Tyvek R&D Mechanical Engineer

DuPont; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 98,280 - 154,440; Full time

Job summary

DuPont in Virginia is seeking an experienced mechanical engineer/scientist to join the Tyvek® R&D group. You will define and lead product and process development programs, apply fluid dynamics and heat transfer knowledge, and help bring new membranes to market.

The role emphasizes collaboration across functions, scaling technologies from development to production, and interfacing with external partners. A MS or PhD and 5+ years of relevant experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field with relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles applied to equipment design, process development, or process optimization.
• Knowledge of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.
• 5+ years of professional experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with 3D CAD tools.
• Experience with data analysis and large data sets.
• Familiarity with FEA and/or CFD is beneficial.
• Experience with polymer processing and/or web-handling equipment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Defining, leading, and executing product and process R&D programs.
• Designing and conducting laboratory, experimental, and modeling studies, and translating results into insights.
• Managing project timelines and coordinating testing across business functions.
• Communicating technical plans, progress, and outcomes to stakeholders.
• Collaborating within cross-functional teams across disciplines.
• Partnering with scientists and engineers to scale technologies from development to production.
• Working with external consultants, suppliers, and partners as needed.
• Preparing technical reports, presentations, and recommendations.
• Managing intellectual property by assessing competitive landscapes and developing new patent opportunities.

Skills

Mechanical reasoning

3D CAD

Data analysis

Fluid dynamics

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Mechanical design

English fluency

Problem solving

Data visualization

Education

MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

3D CAD tools

FEA software

CFD software

Job description

At DuPont, our purpose is to empower the world with essential innovations to thrive. We work on things that matter. Whether it’s providing clean water to more than a billion people on the planet, producing materials that are essential in everyday technology devices from smartphones to electric vehicles, or protecting workers around the world. Discover the many reasons the world’s most talented people are choosing to work at DuPont. Why Join Us | DuPont Careers

As part of our Tyvek® growth strategy, we are seeking scientists and engineers to help advance flash-spinning technology and drive the development and commercialization of innovative new products.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, empowered R&D organization that leverages deep expertise in materials science, polymer science and engineering, chemistry, and chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Our team works in a highly collaborative and diverse environment with a mission to develop nonwoven membrane solutions that protect people, property, and critical products and processes from the hazards that threaten them.

Primary Responsibilities

Within Tyvek® R&D, we develop new products for emerging and existing markets, enhance manufacturing processes, and advance next-generation technology platforms. Research Investigators define, lead, and execute technical programs focused on product and process technology development, applying strong scientific and engineering fundamentals to solve complex challenges. They are also active contributors to DuPont's global technology community.

Key Responsibilities

• Defining, leading, and executing product and process R&D programs
• Designing and conducting laboratory, experimental, and modeling studies, and translating results into actionable insights
• Managing project timelines and coordinating testing and implementation activities across business functions
• Communicating technical plans, progress, and outcomes to key stakeholders
• Collaborating within cross-functional teams spanning technical and non-technical disciplines
• Partnering with scientists and engineers to scale new technologies from development to commercial production
• Working with external consultants, suppliers, and partners to efficiently execute programs when needed
• Preparing technical reports, presentations, and recommendations
• Managing intellectual property by assessing competitive landscapes and developing new patent opportunities

Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline with relevant experience
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles applied to equipment design, process development, or process optimization
• Solid knowledge of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer
• 5+ years of professional experience strongly preferred
• Experience with 3D CAD tools preferred
• Experience with data analysis, visualization, and large data sets is beneficial
• Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA) and/or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is beneficial
• Experience with polymer processing and/or web-handling equipment is a plus

Required Competencies

• Strong conceptual, analytical, and strategic thinking skills
• A rigorous, science-based approach to problem solving
• Intellectual curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning
• Creativity combined with a hands‑on, pragmatic mindset
• Innovative thinking and entrepreneurial initiative
• Excellent communication, collaboration, networking, and influencing skills
• Ability to build strong partnerships across functions and disciplines
• Fluent in English
• Ability to travel up to 25%

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DuPont is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit our Accessibility Page for Contact Information.

DuPont offers a comprehensive pay and benefits package. To learn more visit the Compensation and Benefits page.

The Pay range for this role is $98,280.00 - $154,440.00 Annual

How Base Pay is Determined: DuPont has job leveling frameworks that help organize roles based on progressive levels of responsibility, proficiency and qualifications. Each role has an associated pay range (or an established pay rate for some roles) based on the competitive market in each country where we operate. Each individual’s pay is based on a variety of factors, including their role and the associated pay range for that role, their geographic location (i.e., country, state, metropolitan area), as well as their skills, experience, education and certifications, and performance.