Senior R&D Spinning Engineer

Hexcel Corporation • Decatur, AL

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior R&D Spinning Engineer is a technical expert in critical manufacturing and development technology for carbon fiber. The role independently leads complex initiatives to advance spinning capability, resolve technical challenges, improve product performance, and drive innovation from concept through commercialization. It is intended for an experienced engineer with deep expertise in fiber spinning, polymer processing, or advanced materials manufacturing who can deliver business results, influence across functions, and translate technical excellence into competitive advantage. The position is based in Decatur, Alabama, with flexible schedule options: a traditional 5/40 or 9/80 schedule, with some remote work. Travel may be required up to 15% of the time.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience with industrial synthetic fiber spinning or extrusion using DMSO-based solution spinning.
• Typically 10–15+ years of progressive experience in fiber spinning, polymer processing, precursor manufacturing, carbon fiber production, advanced materials, or related process technologies.
• Demonstrated track record of scaling R&D innovations into cost-effective production processes.
• Willingness to work hands-on with pilot equipment and collaborate with scientists, technicians, and operators to solve problems.
• Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, temporary residents under sections 210(a) or 245(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, refugees, or persons granted asylum.

Responsibilities

• Lead business-aligned projects to develop new spinning processes and precursor fibers from the laboratory through pilot scale to production, ensuring safety, regulatory, change management, and environmental compliance.
• Serve as the technical subject matter expert in spinning solution technology, process capability, and manufacturing performance.
• Streamline technology development to reduce time to market for new products.
• Drive capital projects, reliability initiatives, and safety programs to support smooth and efficient operations.
• Apply scientific principles, industry practices, and advanced spinning technologies to advance programs; stay current with technical literature and foster continuous learning and development.
• Resolve complex technical challenges by evaluating feasibility, risk, technical tradeoffs, and business impact, and work with cross-functional teams to integrate innovations into production.
• Provide technical leadership for new product introduction, new technology introduction, and process scale-up initiatives.
• Influence technical direction and decision-making across R&D, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Operations.
• Travel up to 15% of the time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree