Chattanooga Engineers Club will end 2021 with a meeting on December 6.  Josh Shultz, TVA's General Manager of Transmission Operation, about Solar Integration Lessons Learned.

The Club held election last month and Gabe Kurtz will be our 2022 President, and George Aslinger will be Vice President.  We thank both for their service.  We appreciate Steve Poteet for leading CEC this year. 

Several quarterly leadership meetings took place this year.  The meetings were attended by many past presidents and members of the programming and membership committee.  Some strategies and action items moving forward:

• Adding banking account “owners” – there will be three persons each year with check signature capability. These three will need to meet at the bank in January to sign cards. The current-year President will be one of the three each year going forward. For 2022 the check signature personnel will be:

• Discussed update on Wild Apricot setup and ongoing improvements in functionality, PDH generation, membership reminders, etc.
• Discussed the current “backup plan” for various responsibility roles.
• Discussed 2022 programming. Please submit suggestions for additional topics and tours. Please reach out to your networks and submit ideas. 
• Discussed “in-person” vs “virtual” meeting options for 2022. May try to do a little of both. It seems that overall attendance is higher with virtual. May also do a “hybrid” where attendees will have the option of virtual attendance. 

Please contact CEC leadership team to share inputs.

Mechanical Engineer III

La-Z-Boy Incorporated  Dayton, TN On-site

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties as assigned): New Product Development and Launch:

• Lead and execute diverse, complex, or innovative projects.
• Work with product development teams to execute successful product launches.
• Recommend data-driven design modifications.
• Develop preliminary and final prototypes to evaluate safety, functionality, and reliability.
• Review design iterations against project requirements, ergonomic comfort, safety, manufacturability, and cost efficiency.
• Use Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) best practices.
• Present concepts and models to Merchandising for functional and aesthetic approval.
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Testing/Validation/Compliance:
• Determine appropriate testing to validate theoretical design empirically through experiment.
• Document design and production FMEAs and create test and misuse requirements to verify both stages.
• Conduct engineering studies based on test results.
• Create and present risk evaluations based on both theoretical and empirical evidence.
• Benchmark competitor products, including non-furniture industries.
• Write product MFG specifications and test procedures. Supplier Management Support:
• Work with suppliers, customers, dealers, etc. to create efficiencies in the development and introductions of new products.
• Research new materials and processes for wood, metal, foam, etc.
• Review and approve applicable portions of supplier PPAP submissions.
• Assist supplier selection efforts of Supply Chain by reviewing process capability.
• Provide general support to Supply Chain cost reduction and maintenance initiatives. Quality Support:
• Triage and analyze trending quality issues and aid in resolving complex technical issues, conduct advanced research, and identify product/service innovations.
• Assist Quality Audits at manufacturing locations.
• Accompany service calls to gain insight to customer needs.
• Assist Comfort Care requests for information.
• Other duties as assigned. SCOPE & IMPACT: The engineer’s designs will integrate into a wide variety of materials, including polymers (injection molded, blown); stamped, formed, cast, machined, and coated metals; wood products (solids, veneers, composites); and foams (slab polyurethane). Work collaboratively with Procurement team to build supplier requirements and improve the effectiveness of our raw material spending in excess of $300 million per year. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemical, Textiles, or Industrial Engineering and 4-6 years of design experience with a minimum of two (2) years in mechanical design.
• Working knowledge of finite element analysis and general mechanical engineering analysis.
• Mid-Level experience in FMEA, DFM, DFA, statistical tolerance analysis, GD&T, and lean production.
• Experience with injection molding, metal stamping, castings, fasteners, raw and manufactured wood, and metal tubing.
• Must be able to balance process, technical requirements, and final commercial results in design.
• Review and interpret standards (ASTM, ANSI, BIFMA, ISO, UL, NEC, MFG, etc.)
• Experience with an “APQP-type” quality system, PPAP, 8D problem solving process, and gauge R&Rs.
• Experience in cost reduction initiatives in a design/manufacturing environment is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of electronics and electrical components.
• Microsoft Office (Project, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Solidworks or similar CAD software.
• Solidworks Simulations, or other FEA software.
• 3D printing.
• Ability to travel up to 30% may be with little advanced notice. PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
• Master’s Degree in Mechanical, Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemical, Textiles, or Industrial Engineering and a minimum of 2-4 years of experience in mechanical design SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: normal office environment

Apply and view more details via LinkedIn.

