Research and Development Engineer

Job Summary

Lead the operations of our Research & Development (R&D) pilot plant, with a focus on developing cutting-edge wood preservation technologies. Involves scaling up novel chemical formulations from lab-bench to pilot-scale and providing the technical expertise required to ensure new processes are safe, efficient, and ready for commercial application.

Job Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with R&D chemists and scientists to scale up new wood protection chemistries and processes from the laboratory to the pilot plant, linking research activities with successful real-world implementation.

• Serve as a liaison between R&D and Production to ensure successful product launches.

• Provide manufacturing process support, including troubleshooting, optimization, and scale-up from lab to full production.

• Participate in new product development and manage R&D projects, including timelines, budgets, and coordination with vendors and internal teams.

• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for Production and R&D operations.

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the R&D pilot plant, including planning, coordinating, and executing experimental campaigns and test runs for new wood treatment processes.

• Analyze pilot plant experimental data to conceptualize, design, and refine processes for eventual commercial-scale implementation.

• Conduct data analysis and interpret experimental results to draw conclusions and make recommendations for process improvements. Document findings in formal technical reports and presentations for R&D management team.

• Champion a strong safety culture within the pilot plant and ensure safety requirements for handling hazardous chemicals and operating pressurized equipment are being met. Ensure all R&D activities and plant operations comply with EPA, OSHA, and company safety standards.

• Lead the selection, procurement, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of pilot plant equipment and instrumentation, ensuring they are calibrated and operational for reliable testing.

• Oversee the proper disposal of chemical waste in compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

• Successfully conduct multiple scientific projects simultaneously with little supervision.

• Supervise pilot plant operations, including oversight of operators and technicians.

• Performs other duties as required.

Candidate Qualifications/ Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Wood Products Engineering or a related field is required.

• 5+ years of experience in a production, R&D, or pilot plant environment, including hands-on experience with test work, process design, and commissioning of systems.

• Experience within the wood preservation, pulp/paper, or a related industrial processing industry is highly desirable.

• Familiarity with process control systems and data acquisition methods.

• Knowledge of experimental design (DOE) and statistical methods for data interpretation.

• Excellent analytical and complex problem-solving abilities.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for clear technical reporting and collaboration.

• A hands-on, self-motivated approach with the ability to work with minimal supervision.

• Strong leadership skills and ability to provide technical guidance and training to pilot plant operators and technicians.

• Attention to detail and accuracy.

• Must be willing to work as a team player.

• Multitasking multiple projects.

• Strong computer, organizational, communication and analytical skills.

• Knowledge of EPA, OSHA, and DOT regulations.

• Travel requirement up to 15%