Principal Engineer Special Processes

About the role

The Special Processes Manager will lead the greenfield setup, equipment investment and process development of aerospace special process capabilities, supporting Powertech’s propulsion programs. This senior engineering position involves New Product Introduction, industrialisation and serial production readiness, working closely with design, quality, supply chain and external partners.

Key responsibilities

• Lead greenfield establishment of in‑house special process cells, including layout, equipment specification, supplier selection, commissioning and qualification.
• Develop and qualify aerospace special processes such as shot peening, thermal spray coatings, heat treatment, brazing, surface preparation and chemical processing.
• Drive NPI and production ramp‑up activities, ensuring process readiness aligns with program schedules, quality and certification requirements.
• Provide technical input during design reviews, material selection and tolerance allocation to optimise manufacturability and cost.
• Manage external suppliers, conduct capability assessments, technical audits and resolve process‑related issues.
• Lead cost estimation, continuous improvement initiatives and ensure NADCAP compliance.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Materials, Aerospace or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 10+ years of aerospace or propulsion manufacturing experience with a focus on special process development and industrialisation.
• Proven experience in greenfield setup, capital investment planning and leading NPI projects.
• Demonstrated leadership of engineering teams and cross‑functional collaboration.

Required skills

• Shot peening
• Thermal spray coatings (HVOF, plasma spray)
• Heat treatment (vacuum, solution, aging, stress relief)
• Brazing
• Chemical processing and surface preparation
• NADCAP accreditation knowledge
• Familiarity with titanium alloys, nickel‑based superalloys, stainless steels, aluminium alloys