R&D Engineer - Equipment

World Centric•Stone Mountain, GA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

World Centric is seeking a hands-on R&D Engineer to join its engineering team and support the development and scale-up of compostable materials. This on-the-floor role in a startup environment focuses on extrusion and molding equipment. The engineer works with R&D scientists, engineers, and technicians to maintain lab and pilot equipment, bring new equipment online, and establish processes as materials move from bench work to pilot production. The position is based on-site at the company’s facility in Stone Mountain, Georgia, and reports to the Director of Engineering and Commercialization. The ideal candidate is an independent, resourceful problem solver who is comfortable spending most of the workday on the floor. The salary range is $75,000–$130,000 annually, depending on experience, with a bonus. World Centric describes itself as mission-driven, providing compostable packaging solutions for the food service industry and donating 25% of profits to the most vulnerable in the world. It welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and values awareness of and commitment to social and environmental issues, competence, motivation, initiative, adaptability, and collaboration.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience.
At least 5 years of hands-on engineering experience in a manufacturing, pilot plant, or R&D environment.
Experience setting up, operating, and repairing industrial equipment.
Ability to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and basic control problems.
Experience specifying and purchasing equipment and managing vendors through installation.
Basic fabrication skills, including use of a bandsaw, drill press, hand tools, and 3D printing; ability to run a CNC machine.
Proficiency with SolidWorks or other 3D CAD software and ability to produce fabrication drawings.
Basic knowledge of manufacturing processes, including conveyors, pumps, heating methods, and drying.

Nice To Haves

Experience with extrusion, injection molding, presses, or similar polymer-processing equipment.
Experience with facility utilities such as process cooling, compressed air, and electrical systems, and with equipment layouts.
Experience setting up new processes or scaling from lab to pilot production.
Welding and machining experience, including lathes and mills.

Responsibilities

Set up, operate, and optimize twin-screw and single-screw extruders, injection molders, heated presses and forming tools, mixers, dryers, and downstream equipment.
Diagnose equipment problems to root cause across mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and controls systems; make in-house repairs where possible and engage vendors or contractors as needed.
Bring new and idle equipment online, including placement, utility hookups, and initial startup.
Specify, quote, and procure equipment and auxiliaries such as feeders, dryers, chillers, pumps, and tooling; manage vendors from purchase order through installation and acceptance.
Fabricate fixtures, adapters, guards, frames, and small parts with shop tools, and manage outside fabrication for larger items.
Use 3D CAD to lay out equipment, design fixtures, and prepare drawing sets for fabrication.
Perform routine equipment care and maintain preventive maintenance schedules, spare parts, and equipment documentation, including manuals, utility requirements, lockout/tagout information, and operating procedures.
Ensure safe equipment operation and compliance with safety procedures and housekeeping standards.