Technical Support Engineer

About Us:

Founded in 1966, Niterra North America, Inc. (formerly NGK Spark Plugs) is a global leader in spark plug and oxygen sensor design, driven by technology, innovation, and world-class quality. Today, that tradition continues as we transform our organization's portfolio, expand our core ceramic technologies, explore capabilities beyond traditional areas, and challenge ourselves to develop solutions and services that leverage technology to address social issues while contributing to a sustainable society.

Summary:

The Technical Support Engineer provides engineering and design support for NTK semiconductor products, focusing on STF, package, and assembly applications. This role connects customers, the US sales team, and engineering teams in Japan. The engineer leads design reviews, secures drawing approvals, resolves complex technical issues, and supports new product development and customer quality claims. The role also tracks semiconductor industry trends, helps the sales team with quotes and product education, and builds strong relationships with strategic customers.

Classification: Salary, Exempt

Work Model: Onsite

Responsibilities:

• Collect, analyze, and report on customer designs that impact Niterra products, focusing on STF, package, and assembly applications.
• Use CAD software to create detailed designs, parts lists, and specifications.
• Facilitate communication between Japan, the US, and customers to resolve design issues.
• Conduct regular and ongoing design review meetings with customers.
• Resolve complex technical issues, conduct advanced research, and identify product innovations.
• Provide expert judgment and analysis for the design and implementation of technical products.
• Manage technical documentation between Niterra and customers.
• Secure approval for Design for Manufacturing (DFM) drawings from NTK Ceramic Co., a Niterra group company.
• Summarize information from industry sources.
• Engage with strategic customers to understand their design activities and future trends.
• Attend industry events related to standards, regulations, and semiconductor technology.
• Work with regional teams to summarize global semiconductor trends and support Niterra Japan's business strategies.
• Organize and manage technical information to ensure efficient use within Niterra.
• Partner with Niterra Japan and NTK Ceramic Co. on new product development projects.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers and business units.
• Support STF Business Units in resolving technical issues and establishing Engineering Specifications.
• Arrange technical reviews and write reports for customer visits.
• Assist Factory Engineering and Quality Assurance in resolving customer product quality claims.
• Collaborate with sales personnel to provide information and achieve sales goals.
• Review customer inquiries with sales to ensure complete information is submitted in quotes to Japan.
• Educate the NTK sales team on new products and technologies.
• Complete special projects assigned by Niterra management and Niterra Japan.
• Contribute to technology exchange sessions for Niterra USA associates to learn and discuss semiconductor-related topics.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures as applicable.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of related work experience.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent experience.
• Fluency in English and Japanese, with proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing both languages.
• Familiarity with semiconductor manufacturing processes, including wafer test, package, and assembly.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Niterra products, materials, procedures, processes, and QA functions.
• Strong computer and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office.
• Excellent communication and customer relations skills.
• Strong project management skills.
• Effective team collaboration skills.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

This role requires driving, business travel (including by public transportation and commercial carriers), and working around normal office, driving, and travel-related hazards.

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Financial Security: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a generous company match of up to 6%.
• Time Off: Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid maternity and paternity leave.
• And much more!

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Niterra is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Notice to Staffing Firms:

Niterra does not seek or accept unsolicited resumes or CVs from recruitment agencies. We are not responsible for, and will not pay, any fees, commissions, or other payments related to unsolicited resumes or CVs, except as required by a written contract between Niterra and the recruitment agency or party requesting payment of a fee.

California Privacy Notice:

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