R&D Process Development Engineer

About the Role

Numat is seeking an early-career R&D Process Development Engineer to join our development group. This role focuses on transitioning new materials into real products through experimental work, problem-solving, and process development. You will work across Numat's technology areas, fabrics and adsorbents, collaborating with scientists and engineers. The work is hands-on, involving experimental design, data interpretation, and technology transfer.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and run experiments that move the technology forward:
• Plan, design, and execute experiments and DOEs to reduce product and process variability across fabrics and adsorbents.
• Develop and mature processes from lab and pilot scale toward robust, repeatable commercial production.
• Contribute to demonstration runs and process-capability assessment.
• Identify sources of variation, form and test hypotheses, and drive corrective and improvement actions.
• Analyze data to understand how process settings and raw-material variation drive product's critical quality attributes (CQAs).
• Define and hold process windows and specifications to ensure consistent output.
• Document processes and findings for clean transfer from R&D to manufacturing.
• Run pilot line equipment:
• Support running Numat's pilot processing equipment, including the pilot spunbond and pilot meltblown nonwoven lines and the lamination machine.
• Support producing in-house nonwoven and laminated material for development.
• Prepare and condition swatches and test articles.
• Run in-house performance proxy tests and report results.
• Perform small-scale lamination property testing.
• Manage samples, data, and inventory:
• Prepare, document, and ship samples to external testing partners.
• Build and improve workflows, data capture, and methods.
• Enter test and run data accurately and on time.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor's degree in chemical, materials, or mechanical engineering, or a related physical science.
• R&D experience highly preferred (internship, co-op, or industry role) with demonstrated experience in designing experiments.
• Demonstrated self-direction with end-to-end ownership of projects.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Working foundation in statistics, DOE, or data analysis.
• Genuine interest in hands-on experimental work.
• Clear communicator with good documentation and organization skills.
• Ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods; ability to bend, stoop, reach and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Exposure to any of: nonwovens, textiles, membranes, lamination, or coating; or particle/granulation, chemical synthesis, or adsorbent materials.
• Familiarity with DOE / data-analysis tools (e.g., Minitab, JMP, Python).
• Willingness to travel occasionally.
• This position is not eligible for immigration support or sponsorship.