R&D Pilot Plant Engineer

Hexcel Corporation; Decatur (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Hexcel Corporation in Decatur, Alabama seeks an R&D Pilot Plant Engineer to own the reliability, modernization, and technical advancement of our pilot facilities, the proving ground where carbon fiber technologies move from concept to reality.

You will lead capital upgrades, improve equipment reliability, troubleshoot complex mechanical and process challenges, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to accelerate development of PAN precursor fiber processes for next‑gen aerospace programs.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering or related field.
• At least 5 years of experience with industrial processes and equipment.
• Experience supporting capital projects.
• Experience guiding upgrades, troubleshooting, maintenance, and calibration of machinery.
• Understanding safety procedures for running industrial-scale equipment in PSM areas.
• Experience leading or coaching a team is desirable.
• Experience in R&D is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital improvements to R&D facilities from concept to completion and direct pilot plant activities.
• Apply analytical thinking and data-driven decisions to identify opportunities and deliver projects.
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical issues.
• Identify and execute pilot line improvements including process improvements and non-capital projects.
• Ensure trials, equipment, and procedures are well documented and accessible.
• Lead R&D research projects including trial coverage in pilot facilities and plant-scale.
• Support process development, process optimization, and product application development for new PAN precursor fibers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to share learnings from operations and R&D.
• Ensure all trial work complies with safety requirements and may require lifting up to 25 lbs, bending, etc.
• Maintain pilot facilities and readiness for trials.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Troubleshooting

Project leadership

Data-driven decision making

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Polymer Engineering

Job description

As the R&D Pilot Plant Engineer, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of Hexcel's advanced aerospace materials. Based in Decatur, Alabama, you will own the reliability, modernization, and technical advancement of our R&D pilot facilities, the proving ground where the next generation of carbon fiber technologies moves from concept to reality.

In this role, you will lead capital upgrades, improve equipment reliability, troubleshoot complex mechanical and process challenges, and help build the pilot capabilities needed to support future aerospace programs. Your contributions will help accelerate the development of high-performance carbon fiber technologies that enable lighter, stronger, and more efficient aircraft for years to come.

Flexible work schedule options are available, including both a 9/80 schedule and traditional 5/40 workweek arrangements.

What you will do:

• Lead and execute capital improvements to R&D facilities from conception to completion and direct pilot plant activities to support innovation projects.
• Apply analytical thinking and data-driven decision-making to identify opportunities, develop solutions, and successfully deliver R&D projects.
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical issues
• Identify and execute pilot line improvement opportunities including process improvements and non-capital projects.
• Ensure documentation for trials, equipment, and procedures is well maintained and accessible
• Lead R&D research projects. This may include trial coverage both in the pilot facilities and at plant scale.
• Support process development, process optimization, and product application development for new PAN precursor fibers.
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to leverage learnings from operations partners and share learnings from R&D testing.
• Ensure all trial work is done in accordance with safety requirements and may lift up to 25 lbs, stoop, bend, etc.
• Ensure R&D Pilot facilities are well maintained and all materials are ready for trials.

Qualifications:

• BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineer or related field required
• At least 5 years of experience with industrial processes and equipment, polymer processing experience preferred.
• Experience supporting capital projects.
• Experience working with machinery to guide upgrades, troubleshoot, maintenance, and calibration
• Understanding of safety procedures and protocols required to run industrial scale equipment in PSM areas
• Experience leading or coaching a team is desired.
• Experience working with, or in, R&D is preferred

Where This Role Can Take You

This role offers broad exposure across R&D, manufacturing, process development, and capital project execution, creating opportunities for future growth in technical and operational leadership. Whether your career interests lead toward R&D, engineering, operations or technology commercialization, this position provides the visibility, experience, and cross-functional partnerships needed to accelerate your development.

Eligible candidates must be a: U.S. citizen, U.S. national, person lawfully admitted for permanent residence, temporary resident under sections 210(a) or 245(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, person admitted in refugee status, or person granted asylum. Hexcel (NYSE: HXL) is a global leader in advanced composites technology, a leading producer of carbon fiber, and the world leader in honeycomb manufacturing for the commercial aerospace industry.

Hexcel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected class.

With our strong investment in research and development and our culture of continuous improvement, Hexcel is the industry leader in the manufacturing of composite materials and industrial fabrics. We invite you to join the Hexcel team at various manufacturing sites, sales offices and R&T centers around the globe. Become a part of the "strength within."