Research & Development Specialist – Finishing Processes

Position Overview

This role focuses on designing improving and optimizing vibratory finishing blasting washing electropolishing triboconditioning shot peening and Chemtrol chemical processes used across a wide range of industries. The position also serves as a key technical interface between the manufacturing facility sales team and prospective clients ensuring that finishing solutions are tailored tested and validated to meet customer needs.

Research & Development

• Design develop and refine finishing processes including vibratory blasting washing electropolishing triboconditioning shot peening and Chemtrol chemical treatments.
  
• Conduct experiments and trials to evaluate process performance part quality and efficiency.
  
• Analyze test data and document results to guide process improvements and product enhancements.
  
• Develop new finishing methods materials and machine configurations to improve process capability and customer outcomes.
  

Technical Operations

• Operate and manage the finishing room within the manufacturing facility ensuring equipment chemicals media and processes are maintained and optimized.
  
• Set up run and adjust finishing equipment to replicate and validate customer applications.
  
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with finishing equipment media compounds and process variables.
  
• Maintain accurate records of process parameters quality checks and test outcomes.
  

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with the sales team to understand customer needs and provide expert technical support.
  
• Assist sales personnel by developing sample processes performing part trials and generating technical reports for customers.
  
• Support internal engineering production and technical staff in solving finishingrelated challenges.
  

Requirements

Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on manufacturing experience

Some leadership background or team management experience

Direct experience running finishing operations (blasting deburring surface finishing etc.)

Proven ability to run a finishing room / finishing department in a manufacturing facility

Experience working directly with customers/clients

Background with companies that perform in-house product finishing (e.g. similar to Bracalente-type environments)

Hands-on pragmatic problem solver with shop-floor leadership experience