Glass Forming Process Engineer

About the Role

The Glass Forming Process Engineer acts as a catalyst to transform molten glass from the conditioner/forehearth into repeatable, discrete tubes that meet customer dimensional and cosmetic requirements. This position works closely with furnace and cold end operations to ensure optimal glass flow through the drawing lines and finished packaging.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize glass tube forming operations on Vello drawing lines, ensuring stable and efficient production
• Establish and maintain process parameters to achieve consistent tube diameter, wall thickness, concentricity, and surface quality
• Assess and determine proper ring and bell sizing configurations to support targeted tube diameters and product specifications, ensuring optimal glass distribution and forming stability
• Partner with furnace teams to maintain consistent glass temperature, viscosity, and flow characteristics feeding the Vello lines
• Collaborate with cold end operations to optimize downstream processes including, inline inspection, cutting, conveying, and autopacking
• Serve as the primary technical resource for resolving forming-related issues impacting quality or production efficiency
• Diagnose and correct issues related to Vello forming equipment (rings, bells, mandrels, burners, and cooling systems), tube geometry variation, inline inspection systems, conveyors, and autopackers
• Support setup, changeovers, and optimization of Vello lines for different product sizes and specifications
• Evaluate and implement tooling improvements to enhance process stability and product quality
• Develop and document efficient “setups” to ensure repeatable shift-to-shift target pack rate execution
• Monitor process performance using SPC and other analytical tools
• Track and improve KPIs such as yield, scrap, uptime, and efficiency
• Commit to the execution and evolution of continuous improvement and operational excellence objectives by supporting process design, problem solving, knowledge sharing, and measurable operating results
• Aid in the start-up of the melter and cold end processes
• Support site OpEx coordinator, employee teams, and cross-functional improvement efforts to ensure improvements are implemented, measured, sustained, and linked to productivity and site objectives
• Perform any additional duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering preferred (Materials Science, Mechanical, Chemical, or related field preferred)
• 1–3 + years of experience in glass forming or high-temperature continuous manufacturing

Required Skills

• Knowledge of glass furnaces, forehearths, Vello design (preferred)
• Strong understanding of glass forming principles and thermal control
• Hands-on experience with forming tooling (rings, bells) and diameter changeovers
• Familiarity with inline inspection systems and automation
• Proficiency with data analysis and problem-solving tools (SPC, RCA)
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical thinking
• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration
• Hands-on, results-driven mindset

Benefits

• Cash Incentive Plan: Bonus Eligibility
• Dental, Medical, Vision insurance
• 401(k) 401(k) matching with a non-elective contribution based on your combined age and years of service
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Employer Paid Short and Long Term Disability
• Career Advancement
• Paid Time Off

Equal Opportunity Statement

NIPRO delivers on its purpose to help all people Live Longer. Live Better. Our purpose is grounded in care, respect, and a deep commitment to the well-being of every life we touch—patients, partners, and team members. We believe that every colleague at NIPRO plays a vital role in our mission: to push innovation forward, improve patient outcomes, and make world-class healthcare accessible to all. Respect is active and essential at NIPRO - it is our way of working, thinking, and growing together. We promote an environment where people feel safe to contribute, constructive ideas flow freely, and every person is treated with dignity.