R & D Engineer

Overview

Toray Performance Materials Corporation (TPMC) is seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented R&D Engineer I to design and develop advanced thermoplastic composite solutions for industries such as sports and recreation, consumer electronics, automotive, aerospace, robotics, defense, and infrastructure. This role focuses on composite layup design and manufacturing development, helping bring new products from concept to production readiness.

• Develop composite manufacture processes, evaluate material properties, and support qualify supply chains for continuous fiber reinforced polymeric composites and UD prepreg tapes.
• Drive and manage R&D platforms and New Product Introduction (NPI) efforts to meet technology roadmap and customer demands.
• Collaborate with global process engineers, production, and sales teams to develop technologies and mature them to Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) for transfer to production, providing support throughout the NPI process.
• Own, plan, manage, and execute multiple projects simultaneously with focus on specifications, delivery timelines, and budget under guidance of senior members.
• Support the company s sustainability and zero-waste strategy, conduct research in thermoplastic composites recycling and deliver viable recycled material solutions to customers.
• Deliver presentations and reports to effectively communicate research results; maintain complete and accurate documentation of all work in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest research and technology in composite materials; attend industry conferences and seminars.
• Collaborate closely with global technical and non-technical functions and build strong working relationships.
• Maintain a safe lab environment and implement safe operating procedures to ensure an accident-free record and compliance.

• Bachelor’s (or advanced) degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Materials, Chemical, or related field preferred).
• 0-3 years of experience working with composites is preferred.
• Solid understanding of Design of Experiments (DOE) principles.
• Excellent project management skills with strong attention to detail and ability to multitask.
• Knowledge of composites manufacturing technologies such as compression molding, hand layup, resin transfer molding, vacuum infusion, pultrusion, filament winding, etc.
• Knowledge of composites manufacturing equipment such as molds, presses, mandrels, resin injection systems, vacuum pumps, ovens, autoclaves, etc.
• Experience with designing and setting up new processing and testing equipment.
• Knowledge of composite materials characterization and testing techniques such as microscopy, ultrasonic testing, X-ray computed tomography, infrared thermography, mechanical testing, etc.
• Experience with composites design and analysis software such as ANSYS, Solid Works, CATIA, Abaqus, FiberSIM, CES Selector, etc.
• Flexibility in working hours due to global team collaboration across USA and Asia; ability to travel up to 10% domestically and overseas (Asia Pacific).

• Strong curiosity and passion for learning with genuine interest in composite materials and emerging technologies.
• Research-oriented mindset—asks questions, explores alternatives, and seeks to understand underlying principles.
• Creativity and willingness to think beyond conventional approaches.
• Resourceful problem-solving; able to leverage tools, data, and guidance to overcome challenges.
• Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership for learning and task execution.
• High attention to detail with a disciplined approach to experimentation and documentation.

A competitive compensation package including base salary, potential for bonus based on performance, health insurance, and 401k will be available to the qualified applicant.

Salary Information: $85,000 – $110,000