 401(k) plan with company match.
The annual base salary range for this position is $124,000 to $185,000.
