Research Engineer II
About The Position
The Research Engineer II provides specialized technical and engineering expertise to 1) develop and implement research programs with industry and grant-funded programs, 2) develop and provide critical input and direction to support the PDC's pulping and mechanical refining capabilities, and planned equipment upgrades to maintain and grow this critical university research infrastructure. This position also supports other ongoing industry and research projects and has regular direct contact with industry and project sponsors. Typical hiring range for this soft-money funded position is $70,000 to $95,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience. About the University: The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu. The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Visit the Maine Office of Tourism to learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer.
Requirements
- B.S. in chemical engineering or other strongly related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- A minimum of five or more years' experience in industrial or laboratory setting.
- Extensive experience in testing pulp, paper, and cellulose nanofibrils, including physical, chemical, and performance evaluation of raw materials, process intermediates, and finished products.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and support multiple projects and meet deadlines.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience delivering project results to external customers.
- Strong technical expertise in key areas of pulp and papermaking at bench, small, and pilot scale, particularly kraft pulping, mechanical refining, and wet-end chemistry.
- Hands-on experience operating a range of pilot scale equipment used in pulp and paper processes, including kraft digesters, refiners, paper machines, thermoforming systems, and related machinery.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in chemical engineering, pulp and paper science, or a closely related technical field.
- Demonstrated success in designing, executing, and managing applied research projects, particularly in collaboration with industrial partners or academic institutions.
- Experience formulating and optimizing cellulose nanofibril applications for paper and packaging, with a focus on improving product functionality and performance.
- Proven ability to conduct laboratory, pilot-scale, and mill-scale performance evaluations of chemical treatment programs, and to translate test results into practical, data-driven recommendations.
- Solid understanding of corrugated fiberboard requirements and industry standards, including performance metrics for strength, durability, printability, and recyclability.
- Strong background in technical customer service or support, with the ability to interpret customer needs and convert them into targeted research initiatives or process improvements.
Responsibilities
- develop and implement research programs with industry and grant-funded programs
- develop and provide critical input and direction to support the PDC's pulping and mechanical refining capabilities, and planned equipment upgrades to maintain and grow this critical university research infrastructure
- supports other ongoing industry and research projects
- has regular direct contact with industry and project sponsors
Benefits
- tuition benefits (employee and dependent)
- comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability
- retirement plan options
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Industry
Educational Services
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
