Associate Development Engineer Jobs in Spokane, WA

The Southwest Division (SWD) of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking an experienced Die-Casting Engineer to join our team in Spokane, WA. This position supports advanced manufacturing development, including the hands-on design and execution of a broad range of die-casting processes of metallic alloys. This highly technical and hands-on position ensures quality and efficiency in all professional activities, while following environmental, health and safety policies/procedures.

Responsibilities Include:

• Provide technical support and hands-on participation in the installation, operation and maintenance of die-casting and related equipment. Implement new die-casting and related equipment processes.
• Document and implement die-casting standards and best practices to enable safety, quality, efficiency, uptime, and cost effectiveness.
• Research, develop, and support implementation of improved die-casting processes, tooling and equipment.
• Troubleshoot, root cause, and implement sustainable corrective actions. Utilize root cause analysis tools for effective problem solving.
• Troubleshoot die-casting and related equipment, by inspecting and analyzing electronic, hydraulic, and mechanic devices of the machines.
• Efficiently install accessory devices to equipment such as ladles or crucibles, holding furnaces, hot oil units, thermal cameras, etc.
• Assure that machines and equipment are kept in a safe operating condition.
• Create Preventative Maintenance procedures and schedule.
• Train other technical staff to operate and maintain machines.
• Maintain process documentation, process flow diagrams, and detailed drawings for complex equipment and proprietary hardware/equipment.
• Analyze data, identify, and solve key issues, and optimize processes using Design of Experiment (DOE) and related statistical tools.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to integrate the activities of multiple engineering disciplines.
• Prepare reports and presentations in a professional manner.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgy, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related scientific or engineering discipline, and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience involving die-casting equipment and die-casting processes.
• A Master’s degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline may substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience.
• Equivalent combinations of relevant education and experience may be considered on a year-for-year basis in lieu of the educational requirement.
• Demonstrated scientific and technical knowledge in mechanical engineering, materials science, metallurgy, manufacturing engineering, or a related field.
• Five (5) to eight (8) years of experience in process engineering, metallic alloy casting, or related manufacturing operations.
• Minimum of two (2) years of hands-on die-casting experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing die-casting equipment.
• Hands-on experience with maintenance and repair of hydraulic, pneumatic, injection molding, and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems.
• Strong critical-thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with sound judgment and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and move materials, components, and equipment weighing more than 50 pounds.
• Ability to assemble, operate, and maintain experimental and manufacturing equipment using appropriate motor skills and dexterity.
• Ability to climb stairs, maneuver equipment safely, and work in laboratory and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to stand, walk, or remain seated for extended periods as required by job duties.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline; a qualifying master’s degree may substitute for up to one (1) year of the required professional experience.
• Equivalent combinations of relevant education and professional experience may be considered in lieu of the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• 2-4 years of professional experience in an R&D setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of foundry processes and ability to apply casting concepts in a manufacturing environment.
• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience with High Pressure Die Cast mold flow models and software are preferred.
• Hands-on experience with vacuum systems and temperature controls are preferred.

Compensation & Benefits: Pay Range: $96,000 -$144,000 annually based on years of experience, degree and any special skills and knowledge that they may bring to the position. ARA offers competitive benefits that address our employees’ needs now and in the future. Learn more about each of our benefits at https://www.ara.com/benefits/

Company Information:   

Who is ARA? Learn more about ARA and Our Core Values at WHO WE ARE - ARA 

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM in 1979, employs over 2200 professionals and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.  

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns’ greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, opportunities and autonomy to take active roles as employee owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees   are expected to advance new capabilities to support company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The core values “Passion, Freedom, Service and Growth” and the motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sum up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.