Engineer, Product Innovation - Metal

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Position Overview:

As Engineer, Product Innovation-Metal, you are a key member of the Innovation Metal Packaging Laboratories Engineering team, reporting to the Manager, Product Innovation (Lab/Pilot plant).  You will contribute to the success of Ball by supporting  the day-to-day operations of the research and development lab while also providing a broad range of technical support including: machine modification, fabrication and installation, product testing, troubleshooting and management of small projects.

Your Key Areas of Responsibility Include:

• Hands-on tooling inspection, tooling installation, machine set-up, machine maintenance, container  quality and record keeping.
• Collaborate with engineering teams and lab peers to organize innovation projects, supports everyday operation of the lab to plan activities, complete projects, create samples, improve and document process optimizations.
• Participate in technical meetings for project planning, project status and reviews, brainstorming sessions and  improvements to the lab and processes.
• Lead troubleshooting investigations, root cause analysis and corrective action of package defects and product-related equipment in the lab.
• Follow all health and safety protocols, standard operating procedures (SOP’s), environmental health and safety requirements, including but not limited to Lock-out, tag-out (LOTO) in the operation, troubleshooting and maintenance of equipment.
• Help develop, design, fabricate and modify lab process equipment – conveyance, product handling, installation, etc.
• Follow new product launches into the production environment to assist with knowledge transfer from the lab for an effective production start-up / handoff, as needed.
• Manage small projects – PM activities including timelines, action item lists, presentations, purchase orders, AFE writing, installation and start-up.
• Generate technical reports to communicate conclusions of trial work, Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and other technical topics through the use of MS Word and PowerPoint.

Required Skills and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent broad training/experience in aluminum metal forming.
• 3 or more years of experience working in a metal container manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills:
  • High speed aluminum metal forming technologies, including drawing, ironing, stamping, impact extrusion and spinning.
  • Efficient and effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Professional, collaborative team-orientation, exhibiting trust, honesty and integrity.
  • Familiarity with Geometric, Dimensioning & Tolerance (GD&T) and able to work with precision tooling and equipment.
  • Safety-focused and history of following established procedures.
  • Familiarity with engineering/mechanical principles, practices, terminology and manufacturing process.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Six (6) or more years of beverage container manufacturing experience, front end experience highly preferred.