InventWood Inc. R & D Operator Frederick, MD · Full time Company website

Apply for R & D Operator

InventWood is a pioneering materials science company that revolutionizes the construction and building materials industry. We've developed SuperWood, a groundbreaking engineered wood product that is stronger, lighter, more durable, and more sustainable than traditional alternatives like steel and concrete. Born out of research at the University of Maryland, we are transforming the possibilities of wood, offering unparalleled performance while promoting responsible forest management and reducing carbon emissions. As we scale our commercial production, we're building a team passionate about driving adoption of this transformative material.

The R&D Operator is part of the R&D team, safely operating in both the lab and production area with limited supervision.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Participates in research and development activities with the Scientists and Engineers, including samples, specimen, prototypes, products, data, and reports from customer specifications or business team requests.
• Produces materials (including but not limited to samples, specimen, prototypes, products, data, and reports) and manages sample (including specimen, prototypes, products, etc.) inventories to meet required quantity, property, and performance within the given time frame.
• Supports and conducts quality control of IW products, including determining causes of product/materials failure and develops solutions with the Engineers and Scientists.
• Operates lab and operation equipment, including executing designed SOPs, experiment new processes as instructed, record and report experiment results and observations. Equipment includes pressure vessel, hydraulic press, wood working tools such as saw, and CNC.
• Utilizes basic carpentry skills to fashion structures out of SUPERWOOD for product testing and evaluation.
• Cleans and maintains lab equipment, including updating work logs, recalibration, and flagging maintenance needs of equipment.
• Organizes and stores samples in accordance with all safety and other requirements to ensure the safety of personnel and integrity of the sample.
• Works closely with the Lab and Ops teams.
• Maintains lab inventory, notifying management when supplies are needed.
• Adheres to company’s safety policies at all times.
• Adheres to the company’s policies and standards and ensures that laws and regulations are being followed.
• Performs in a manner consistent with company Core Values and Core Practices.
• Promotes IW values and culture within the organization.
• Participates in special projects, as directed, or approved by the Technical Director.
• Maintains strictest confidentiality.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• BS in Materials Science, Chemistry, or other related engineering disciplines with 1+ years of industrial experience OR technical degree/certification with 2+ years of industrial experience OR high school diploma or equivalent and 5+ years of industrial experience.
• General analytical skills and ability to apply scientific and engineering principles to solve problems.
• Fluently speak, read, and write English.
• Proven ability to manage lab experiments.
• General experience with basic carpentry tools.
• Proven ability to operate production equipment or ability to learn to do so.
• Ability to follow safety requirements.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong emotional intelligence and humility; ability to manage stress, including but not limited to meeting deadlines.
• Must be able to work on a regular basis during regular business hours. Must be available to work evenings/weekend to meet project deadlines.
• Ability to work onsite 5 days a week.

Physical demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50-75% of time with prolonged periods standing at a lab table or operating the equipment.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds multiple times a day and push a heavy cart.
• Must be able to navigate various departments of the organization’s physical premises.
• Must be able to identify and understand visual and audio signals.
• Must be able to maneuver small instruments, hand tools, and power tools with precision.
• Must be able to be fitted for, and wear, a respirator.