Lead Manufacturing Engineer – Composite Manufacturing & Technology Transfer

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineering leader specializing in advanced technologies such as composites, piezo ceramics, semiconductors, MEMS, or precision manufacturing. This role is pivotal in driving industrialization, automation, and technology transfer to build scalable manufacturing capabilities that support innovation and business expansion at Waygate Technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sustainable and scalable manufacturing capabilities for piezo composite products with a strong focus on automation.
• Own end-to-end manufacturing processes, acting as the primary technical liaison between Waygate Technologies and external manufacturing partners.
• Create strategies for manufacturing, including process flows, equipment, facilities, and operational infrastructure to meet future production needs.
• Lead process development, optimization, and industrialization efforts aimed at scalability, quality improvement, and minimizing labor requirements.
• Drive technology transfer projects to insource key manufacturing processes from suppliers to internal operations.
• Manage equipment lifecycle activities including selection, specification, procurement, installation, commissioning, validation, and ramp-up.
• Establish and maintain process controls, manufacturing standards, training materials, quality plans, and comprehensive manufacturing documentation.
• Support manufacturing readiness through capability development, validation protocols, and operational excellence programs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and external suppliers to ensure project success.
• Utilize data-driven methods for continuous improvement including root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions.
• Promote manufacturing innovation by assessing new technologies, automation, robotics, and Smart Factory initiatives.
• Build a robust manufacturing knowledge base to sustain competitive advantage and support product growth and innovation.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Applied Sciences, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related disciplines.
• Extensive experience in piezo ceramics, piezo composites, semiconductor manufacturing, MEMS, precision manufacturing, or similar advanced manufacturing sectors.
• Proven track record in manufacturing process development, industrialization, and scaling production.
• Strong knowledge of precision dicing, grinding, thin-film technologies, sputtering, plasma processing, metrology, and process control.
• Experience in equipment qualification, process validation, commissioning, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proficiency in structured problem-solving techniques like Six Sigma, DOE, SPC, Shainin, Root Cause Analysis, and statistical process improvement.
• Experience working collaboratively across multiple departments and external vendors.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management capabilities.
• Preferred experience with ultrasonic transducer manufacturing and piezo composite technologies.
• Familiarity with DISCO, ACCRETECH, or equivalent precision dicing and grinding equipment is advantageous.
• Experience in implementing manufacturing automation, robotics, Industry 4.0, or Smart Factory solutions is a plus.
• Background in establishing new manufacturing lines from concept through commercialization and ramp-up is preferred.
• Knowledge of water treatment, filtration, wastewater management, and environmental controls related to precision ceramic manufacturing is beneficial.
• Experience in technology transfer, supplier-to-factory industrialization, or localizing manufacturing operations is desirable.

Work Environment & Conditions

This role offers flexibility in working arrangements; however, physical presence on-site for at least three days a week is required to support operational and project needs.

Company Overview

Waygate Technologies is a part of Baker Hughes, a global energy technology company dedicated to advancing safer, cleaner, and more efficient energy solutions worldwide with a century of expertise and operations spanning over 120 countries.

Additional Information

• The internal Baker Hughes designation for this position is Manufacturing Specialist - Industrial Project.
• We celebrate diversity and are an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring practices across all protected categories.

Employee Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements supporting work-life balance.
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
• Competitive salary coupled with performance-based incentives.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• An innovative and collaborative workplace culture.
• Access to industry-leading technologies and manufacturing advancements.