Powder Control Lead

About the role

The Powder Control Lead is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the powder reprocessing department, combining hands-on powder handling with ownership of inventory control and lot traceability for the site's metal additive powder supply. This role ensures every lot of powder is tracked, qualified, and issued in compliance with AMS7031 and related specifications, while preventing cross-contamination or lot mix-ups. As the powder program grows, this role will lead and train additional powder reprocessing technicians while remaining hands-on with physical tasks. This position is subject to ITAR, requiring U.S. person status (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident).

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the powder reprocessing department, including sieving, blending, reclaim, and screening of metal powders in accordance with AMS7031 and applicable customer/internal specifications.
• Personally perform hands-on powder handling tasks—sieving, blending, reclaim, and material transfer—as a working member of the department.
• Issue qualified powder to build jobs per work order and BOM requirements, verifying lot certification, chemistry, and machine/alloy compatibility prior to release.
• Maintain lot traceability and chain-of-custody documentation for all active powder lots, ensuring full genealogy from receipt through reclaim and reissue.
• Enforce strict lot segregation and handling procedures to prevent cross-contamination or lot mix-ups between alloys and lots.
• Partner with Material Sciences Engineering on lot qualification, blend ratios, powder reuse strategy, and root cause investigation for powder-related quality issues.
• Maintain documentation and records supporting NADCAP, AMS7031, and customer audits related to powder handling and traceability.
• Track and report key departmental metrics, including powder consumption, reclaim yield, and scrap/loss.
• Coordinate proactively with Additive Production leadership on powder availability and lead times to prevent build schedule delays.
• Train, mentor, and provide day-to-day direction to additional powder reprocessing technicians; develop and maintain department SOPs and onboarding materials.
• Ensure safe handling and storage of metal powders, including combustible dust controls, grounding/ESD precautions, and proper use of PPE.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certification in materials handling, manufacturing, or related field preferred.
• 3–5+ years of experience in powder metallurgy, materials handling, or additive manufacturing operations.
• Demonstrated experience with inventory control practices (min/max, cycle counting) in a manufacturing or warehouse environment.
• Experience with lot traceability and documentation in a regulated or aerospace-adjacent manufacturing environment; AMS7031 exposure preferred.
• Comfortable performing physical, hands-on materials handling work daily.
• Prior experience training or leading other technicians preferred.

Skills

• Operates and maintains powder sieving and reclaim equipment safely and accurately.
• Applies inventory control principles (min/max, reorder points, cycle counting) to a physical materials environment.
• Maintains precise, audit-ready lot traceability records under real production pressure.
• Identifies and escalates material quality deviations before they reach production.
• Communicates material availability and constraints clearly to production leadership.
• Trains and directs the work of other technicians while remaining hands-on.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of AMS7031 and related metal powder specifications.
• Experience with powder sieving, blending, and reclaim equipment operation.
• Familiarity with lot traceability and chain-of-custody documentation practices.
• Understanding of combustible dust and metal powder safety handling requirements.
• Experience with ERP/MRP or inventory management systems.
• Basic understanding of metal additive manufacturing processes and build requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and comfort working under traceability/documentation controls.
• Ability to balance hands-on production work with inventory and administrative ownership.

Work Environment

Based at the Statesville, North Carolina facility. Regular presence on the production floor across additive and machining areas. Requires use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toe shoes, and other mandatory safety gear. Ambient temperatures with typical plant lighting and manufacturing equipment are present throughout the facility.

Physical Demands

• Stands, walks, bends, reaches, and performs repetitive hand/arm motions for extended periods during sieving and material handling.
• Lifts, moves, or transfers powder containers and materials up to 40 lbs. regularly.
• Wears required PPE, including respiratory protection where applicable, for extended periods.
• Regular exposure to fine metal powders and combustible dust environments; must comply with all safety and grounding/ESD protocols.
• Occasional keyboarding and computer use for inventory and traceability documentation.