Research and Development Engineer

Job Summary

Lead the operations of our Research & Development (R&D) pilot plant, with a focus on developing cutting‑edge wood preservation technologies. Involves scaling up novel chemical formulations from lab‑bench to pilot‑scale and providing the technical expertise required to ensure new processes are safe, efficient, and ready for commercial application.

• Collaborate closely with R&D chemists and scientists to scale up new wood protection chemistries and processes from the laboratory to the pilot plant, linking research activities with successful real‑world implementation.
• Serve as a liaison between R&D and Production to ensure successful product launches.
• Provide manufacturing process support, including troubleshooting, optimization, and scale‑up from lab to full production.
• Participate in new product development and manage R&D projects, including timelines, budgets, and coordination with vendors and internal teams.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for Production and R&D operations.
• Oversee the day‑to‑day operations of the R&D pilot plant, including planning, coordinating, and executing experimental campaigns and test runs for new wood treatment processes.
• Analyze pilot plant experimental data to conceptualize, design, and refine processes for eventual commercial‑scale implementation.
• Conduct data analysis and interpret experimental results to draw conclusions and make recommendations for process improvements. Document findings in formal technical reports and presentations for R&D management team.
• Champion a strong safety culture within the pilot plant and ensure safety requirements for handling hazardous chemicals and operating pressurized equipment are being met. Ensure all R&D activities and plant operations comply with EPA, OSHA, and company safety standards.
• Lead the selection, procurement, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of pilot plant equipment and instrumentation, ensuring they are calibrated and operational for reliable testing.
• Oversee the proper disposal of chemical waste in compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Successfully conduct multiple scientific projects simultaneously with little supervision.
• Supervise pilot plant operations, including oversight of operators and technicians.
• Perform other duties as required.

• A Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Wood Products Engineering or a related field is required.
• 5+ years of experience in a production, R&D, or pilot plant environment, including hands‑on experience with test work, process design, and commissioning of systems.
• Experience with in the wood preservation, pulp/paper, or a related industrial processing industry is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with process control systems and data acquisition methods.
• Knowledge of experimental design (DOE) and statistical methods for data interpretation.
• Excellent analytical and complex problem‑solving abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for clear technical reporting and collaboration.
• A hands‑on, self‑motivated approach with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to provide technical guidance and training to pilot plant operators and technicians.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Must be willing to work as a team player.
• Multitasking multiple projects.
• Strong computer, organizational, communication and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of EPA, OSHA, and DOT regulations.
• Travel requirement up to 15%.

Koppers Inc. and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other category or characteristic protected by federal law, state, or local law.