R&D Materials Engineer

Albany International Corp.; Kaukauna (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Albany International Corp. in Wisconsin is seeking an experienced R&D Materials Engineer to develop high-performance thermoplastic and thermoset concepts.

You will lead projects, develop processes for scale-up, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance sustainable polymer formulations. This hands-on role requires deep knowledge of materials science, experimental design, and data analysis, with a focus on durable, environmentally conscious products and processes for field trials and

Qualifications

• Experience with design-of-experiments and applied statistics.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Capable of independent work or collaborating in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute hands-on R&D activities and pilot-scale trials for new thermoplastic/thermoset concepts.
• Use DOE methods to address product, process, and quality challenges.
• Collaborate with engineers to process prototypes and support scale-up and field trials.
• Generate innovative research ideas and develop new test methods or equipment modifications.
• Communicate experimental results and recommendations through reports and presentations.

Skills

DOE & statistics

Problem solving

Team work

Education

Bachelor degree

Masters degree

PhD

Chemical Engineering

Polymer Engineering/Science

Materials Science

Job description

Job Description

The R&D Materials Engineer is a position focused on the development of new high performance thermoplastic and thermoset product concepts. Albany products are subjected to a variety of physical property demands including tension, compression, and flexion, under challenging chemical and environmental conditions. Working with other scientists and engineers, the Materials Engineer will act as a Project Leader to develop both new products and potentially, new processes, to support scale‑up for field trials and eventual commercialization. It is Albany’s goal to continually provide high value to our customers with Sustainability built into our formulations and processes. Thus, this is a hands‑on R&D position for developing high value and sustainable products for the future.

Job Description

The R&D Materials Engineer is a position focused on the development of new high performance thermoplastic and thermoset product concepts. Albany products are subjected to a variety of physical property demands including tension, compression, and flexion, under challenging chemical and environmental conditions. Working with other scientists and engineers, the Materials Engineer will act as a Project Leader to develop both new products and potentially, new processes, to support scale‑up for field trials and eventual commercialization. It is Albany’s goal to continually provide high value to our customers with Sustainability built into our formulations and processes. Thus, this is a hands‑on R&D position for developing high value and sustainable products for the future.

Essential Job Functions

• Execute hands‑on R&D activities by conducting material testing and pilot‑scale trials to evaluate new high‑performance thermoplastic and thermoset materials designed to meet demanding mechanical, chemical, and environmental requirements.
• Conduct and analyze experiments using Design‑of‑Experiments (DOE) methods and applied statistics to address product, process, and quality challenges.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and technologists to process prototypes, gather data, and support scale‑up, pilot, and customer trials.
• Generate and develop innovative research ideas, new product concepts, and custom test methods or equipment modifications that advance Albany’s materials portfolio and technical capabilities.
• Document, summarize, and clearly communicate experimental data, trial results, and technical recommendations through written reports and verbal presentations to the R&D team and management.

Exercise judgment on the progress of the work and adjust tasks with guidance from senior staff as needed.

• Conduct work on multiple projects as part of a team or independently, with increasing project leadership over time.
• Plan, conduct, schedule, and coordinate small projects.
• Gain knowledge of Albany products and markets.
• Develop technical resources and working relationships within the company and with external partners.
• Support R&D quality investigations through root‑cause analysis and trial execution.
• Reads, understands, and is committed to conducting business in accordance to Albany International’s Business Ethics Policy. All business of the company should, at all times, be conducted ethically, fairly, honestly and with integrity.

Shift

Day

Experience/Education/Skills

Required Skills:

• Applied Statistics and Design‑of‑Experiments Methodology
• Problem solving skills
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team

Required Experience:

• 10 years work experience. Strong interest in materials, automation, and processes at a hands‑on level.

Education Requirements:
Bachelor Degreex OR Masters degreex OR PhDx

Field of Study:
Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering/Science, Materials Science