Research Technician - Additive Manufacturing

GKN - Westlake, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

Westlake, TX

10,001+ employees

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

As a Research Technician in Additive Manufacturing at GKN Aerospace, you will be part of a cross-functional team operating advanced metallic additive robotic welding cells. Your role will involve operating and maintaining large Laser Wire Directed Energy Deposition (DED) Additive Manufacturing equipment, supporting the development and integration of new manufacturing processes for aerospace applications. You will collaborate with technology engineers to ensure compliance with customer and regulatory requirements while contributing to the overall innovation in aerospace technology.

Responsibilities

• Operate laser wire DED additive manufacturing (AM) equipment to implement new manufacturing processes into aerospace production
• Support development of AM technology for aerostructure applications
• Carry out written operation instructions for AM components
• Coordinate robotic cell maintenance activities with internal and external resources
• Support internal engineering by improving operating instructions, maintenance procedures, etc for AM equipment
• Develop internal standards for operation, maintenance, and production of laser wire DED equipment for aerostructure applications
• Maintain robotic, laser welding, and sensor equipment to ensure consistent operation
• Improve reliability and robustness of additive manufacturing equipment
• Maintain database of all AM produced parts
• Identify technical problems and apply/integrate solutions
• Actively participate in program to promote Healthy & Safety of team members
• Identify, manage and mitigate risks for assigned work
• Frequently required to spend long hours sitting at a workstation and using office laptop
• Lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move up to 40 pounds of equipment or materials
• Reach with arms and hands and to stoop, kneel or crouch
• Use machine tools to cut, drill, machine, or general fabrication skills as needed

Requirements

• 2+ years of relevant experience in welding, robotics, mechatronics, or machining
• 2+ years of experience with metal fabrication
• Proficient use of hand tools to disassemble and reassemble mechanical components
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools
• Strong computer and typing skills
• Must be a US Person (US Citizen, Green Card Holder / US permanent resident, refugee or asylee) to meet export control compliance requirements

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with metallic directed energy deposition additive manufacturing technologies
• Aerospace production experience
• Mechatronic hardware integration and/or programming experience
• CNC machining and programming experience
• Experience with lasers and laser safety
• Experience with aerospace materials including titanium alloys
• Experience with non-destructive testing techniques and application
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes data related to traditional and additive manufacturing including machining, heat treatment, and inspection
• Able to act under own initiative in relation to the assigned tasks within defined functional procedures / governance

Benefits

• Diversity and inclusion initiatives
• Training and development opportunities
• Accessible recruitment process