Lead Coating Specialist 

Status: Exempt (salaried)                                                                                     

Department:  Operations  

Position Summary 

The Lead Coating Specialist is a subject matter expert responsible for overseeing the development, and refinement of our thin film coating, and roll-to-roll processing operations, ensuring advanced quality standards, and leading continuous improvement initiatives. This role provides technical guidance, supports complex coating applications, and ensures compliance with industry regulations while mentoring technicians.  By engaging effectively with cross-functional partners within the business, this individual will drive manufacturing improvement projects and educate stakeholders related to manufacturing best practices.  All efforts and initiatives within this role are gated to increase the output capability of the manufacturing facility, reduce manufacturing waste and cost, and yield the highest levels of product quality to further the success and reputation of the Company.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains a detailed understanding of Plug Power products and related manufacturing objectives and constraints.
• Support day-to-day coating operations team by providing robust processes and process control parameters for consistent results.
• Provide direct support in troubleshooting of production coating process issues, driving fast root cause and implement corrective actions to resolve issues.
• Evaluate and maintain thin film coating, conveyance, and drying processes; applying knowledge of product design, fabrication, assembly, tooling, and materials; conferring with equipment vendors; soliciting observations from technicians.
• Develops coating and drying processes and establishes workflows by studying product requirements; researching, designing, modifying, and testing manufacturing methods and equipment; conferring with equipment vendors.
• Develop and maintain capacity models, create documentation reflecting current and future state
• Act as a champion and driver for Lean/Six Sigma best practices while applying teachings and methodologies within the course of project work; provides training to others
• Assures product and process quality by designing data collection methods, testing finished product; analyzing process capabilities; establishing standards; confirming manufacturing processes.
• Supports supplier quality initiatives by thoroughly understanding parts/components needs and limitations; drives expectations of performance with suppliers and addresses issues that arise.
• Champions and facilitates the engineering change process and all relevant communication/documentation
• Provides manufacturing decision-making information by calculating production, labor, and material costs; reviewing production schedules; estimating future requirements.
• Prepares product and process reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends.
• Maintains product and company reputation by complying with government regulations.
• Completes design and development projects by training and guiding technicians.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Contributes to team efforts by accomplishing related tasks as needed.
• Represent Plug Power in a professional manner at all times and in all interactions.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience 

• Bachelors required preferably in STEM
• Minimum 7 years Coating engineering experience required
• Proven track record of helping to drive manufacturing improvement projects
• Dynamic interpersonal skills and the ability to translate complex methodologies to diverse audiences and stakeholders
• Uncompromising dedication to product quality
• Demonstrated analytical abilities with strong attention to detail
• Computer and software systems skills as applicable including but not limited to: PowerBI, Ignition, MATLAB, Lab View, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Visio, and Outlook, JMP.
• Ability to manage complex projects and multi-task effectively
• Ability to role model high standards of professionalism
• Excellent follow-through
• Must be driven and self-motivated
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to complete projects with simple to moderate complexity. 

#HP

Pay Rate:

We offer a fantastic total rewards package at Plug, and a brief summary is below:
✓Base salary is determined on a number of factors including but not limited to education, experience, skills, and geography. These factors are considered when making an offer of employment.  If you are interested in this position, we’d ask that you apply.
✓The above pay range, may not take into account local geographic pay variations. If there is an applicable geographic differential, a member of the HR team can discuss that with you.
✓Health, Dental & Vision Insurance eligibility starting from the first day of hire
✓401(k) with 5% company match
✓Bonus eligibility
✓Paid time off including vacation, personal and sick time
✓Paid Holidays
✓Wellness Reimbursement Program
✓Potential to apply for Tuition Reimbursement
✓Employee Referral program
✓Employee Assistance Program  
Plug Power Inc. is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.