R&D Engineering Specialist

OVERVIEW

Vitro Architectural Glass manufactures a broad range of industry-leading, energy-efficient products such as Solarban®, Sungate® and Starphire Ultra-Clear® glasses.  Throughout our storied history, collaboration and innovation have been central to our advancements. Today, the key to our success continues to lie in the strength of our partnerships. With a foundation formed on trust, teamwork and shared excitement, the possibilities for impactful innovations in glass are truly endless. 
With manufacturing facilities throughout the U.S. and Mexico, Vitro Architectural Glass is committed to sustainable manufacturing processes and products.  Vitro also operates one of the world’s largest glass research and development facilities in Pittsburgh, PA and has four residential glass fabrication plants in Canada.  Website:  www.vitroglazings.com  

The Engineering Specialist’s general function is to operate, maintain, and improve laboratory and plant-level equipment (including equipment for sample preparation, test, and measurement) in support of R&D and non-R&D customers.  The Engineering Specialist will also own process and product improvement projects that will typically be limited to internal R&D impact and visibility. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work in a safe manner, strict adherence to all laboratory and manufacturing safety protocols.
• Coordinate closely with the building and facilities services group to improve and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Fulfill tasks completely and on time and communicate any issues with tasks or questionable data to team members and experiment owners.
• Operate laboratory equipment used to prototype new glass products and processes.
• Maintain all assigned equipment, daily troubleshooting and improvement of programs used to control and measure properties.
• Maintain inventory of spare parts and orders parts as required to ensure that the lab and lab equipment can function efficiently and without interruption.
• Conduct routine tests by following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) such as sample heating, glass cutting, glass edge grinding, and glass washing.
• Enter data into electronic spreadsheets, plots/charts data, and interprets results. Enter data into electronic lab notebooks for documentation.
• Participate in the evaluation and presentation of results in formal and informal settings and makes recommendations about next steps when appropriate.
• Under supervision, will work on and further develop known and new technologies.
• Initiate and maintain relationships with vendors and purchase equipment and supplies to ensure efficiency and continuity of laboratory operation.
• May support existing software and develop new software for lab and/or plant equipment, to include daily troubleshooting and maintenance of such software.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum requirement of High School diploma or GED plus 11 years relevant experience.
• AS plus 7 years relevant experience.
• BS entry level with directly applicable degree, otherwise will also require 1 year or more relevant experience.
• MS entry level with directly applicable degree, otherwise will also require 1 year or more relevant experience.
• Written and verbal communication skills along with human relations competency are essential.
• Strong mechanical and/or electrical skills are necessary, with interest and experience with hands-on use of laboratory equipment and tools.
• Individuals will become subject matter experts on equipment and specific process technologies providing links between the development of new processes and products from R&D to the implementation of use in manufacturing.
• Laboratory experience, sample preparation, attention to detail, planning and organization, good written and verbal communication skills, basic computer skills (MS Office).
• Ability to work effectively with others, as well as individually.
• Desired:
  • Coding skills in at least two programming languages such as Visual Basic, C, C++, C#, VB, MATLAB, Python, etc.
  • Fundamental understanding of statistics and process engineering. Technical knowledge and experience in Wonderware InTouch, Allen Bradley PLC, and/or other types of control systems.
  • Experience with SQL, OSISoft-PI, and Azure Platform and familiarity with artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts and implementation.