R&D Engineer/Scientist I

Colonial Heights, VAFull-timePosted Jul 28, 2026

This role supports industrial projects by developing high‑quality mechanical design deliverables for process and custom manufacturing equipment. This position involves producing custom equipment fabrication and installation drawings, coordinating with multi‑discipline teams, and supporting field execution with minimal supervision.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support mechanical and custom equipment design activities through Pre FEED, FEED, detailed design, construction support, and startup/commissioning.
  • Serve as a technical design resource for capital projects, coordinating with engineering, operations, maintenance, and construction teams.
  • Ownership and management of project execution include scope, schedule, and budget and cost throughout its lifecycle. This includes scoping, design, funding appropriation, contractor coordination, construction management, commissioning and support.
  • Develop custom equipment design packages, shop drawings, and installation documents for fabrication and construction.
  • Develop mechanical equipment specifications and manage vendor interactions, bid evaluations, and equipment selection, clearly communicating recommendations to project teams.
  • Provide technical support for equipment repair and reliability issues, ensuring compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
  • Lead or participate in mechanical design reviews with project stakeholders.
  • Utilize AutoCAD (2D/3D) and Inventor (3D) to support detailed engineering and construction deliverables.
  • Monitor mechanical engineering quality, schedule, and productivity throughout project execution.
  • Maintain familiarity with document management and control systems (e.g., Documentum, AM Meridian).
  • Provide project scoping input to support accurate cost estimates and efficient design solutions.
  • Adhere to all plant health, safety, and environmental (HSE)requirements.
  • Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, operations, and materials management teams to improve safety, reliability, and asset performance.
  • Conduct factory acceptance tests (FATs) and inspections at vendor and fabricator facilities.
  • Partner with Maintenance Excellence and other stakeholders on complex or HSE‑critical issues.
  • Drive value engineering, standardization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Prepare mechanical and custom equipment, estimate packages and construction work order packages.

Key Success Factors

  • Achieve world‑class safety performance on all assigned projects.
  • Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.
  • Demonstrate strong customer focus and responsiveness to stakeholder needs.
  • Minimum 1 year of mechanical engineering experience in a chemical, petrochemical, or similar industrial environment.
  • Willingness to travel up to 10%, as required.

YOU MUST HAVE:

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering with 1 years of relevant experience in an engineering firm or industrial manufacturing environment (chemical, petrochemical, or similar).
  • Willingness to travel up to 10%, as required

WE VALUE:

  • Experience with design of chemical processing, textile and web handling equipment.
  • Experience with material handling or process automation systems.
  • Familiarity with SAP.
  • Working knowledge of PIP, ASME, ANSI, API, and related codes and standards.
  • Demonstrated ability to support large capital investments in complex manufacturing environments.
  • Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt (or equivalent continuous improvement experience).
  • Strong commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and cost optimization.
  • Proven interpersonal skills and ability to influence across disciplines and organizational levels.
  • Self‑starter with a results‑driven mindset and strong bias for action.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and analytical skills.
  • Strong time‑management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

COMPENSATION

The annual base salary range for this position is $67,992K - $84,965K. Please note that this salary information serves as a general guideline. Solstice Advanced Materials considers various factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to the scope and responsibilities or the position, the candidate's work experience, education and training, key skills, as well as market and business considerations.

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR SOLSTICE ADVANCED MATERIALS

In addition to a competitive salary, leading-edge work, and developing solutions side-by-side with dedicated experts in their fields, Solstice Advanced Materials employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package. This package includes employer-subsidized Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance; Short-Term and Long-Term Disability; 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, EAP, and Educational Assistance; Parental Leave, Paid Time Off (for vacation, personal business, sick time, and parental leave), and 12 Paid Holidays. For more information visit: click here

Solstice Advanced Materials is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, religion, or veteran status. Learn more about inclusion and diversity: click here

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