Position Summary:

The Combustion Engineer is responsible for the design, operation, optimization, and maintenance support of combustion systems in our forging operations. This role ensures that thermal processing equipment (including furnaces, burners, and heat treatment systems) operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable industry standards and environmental regulations. The engineer will collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, and EHS teams to drive energy efficiency, equipment reliability, and process improvements.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Thermal Systems Management:

• Monitor, analyze, and optimize the performance of combustion systems and industrial furnaces.
• Design, specify, and commission combustion and burner control systems for new and existing equipment.
• Ensure thermal processing equipment meets metallurgical specifications and operational efficiency requirements.

Furnace Surveys & Calibration:

• Plan and conduct temperature uniformity surveys (TUS), system accuracy tests (SAT), and calibration activities in accordance with AMS 2750 and other aerospace specifications.
• Analyze survey data, identify non-conformities, and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain detailed records of furnace qualification status and ensure all thermal equipment remains in compliance with aerospace heat treat standards.

Project Engineering & Support:

• Lead combustion-related engineering projects, including upgrades, retrofits, and installation of new thermal equipment.
• Work cross-functionally with maintenance, facilities, and production to plan and execute projects on schedule and within budget.
• Interface with vendors and contractors to evaluate technical solutions and manage installations.

Compliance & Safety:

• Ensure all combustion equipment complies with safety codes, NFPA standards, and air quality regulations (AQMD, EPA).
• Develop and maintain documentation for permits, inspections, and compliance reporting.
• Support EHS audits and participate in incident investigations related to thermal systems.

Maintenance & Reliability:

• Provide troubleshooting support and root cause analysis for combustion-related equipment failures.
• Establish preventative maintenance procedures for burners, fuel trains, and combustion control systems.
• Support training of maintenance technicians in combustion system operation and safety.

Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement:

• Collect and analyze thermal system performance data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Recommend energy-saving initiatives and lead efficiency improvement programs.
• Support implementation of digital monitoring and control technologies.

Required Skills:

• Familiarity with gas and fuel systems, thermocouples, flame detection, and control valves.
• Direct experience with conducting TUS/SAT and compliance with AMS 2750 standards.
• Knowledge of applicable safety codes, environmental standards, and combustion emission controls.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, MS Office Suite, and process modeling software.
• Ability to read technical drawings, P&IDs, and control schematics.
• Effective communicator with strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Strong understanding of combustion principles, heat transfer, and burner/furnace operations.

Experience & Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in combustion engineering, thermal systems, or heat treatment processes in a manufacturing setting (aerospace preferred).
• Experience with aerospace industry standards for heat treatment (AMS 2750) is strongly preferred.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to airborne particles and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.