Hands-on R&D Engineer: Extrusion & Pilot-Scale

World Centric; Stone Mountain (GA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

World Centric in Stone Mountain, GA is seeking a hands-on R&D equipment engineer to join the engineering team. This role focuses on extrusion and molding equipment and requires setting up, operating, and optimizing production lines while scaling innovative compostable materials.

You will work with a cross-functional team of scientists, engineers, and technicians, diagnose problems to root cause, procure new equipment, and ensure safe operation on the factory floor.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent requirement.
• 5+ years hands-on engineering experience in manufacturing, pilot plant, or R&D environment.
• Comfortable setting up, running, and fixing industrial equipment; able to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and basic control problems.
• Experience spec’ing and purchasing equipment and managing vendors through installation.
• Basic fabrication skills (bandsaw, drill press, hand tools, 3D printing); able to run a CNC.
• Proficient with SolidWorks or other 3D CAD software and able to produce drawings for fabrication.

Responsibilities

• Sets up, operates, and optimizes equipment including twin screw and single screw extruders, injection molders, heated presses and forming tools, mixers, dryers, and downstream equipment.
• Diagnoses equipment problems to root cause and brings in vendors or contractors for the rest.
• Brings new and idle equipment online: placement, utility hookups, initial start-up.
• Specs, quotes, and procures new equipment and auxiliaries and manages vendors from PO through installation.
• Fabricates fixtures, adapters, guards, frames, and small parts using shop tools; manages outside fabrication for larger items.
• Uses 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred) to lay out equipment, design fixtures, and build drawing sets for fabrication.
• Performs routine care and maintains preventive maintenance schedules and equipment documentation.
• Ensures safe operation of all equipment and adherence to safety procedures.

Skills

Hands-on engineering

Troubleshooting

Equipment setup

Vendor management

SolidWorks

Fabrication basics

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

World Centric in Stone Mountain, GA is seeking a hands-on R&D equipment engineer to join the engineering team. This role focuses on extrusion and molding equipment and requires setting up, operating, and optimizing production lines while scaling innovative compostable materials.

You will work with a cross-functional team of scientists, engineers, and technicians, diagnose problems to root cause, procure new equipment, and ensure safe operation on the factory floor.