R & D Engineer II

ZRG Careers; Kernersville (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

ZRG Careers in Kernersville, NC is seeking a Research & Development Engineer II to help develop and optimize manufacturing processes for new and existing products. You will work with the R&D, Quality, and Manufacturing teams to drive innovation in aerospace, thermal protection, and industrial materials.

Responsibilities include analyzing process data, preparing plant trials, documenting SOPs and reports, and supporting cost estimates and product development initiatives while ensuring safety and

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years in manufacturing, process engineering, or product development.
• Internship or co-op in manufacturing/R&D preferred.
• Strong reading of technical specifications, drawings, and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and optimizing manufacturing processes for products.
• Support scale-up from lab to pilot and full-scale production.
• Analyze process data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Document process parameters, SOPs, and reports.
• Prepare plant trials including setup, monitoring, and data collection.
• Provide technical support to production teams to troubleshoot issues.
• Collaborate with R&D, Quality, and Manufacturing to resolve challenges.
• Support environmental, safety, and regulatory compliance activities.

Skills

Process engineering

Data analysis

Technical reporting

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Materials Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Technical software

Job description

Research & Development Engineer II supports the development, optimization, and documentation of manufacturing processes for new and existing products. This role participates in plant trials, process improvement activities, data analysis, troubleshooting, and scale-up efforts to ensure safe, high-quality, and cost-effective products. The position works closely with R&D, Quality, and Manufacturing teams to support innovation in aerospace, thermal protection, and industrial material applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and optimizing manufacturing processes for new and existing products.
• Support scale-up activities from laboratory development through pilot and full-scale production.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret process data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Document process parameters, machine settings, standard operating procedures, and technical reports.
• Prepare for and participate in plant trials including setup, monitoring, data collection, and reporting.
• Maintain trial logs and technical documentation.
• Provide technical support to production teams to troubleshoot process-related issues.
• Collaborate with R&D, Quality, and Manufacturing personnel to resolve technical challenges.
• Assist in developing product specifications, process sheets, and other technical documentation.
• Support feasibility assessments, cost estimates, and new product development initiatives.
• Participate in quality investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement projects.
• Support environmental, safety, and regulatory compliance activities.
• Communicate project findings through written reports, presentations, and team meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related technical field required.
• Textiles, materials, coatings, or advanced materials experience preferred.
• Minimum of 2+ years of experience in manufacturing, process engineering, product development, or related technical environment.
• Internship or co-op experience in manufacturing or R&D environments preferred.
• Working knowledge of laboratory practices, manufacturing processes, data analysis, chemistry, and engineering principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn technical software applications.
• Ability to read and interpret technical specifications, drawings, procedures, and work instructions.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work safely in laboratory and manufacturing environments