Quality Engineer III

La-Z-Boy Incorporated 

Monroe, MI or Dayton, TN

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties as assigned):

• Coordinate the development, implementation and consistency of process control tools/techniques across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Lead the Product & Process Development activities.
• Lead problem solving efforts in areas such as Cost of Quality (COF), Product Failure, and Warranty reduction.
• Lead assist peers and managers in basic quality tools and their application
• Lead the product, process, and quality system audits.
• Projects as directed by supervisor
  

Scope & Impact

Ensures that quality processes and procedures are documented and are being adhered to from design and development to manufacturing and delivery with the goal of shipping defect free products to customers. Responsible for monitoring internal and external concerns and quickly reacting to resolve them to minimize the impact to the customers and La-Z-Boy's expenditures and brand reputation.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a technical discipline with 4-6 years of relevant work experience or equivalent
• Mid - Level Microsoft Office skills (Project, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook).
• Strong organization, presentation and communication skills
• Experience applying PFMEA's, Control Plans, Work Instructions, Process Flow Diagrams, Capability Studies, Problem Solving/Decision Making methodologies, and Lean Manufacturing and Value Stream Mapping
• Experience with AQP/APQP
• Experience with a formal Quality Operating systems
• ASQ CQE/CQA certification or equivalent
• Up to 30% travel
  

Preferred Requirements

• Six Sigma Green certification
• ASQ CQE/CQA certification or equivalent

Apply and view more details via Linkedin.

National Engineers Week is an annual event to raise public awareness about engineering and the contributions that engineers make to society. It is also a time for engineers to emphasize the importance of learning math, science, and technical skills. 

E Week 2022 will be February 20 - 26.

The theme is Reimagining the Possible.

One important celebration is to recognize local engineers that have contributed to the society through their work as engineers.  Chattanooga E Week will also recognize a technician that supported engineering projects and an engineering leader that have mentored current and future engineers, someone that have imagined and reimagined what can be possible.

Nominations forms can be downloaded from Chattanooga E Week site - http://www.chattanoogaengineersweek.com/nominations/ 

Nominations must be submitted by December 23, 2021.

Judging will take place during the first week of January 2022.

The 501C3 organization was founded here in Chattanooga in 2017 to promote STEM education through robotics. The local organization followed the national organization FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).  FIRST was founded as a non-profit organization by Dean Kamen in 1989,  to promote STEM knowledge in the way sports activities are promoted.

Programs supported by FIRST:

FIRST Lego League (FLL) Discover (K-1)

FLL Explore (grades 2-4)

FLL Competition (grades 4-8)

FTC (grades 7-12)

FRC (grades 9-12) 

TNVR programming now also include VEX.  VEX REC Foundation (Robotics Education & Competition Foundation) is the non-profit arm of VEX.

Programs supported by VEX

VEX GO (2-4)

VEX 123 (4-6)

VEX IQ Challenge (4-8)

VEX Robotics Competition (6-12)

VEX U (University)

Newest addition - MATE (Marine Advanced Technology Education) ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) Competition, with programs:

SCOUT (K-4)

NAVIGATOR (5-8 & 9-12)

RANGER (5-8 & 9-12)

EXPLORER (community and technical colleges, universities)

There will be a competition at GPS in 2022. The Tennessee Aquarium and UTC are co-sponsors.

Volunteer Opportunities

FLL – Need volunteers for

                12/4/2021 at Hunter Middle School in Ooltewah, TN

                12/11/2021 at Adairsville Middle School, Adairsville, GA

                1/29/2022 at Volkswagen Chattanooga Conference Center

Contact Scott Rosenow or Richard Manning

VEX IQ Competition – Need volunteers for

                11/20/2021 at Volkswagen Chattanooga Conference Center

                Contact Scott Rosenow

               

MATE – Need volunteers for

                May 2022 @ GPS (date TBD)

                Contact Tracy Hightower

FTC – Need volunteers for

                February 2022 at MTSU (date TBD)

                Contact Richard Manning

FRC – Need Mentors for CGLA

Contact Richard Manning

Greenpower USA electric racers – Need volunteers for

                November 19 & 20 at Ross’ Landing

                Contact: Kelley Cureton

Email:

