R&D Field Operations Specialist

NPK; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

NPK International, Inc. is seeking a hands-on field liaison between our Research & Development team and the crews who use our products in the field. This role involves outdoor work, building relationships, and solving practical problems on active jobsites across the country.

This position requires traveling up to 75% nationwide, a focus on safety, and collaboration with field teams to improve equipment and processes.

Qualifications

• High School degree.
• Experience in construction, welding, manufacturing, skilled trades, field operations, or a related hands-on environment.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Mechanical aptitude and curiosity for improving equipment and processes.
• Willingness to travel up to 75% throughout the United States.
• Commitment to OSHA regulations and safety best practices.

Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with field superintendents, foremen, and ground crews.
• Observe operations and gather feedback on daily challenges and opportunities for improvement.
• Identify operational, mechanical, procedural, or equipment-related issues affecting safety, productivity, or quality.
• Translate field feedback into actionable recommendations for the R&D team.
• Support development, testing, and evaluation of prototypes and process improvements.
• Coordinate field trials and collect performance data and user feedback.
• Drive continuous improvement by helping implement practical solutions.

Job description

Work Location:US.PA.Pittsburgh.1000 Omega Drive

Working Environment: On-Site

Craft/Manufacturing/Engineering - Engineering

NPK International inc. (NYSE: NPKI) is the only site access solutions partner to manufacture and rent industry-leading sustainable composite matting , along with a full suite of services including planning, logistics, and remediation - so you can protect your people, the environment, and your bottom line.

Job Summary

This position is hands-on and people-focused to serve as the critical connection between our Research & Development team and the crews who use our products in the field every day. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working outdoors, building relationships, solving practical problems, and traveling to active jobsites across the country.

Key Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with field superintendents, foremen, and ground crews.
• Observe operations and gather feedback on daily challenges and opportunities for improvement.
• Identify operational, mechanical, procedural, or equipment-related issues affecting safety, productivity, or quality.
• Translate field feedback into actionable recommendations for the R&D team.
• Support development, testing, and evaluation of prototypes and process improvements.
• Coordinate field trials and collect performance data and user feedback.
• Drive continuous improvement by helping implement practical solutions.

Education And Experience Requirements

• High School degree.
• Experience in construction, welding, manufacturing, skilled trades, field operations, or a related hands-on environment.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Mechanical aptitude and curiosity for improving equipment and processes.
• Willingness to travel up to 75% throughout the United States.
• Commitment to OSHA regulations and safety best practices.

WHY JOIN NPK?

One of NPK’s Core Values is Excellence. It means we are committed to delivering value through performance, innovation, and service quality, and that commitment starts with YOU! NPK is where you can challenge yourself in new and exciting ways and work in an environment that supports and values you. Here at NPK, we are committed to finding, developing, retaining, and rewarding the best talent while providing an environment where our employees can grow professionally and personally.

What We Value

At NPK, our values, safety, integrity, accountability, respect, and excellence are more than words - they are non-negotiable fundamentals that define what is important to us. They are the foundation for our purpose.

Our Purpose encapsulates how our values work together to drive our decision-making, actions, and behaviors. They help us create meaningful relationships with each other, our clients, and partners. Every day, we strive to live these values and fulfill our purpose, building a culture that reflects who we are and where we're headed.

P - People Focused - First in every action

U - United - Different voices make us stronger together

R - Reliable - Unwavering in our quality and service

P - Passionate - Energy and excitement is our fuel

O - Optimistic - Any moment is a chance to shine

S - Sincere - Authenticity starts with vulnerability

E - Enterprising - Agility is the key to opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer. NPK and its affiliates do not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, sexual orientation, disability, military service/veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status. For more information on Equal Employment Opportunity, please click here .

NPK International, Inc. is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity, including providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with a disability. Applications with a physical or mental disability who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process may contact the Manager, HR Governance & Compliance at [e-mail]