Tank Engineer

About the role

North America’s largest manufacturer of architectural and automotive glass is seeking a Glass/Ceramic/Chemical Engineer for its Tank Department in Meadville, PA. The role directs batching, melting, and forming operations to meet plant goals for safety, quality, production, costs, productivity, housekeeping, and employee relations.

The Tank Department operates two 600-ton-per-day capacity tanks 24/7. One tank produces automotive black and green glasses in various thicknesses; the second tank produces clear glass for the solar market. Mixed ingredients are fed into the tanks, melted at temperatures exceeding 2900°F, then floated on molten tin to create a uniform ribbon of glass. The glass is annealed, cooled, and delivered to the Wareroom for inspection, cutting, packing, and shipping.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and direct production activities of the batch plant, tanks, baths, and lehrs to meet unit goals.
• Make decisions and assume responsibility for production outcomes, including safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Conduct frequent tours of the department, interacting directly with supervisors, hourly employees, and other production engineers.
• Review and analyze production and quality reports, taking corrective action within established parameters.
• Escalate serious or unusual circumstances to the Manager, Float Process, and maintain close communication with Wareroom, Quality Control, and other staff to ensure operational efficiency.
• Recommend new methods, equipment, organizational changes, and improvements to the Manager, Float Process.
• Perform daily inspections of tank refractory structures to assess condition.
• Coordinate ordering of materials, supplies, and equipment; major or new items require Manager approval.
• Stay updated on technological improvements through Vitro Research and other Vitro Tank facilities.
• Apply engineering skills and process knowledge to identify inefficiencies and quality penalties, developing new methods or equipment changes for improvement.
• Administer training and safety programs to ensure maximum performance.
• Foster an atmosphere of confidence, mutual trust, and respect among tank employees.

Requirements

• B.S. degree in glass, ceramic, or chemical engineering; equivalent experience considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in production or process engineering preferred.
• General knowledge of float glass batch, melting, and forming processes desired but not required.
• Demonstrated leadership, judgment, and administrative ability.
• Alertness and flexibility to manage details and make decisions under rapidly changing conditions.