Kelley Cureton - kelley@greenspaceschattanooga.org

Tracy Hightower - tehighto@tva.gov

Richard Manning – rpmanning@tnvrobotics.org

Scott Rosenow – serosenow@tnvrobotics.org

Nomination committee consisting of three past presidents, Grady Stout, Harry Hawkins, and Lulu Copeland announced the following:

Nomination for President – Gabe Kurtz

Gabe Kurtz, PE, licensed in Tennessee.  Gabe graduated with BS in Electrical Engineering from UTC and MBA from Tennessee Tech.  He is a Senior Program Manager of NERC Compliance with TVA.  He has been with TVA for over 17 years.  Gage is an EPRI Advisor and a member of Southeast American Power Dispatchers Association.  Gabe is a NERC Certified System Operator in Reliability.  Gabe is a member of IEEE and is currently serving as Vice President of Chattanooga Engineers Club

Nomination for Vice President – George Aslinger

George Aslinger is a Solution Consultant with University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services. George holds a MS in Operations Management from Georgia State University and a BS in Engineering from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. George is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt with years of coaching and training experience.  George has supported many companies in the region on process improvement projects.

The nomination committee will accept additional nominations until date of election.

Election will be on November 8.

It was great to see our members in person at Chattanooga State on October 4th.  Annually, Chattanooga Engineers Club in support of the annual MFGDay in October and have coordinated and collaborated with many partners on tours to promote manufacturing in our region.  We kicked off the month on October 4th at Global Center for Digital Innovation (GCDI) and Chattanooga State Center for Engineering Technology Arts & Science (CETAS).

This was CEC's first in person event in 2021.  We did have an extra treat to pose for a group picture at the entrance to the new additional of CETAS. We noticed the beautiful installation by Branch Technology. 

Jason Vereschak, Senior Design Associate at Branch Technology, explained the Facade reclad project was created using company's C-Fab technology to freeform 3D-print the screen-like panels. The panel components were printed with a Carbon Fiber Reinforced ABS Plastic using 4 up-fitted Kuka robots. The screen consists of 2500 ft² building coverage and 400 ft³ of printed volume. There are 4 unique panel geometries within 72 individual printed parts.  

The design nods to the iconic V-shaped column at the entry of the building. Upon arrival, the 3D printed screen functions as a way finding element with the V-shape panels marching along the length of the building façade while guiding the visitor to the main entrance. The finish colors of the screen are complementary to the overall building aesthetic and as a result the 3DP screen becomes more of a tactile element. 

This was an added benefit of the tour.

As stipulated in the By-Laws of the Club, the President shall appoint Nominating Committee, consisting of three Past Presidents of the Club, which shall present the report (nominations) in October.

Lulu Copeland (2001), Harry Hawkins (2015) and Grady Stout (2020) will serve as members of this year's nominating committee.

Nominations of the nominating committee shall be made known at the third regular Club meeting prior to the date of election. Additional nominations from the floor shall be called for at this same meeting and at the next regular Club meeting. - Any nominations from the floor must have had the consent of the person nominated that the person will serve if elected. - A floor nomination must be seconded in order to be considered for election.

Please contact any of the nominating committee members if you are interested in serving the Club.

Confluent Medical Technologies, a new operation in Chattanooga, recently started production. The company's primary capabilities include: Nitinol components, balloon expandable stents and balloon catheters, delivery systems, biomedical textiles, access kits, and guidewires.  

They are looking for a Quality Engineer I to join the Chattanooga Team. 

A qualified candidate will:
 

• Diagnose and resolve manufacturing and quality system issues
• Provide guidance and generate reports for topics involving statistical analysis, including sample size requirements, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, calculation of confidence / tolerance intervals, and Design of Experiments (DOE)
• Investigate and manage customer field complaints, SCAR’s and internal CAPA’s.
• Represent Quality Assurance for Non-Conformance Report dispositions, and coordinate monthly Oversight Review Board presentation
• Participate on cross-functional teams to develop new projects
• Revise and provide training to manufacturing documents and other quality-related topics
• Interface with customers and suppliers as needed for quality issues and project requirements
• Create and/or approve validation protocols and reports and other technical documents
• Follow all safety and production standard operating procedures.
• Examine incoming materials and finished goods by performing visual and dimensional inspection to determine if product meets specifications.  Reject, segregate and report unacceptable materials.
• Document the inspection results by completing reports and logs.
• Review Lot History Records to ensure their completeness and correctness.
• Constant vigilance and implementation of GMP and GDP practices.
• Assist in gauge tracking, performing calibration activities, as needed.
• Identify and record problems relating to product, process and quality systems.
• Suggest actions for continual improvement to products, processes or systems and support the implementation of solutions.
• Communicate with manufacturing and engineering personnel regarding quality issues.
• Perform internal audits.

