Research Engineer

Orenco Systems•Sutherlin, OR

About The Position

Orenco Systems, Inc., a subsidiary of Infiltrator Water Technologies, is seeking an experienced, enthusiastic, team-oriented Research Engineer for its R&D team. The role supports growth of the Advanced Treatment Business Unit by developing innovative approaches to decentralized water treatment. It combines office-based brainstorming and design with hands-on fabrication, assembly, and testing of laboratory-scale prototype reactors. The Research Engineer explores process and reactor concepts, collaborates with engineers to prototype ideas at multiple flow and process scales, and manages day-to-day R&D work at Orenco’s R&D Facility. The position also involves mathematical modeling and simulations, project documentation and reporting, evaluation of technologies and equipment, and support for product launches and other business units. The work is primarily in an office, with occasional lab, manufacturing-area, field, and travel duties. Field or lab work may involve wastewater and requires appropriate personal protective equipment.

Requirements

B.S. in Chemical Engineering with 5+ years of experience in process design, wastewater treatment, PLC/controls, and/or laboratory or pilot-scale R&D is highly preferred; relevant alternative experience or education will be considered.
Experience and/or interest in developing innovative next-generation water treatment technologies.
Junior-to-mid-level experience profile; candidates with up to 10 years of experience will be considered. Exceptional new graduates are encouraged to apply.
Persistence in research, including the ability to continue working through setbacks; strong problem-solving skills and interest in learning.
Creative process-design and problem-solving skills, with attention to innovation, cost effectiveness, and quality.
Experience managing smaller design projects and ability or aspiration to manage more complex projects.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal skills for interacting with personnel and external contacts.
Ability to work independently and execute effectively with management direction.
Expertise with the MS Office suite.
Hands-on interest and skills, including experience in a shop environment and/or using light tools to fabricate laboratory-scale experimental components and prototypes.
Basic plumbing skills.
MATLAB or equivalent mathematical coding experience.
Experience with automated control systems.
Interest in product development from concept through certification and launch, and comfort working in a fast-paced environment where ideas and designs evolve rapidly.
Willingness and ability to travel in compliance with current travel regulations and guidelines.
Ability to meet and maintain Orenco’s approved driver criteria, including a valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, current insurance on a personal vehicle, and company insurability requirements.

Nice To Haves

B.S. in Chemical Engineering with 5+ years of experience in process design, wastewater treatment, PLC/controls, and/or laboratory or pilot-scale R&D is highly preferred.
Experience working in a shop environment and/or using light tools to fabricate laboratory-scale experimental components and prototypes.
MATLAB or equivalent mathematical coding experience.
Experience with automated control systems.

Responsibilities

Maintain Orenco’s safety, cultural, and professional standards; promote safe practices and keep work areas organized and free of hazards.
Brainstorm and explore new process and reactor concepts for advanced water treatment.
Collaborate with the engineering team to prototype process and reactor concepts across multiple flow and process scales.
Manage day-to-day R&D activities at the R&D Facility, including prototype installation, startup, modification, sampling, reconfiguration, and maintenance.
Build mathematical models and simulations to identify pathways for innovative process development.
Document R&D projects from initial design concepts through prototype results and conclusions, and report information to downstream company departments as needed.
Support product launches by producing technical documents, optimizing process and equipment costs, and attending industry or technical conferences.
Research, test, and evaluate state-of-the-art technologies and equipment for economical advanced treatment approaches, including pumps, valves, compressors, membranes, sensors, controls, and media.
Provide technical support to other business units as assigned or needed.
Maintain high technical quality and rigor in the design process for assigned work.
Travel as required, including driving, air travel, and overnight stays, and visit project sites on varied developed and undeveloped terrain.