Materials and Process Engineer

Smiths Interconnect, is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance interconnect solutions. Our products are used in mission-critical applications across industries such as aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and industrial markets. At Smiths Interconnect, we are committed to innovation, quality, and providing cutting-edge solutions that connect the world’s most demanding systems.

Smiths Interconnect is part of Smiths Group. For over 170 years, Smiths has been pioneering progress by engineering for a better future. We serve millions of people every year, to help create a safer, more efficient and productive, and better-connected world across four global markets: energy, security & defense, space & aerospace and general industrial. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Smiths employs c.16,000 colleagues in over 50 countries.

Job Purpose

The Materials & Process Engineering will join our Engineering Team and implement, evaluate and control the manufacturing processes, to keep them within established parameters and guarantee a good quality product. Supporting new products introduction by providing material and process knowledge throughout the development process.

This role involves hands-on work with production materials and prototypes, to support new product introduction, process improvements, and the transfer of new technologies to operations. Developing solutions using robust quality standards and consistent with business strategy and processes.

Responsabilities

• Support, contribute to, and promote a safe work environment.
• Demonstrable experience for materials and processes relating to key manufacturing areas including sputtering and electroplating.
• Establish, document and help maintain a robust preventative maintenance plan for key processes and equipment.
• Use appropriate material characterization equipment relevant to key processes such as and not limited to: XRF, X-Ray, Profilometer, Viscometer and RGA.
• Document process methodology as required and create training materials required for transfer to operations.
• Interface with suppliers to evaluate new materials and equipment as required.
• Participate in the development of product and process technology roadmaps, in support of cross-functional stakeholders.
• Support cross-functional design reviews including requirements definition, manufacturability assessments, and application of GD&T.
• Coordinate with on-site manufacturing and quality engineers to facilitate initial build and prototyping of products developed by the design team.
• Propose enhancements to new and existing product designs to optimize manufacturability.
• Ability to perform root cause analyses utilizing established problem-solving tools and methodologies.
• Proactively identify project risks and mitigation plans to accelerate the development cycle and ensure delivery commitments are met.
• Provide technical support to organizational stakeholders including Manufacturing, Quality, Marketing and Sales.
• Participate in and contribute to team training, development, mentoring, on-boarding and audits.
• Demonstrate behaviors consistent with the Smiths Way value system.

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s in engineering or Materials Science

Additional Qualifications

Must have a mature understanding of sputtering equipment and vacuum technology.

Ability to travel domestically and internationally <10>

2 years of relevant experience

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Familiarity with material characterization equipment such as: XRF, X-Ray, Profilometer, Viscometers and RGA.
• Proficiency with CAD including 3D solid modeling. AutoCAD and SolidWorks preferred.
• Familiarity with military and industry standards and other relevant specifications.
• Knowledge of thin and/or thick film process technology a plus.
• Familiarity with ISO9001 and AS9100.
• Ability to analyze complex problems using data-driven approach and define solutions.

Impact: Planning and Decision Making

• Coordinate with regional project team to ensure milestones are achieved and risks are mitigated.
• Set priorities and complete needed deliverables with minimal assistance.
• Suggest changes in working conditions and use of equipment, systems, tools and processes to increase organizational effectivity.
• Analyze and resolve work problems independently and support others in doing the same.
• Utilize experience, analytical capacity, problem solving tools, and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.

Scope, Complexity and Impact

• Design authority for new and existing materials and processes.
• Collaborates across multiple functions, sites, and regions.
• Contributes to achievement of functional goals and objectives.

Liaisons

• Support site operations through design disposition of component material, approval of first-time builds, and initiation / assessment of proposed design enhancements to optimize manufacturability.
• Contribute to new product development cycle within cross functional team.
• Interface with customers & supply chain as needed.
• Train internal and external stakeholders on products and capabilities.

Health, Safety and Environment Requirements

• Employees are frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms.
• Must be able to sit and/or stand for extend periods of time; a minimum of 2 hours.
• Must be able to maneuver to all areas of the office, shop, warehouse, or manufacturing plant
• Must be able to lift up and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to bend, reach, kneel, twist, and grip items while working at assigned desk area.
• Must have the manual dexterity and coordination to operate office equipment.
• Must be able to simultaneously manage several objectives, changing priorities and reassign priorities to complete assignments.
• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand Spanish, English is desired.
• Must be able to respond to visual and aural cues, include close vision and the ability to adjust focus
• Complete all work in a safe manner and follow all safety requirements consistent with supporting the Company’s goals.
• Lifting guidelines in accordance with the Manual Lifting Guidelines noted in the Safety Handbook.
• Follow all environmental requirements consistent with supporting the company’s environmental performance goals.
• Complete, and actively participate in all other EHS training requirements.
• Some travel may be required for training and/or other business purposes including customer and/or supplier visits.

Work environment is typically considered within a Smiths location during normal or extended business hours to include offices, manufacturing plants and repair facilities. Work environment may also include customer sites including oil well sites, and meeting venus. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud and approved PPE is required when on the factory floor.

Why Smiths Interconnect?

Global Impact: As part of Smiths Group, a global engineering leader, you'll work on breakthrough technologies that make a difference in the industries that shape the future.

Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career progression across Smiths Interconnect and the wider Smiths Group.

Innovative culture: Join a collaborative and innovative team, where your ideas and contributions are valued and rewarded.

Competitive Package: We offer a competitive salary, benefits package and performance incentives.

Location: Coyol Free Zone in Alajuela, Costa Rica, is one of the country’s most dynamic business hubs, strategically located just minutes from the SJO International Airport and embedded in a region known for strong industrial infrastructure. Recognized as one of the Top 10 Free Zones globally and the Best Free Zone in the Americas.