New Product Development and R & D Engineer

Tex-Tech is a leader in the research, development, and manufacturing of innovative, high-performance materials. We are looking to add members to our talented development team to lead projects focused on aerospace, thermal protection, and industrial applications.

Position Summary

The Research and Development Engineer II supports the development, optimization, and documentation of manufacturing processes for new and existing products. This role assists with plant trials, data analysis, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure Tex Tech delivers safe, high-quality, and cost-effective products. The position is hands-on, collaborative, and ideal for an engineer with experience in advanced materials, manufacturing process engineering, and product development.

Key Responsibilities

Process Development & Optimization

• Assist in developing and refining manufacturing processes for new and existing products.
• Support scale-up activities from lab to pilot to full production.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret process data to identify trends, issues, and improvement opportunities.
• Document process parameters, machine settings, and standard operating conditions.

Plant Trials & Technical Support

• Prepare for and participate in sample runs and plant trials, including setup, monitoring, data collection, and reporting.
• Maintain accurate trial logs and technical documentation.
• Provide on-the-floor technical support to production teams to troubleshoot process issues.
• Collaborate with R&D, Quality, and Manufacturing to resolve technical challenges.

Product & Specification Support

• Assist in generating and updating product specifications, process sheets, and technical documentation.
• Support cost estimates, feasibility assessments, and new product inquiries as needed.
• Help ensure alignment between customer requirements, product performance, and manufacturing capability.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Follow all Tex Tech safety protocols and support safe work practices during trials and production activities.
• Assist with environmental and regulatory documentation as required.
• Support quality investigations and corrective actions related to process performance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with R&D scientists, lab technicians, production supervisors, and quality personnel.
• Participate in meetings to review trial results, process changes, and improvement initiatives.
• Communicate findings clearly through written reports and presentations.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Textile, Chemical, Mechanical, Materials, or related field) required.
• Textiles, Materials, and/or Coatings background preferred.

Experience

• 2 years of experience in manufacturing, process engineering, product development, or related technical roles.
• Internship or co-op experience in a manufacturing or R&D environment preferred.
• Experience in Needle Punch Non-Wovens and/or 2D/3D Weaving preferred.

Technical Skills

• Basic understanding of laboratory practices, manufacturing processes, data analysis, chemistry, and engineering principles.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn technical software and data tools.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, specifications, and process instructions.

Competency

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Curiosity, initiative, and willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work safely in lab and production settings.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, procedures, and work instructions in English.
• Ability to complete basic reports and communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers in English.
• Ability to follow written, verbal, or diagrammed instructions and troubleshoot routine issues in English.
• Strong focus on quality, productivity, and safe equipment operation.
• Strong attention to quality, productivity, and safe equipment operation.

Working Conditions

• Combination of office, lab, and manufacturing floor environments.
• Requires use of PPE and adherence to safety protocols.
• Occasional lifting, standing, or extended periods on the production floor.
• Occasional travel to other Tex Tech sites or customer locations may be required.

Tex-Tech provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.