Please find additional details and apply through the job site.

Production Development Engineer

Full Time / R&D / Dayton, TN, US

Responsibilities  

• Develop, configure, and optimize processes from R&D trials through to start up and quality certification 

• Conduct new product outputs and test series: prepare plans, specifications, control and collecting results 

• Prepare and arrange output reviews  

• Manage profile drawings (plan, draw, develop and maintain) 

• Continuous development of Nokian Tyres products (e.g., modulation, cycle times and equipment) and control operational quality while decreasing quality costs 

• Maintain and develop recipe library 

• Assess processes, take measurements, and interpret data 

• Develop best practices, routines, and innovative solutions to improve production rates and quality of output 

• Provide testing results and all necessary reports as needed 

• Review existing tire specifications periodically to ensure that they meet all current standards 

• Follow cut tire analysis results to detect any problem areas of specification conformance 

• Maintain an awareness of defect levels on tire specifications and determines causes for and solutions to defect problems 

• Validate process and test method activities by developing and executing procedures for new or existing products or processes 

• Responsible for the process of problem solving in production processes with the goal of reducing product defects  

• Review and evaluate changes to general product specifications and directs the revision of plant general specifications to ensure that they are capable of efficiently producing a consistent, high quality product 

• Issue special projects requested by R & D to evaluate new production features 

• Issue testing instructions and reports on all project results including process ability of changes and the effects on tire performance 

• Establish periodic contact with R & D to maintain an awareness of new technical developments 

• Analyze adjustment return tires to determine cause of failure, possible product improvements, and reviews any defective workmanship with production personnel 

• Develop and implement statistical methods and design of experiments to support process/product control and improvement 

• Work with all departments in the development of new processes, initiatives, and projects to provide necessary cross-functionality and risk mitigation 

• Ensure maintenance and effective functioning of the Quality Management System in accordance with ISO 9001, IATF 16949 and ISO 14001 standards  

• Follow all company environmental rules/procedures and handle all materials in a manner designed to minimize environmental impact  

• Follow OSHA and company safety rules/procedures (including Lock Out/Tag Out policy) so as to prevent injury to self and others and to maintain safe equipment and conditions in entire area of responsibility  

• Maintain all necessary records in the working documentation / computer-aided production control systems, proper accounting of products and defects 

• Other duties as assigned 

Skills/Qualifications 

• Excellent communication/interpersonal skills as role requires global interaction for support, audits and training 

• Demonstrated ability to work on complex issues and to develop resolutions via in-depth evaluation of factors and/or frequent use of creativity 

• Capability to professionally deal with changing priorities and requirements 

• Thorough understanding of engineering principles and practices 

• Team player attitude 

• Objective judgment and fact-based decision-making approach 

• Knowledge and experience with statistical methods, such as regression and correlation. High level understanding of statistical packages and databases, especially Microsoft office and Mini tab 

• Ability to accomplish assignments in a logical fashion, using existing technology and standardized methodologies 

• Strong multitasking competency 

Requirements  

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering preferred and/or equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of this position 

• Minimum of 3 years manufacturing experience in tire industry 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications 

• Must be available to work overtime and weekends when needed 

• Must be willing and able to travel to Finland and/or Russia for training as needed 

For additional details and to apply directly here.               

March Adams & Associates is seeking a Civil Engineer. Job description includes site development design for commercial and industrial developments, to include site layout, grading, storm water management, sediment and erosion control, and site utilities routing.
Required Qualifications
·      Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering
·      Has passed the FE exam
 
Preferred Qualifications
·      Experience in AutoCAD Civil 3D
 
Benefits
·      Medical/Dental/Life Insurance
·      401K Plan
·      Long-Term Disability
·      Short-Term Disability
·      Paid Holidays/Vacation/Sick time

This post is on March Adam's Linkedin page.

Qualified and interested engineers can also send email to mailto:marchadams@marchadams.com