Head of Process Engineering

About the Company

Vandrel is rebuilding America's high-performance magnet wire supply chain. We design and manufacture PEEK-insulated copper conductor in modular micro-factories, producing the wire that goes into the motors, transformers, and power systems that matter most: defense and aerospace platforms, EV traction, and grid and stationary storage.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and operation of Vandrel’s pilot extrusion line for PEEK-insulated copper magnet wire
• Drive surface preparation, oxidation control, adhesion strategy, and bond verification for the copper-to-PEEK interface
• Select, source, and commission extruders, crossheads, dies, cooling, spooling, and inline metrology
• Define quality standards for dielectric strength, pinhole rate, elongation, and thermal cycling
• Drive yield, throughput, and build process IP, trade secrets, and patentable methods
• Design modular, repeatable line layouts for micro-factory deployment
• Integrate AI-driven computer vision and acoustic sensors for manufacturing intelligence
• Hire and lead process engineers, technicians, and quality staff

Requirements

• 10+ years in polymer extrusion, wire and cable manufacturing, or high-performance coatings
• 5+ years in a senior technical leadership role
• Hands-on experience with high-temperature thermoplastics (PEEK, PEKK, PAEK, or comparable)
• Proven track record taking extrusion or coating processes from pilot to production
• Deep understanding of copper-to-polymer interface, including surface prep and adhesion chemistry
• Ability to specify and qualify capital equipment from first principles
• Operator mindset with comfort working in PPE and on the production line

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with IEC 60317 and NEMA MW 1000 magnet wire standards