Research and Development (R&D) Technician in Newport, North Carolina at Veneer Technologies Inc

Description: Veneer Technologies is seeking a hands-on Research & Development Technician to develop, test, and improve equipment and manufacturing processes. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys troubleshooting, fabrication, building and modifying machinery, and turning ideas into practical solutions that improve production performance and reliability. Benefits We Offer:Full-time, consistent schedulePaid Christmas week off after 6 months of employment401(k) with company matchMedical, dental, vision, and life insuranceShort- and long-term disability coverageSix paid holidays + 80 hours of paid time off annuallyTuition Reimbursement up to 5k a year

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Evaluate existing production machinery and identify opportunities to improve reliability, accuracy, throughput, and ease of maintenance.
• Develop, build, test, and modify equipment, components, and prototypes for new and existing production processes.
• Design, build, and install hydraulic and pneumatic systems for new equipment, retrofits, and machine improvements.
• Select and install bearings, power transmission components, actuators, and positioning hardware based on application requirements.
• Fabricate brackets, guards, mounts, frames, and custom components using welding, cutting, drilling, and basic machining.
• Install and test new equipment and machine modifications on the production floor.
• Troubleshoot, adjust, and refine equipment during testing and startup to achieve the desired performance.
• Lead or assist with machine rebuilds and refits, including teardown, inspection, repair, modification, reassembly, and commissioning.
• Work with vendors and suppliers to identify and source components, compare options, and balance cost, lead time, and performance.
• Create and maintain sketches, drawings, parts lists, and hydraulic and pneumatic diagrams for equipment and modifications.
• Document testing, modifications, results, and recommendations for future improvements.
• Work closely with maintenance, electrical, and production teams to test and refine new ideas and equipment.
• Support continuous improvement and research projects as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Strong mechanical aptitude with experience troubleshooting, building, modifying, and improving industrial machinery.
• Knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, bearings, power transmission, actuators, and motion-control components.
• Hands-on fabrication skills, including welding, cutting, drilling, grinding, and use of shop equipment.
• Experience installing, aligning, and troubleshooting industrial equipment.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings, hydraulic/pneumatic schematics, and basic electrical diagrams.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently.
• Technical degree, certification, or equivalent hands-on experience in mechanical, industrial, or related fields.
• CAD and/or manual machining experience is a plus.
• Experience with wood products, veneer, or similar manufacturing is a plus.
• Familiarity with PLCs, VFDs, sensors, and fluid power systems is a plus.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Who We Are: Veneer Technologies is committed to the success of our customers through productivity and to the future of our industry through technology.

Veneer Tech is a customer-driven, high technology veneer wood products manufacturer and supplier with an aspiration to lead the industry not only in the production of the highest quality materials through efficiencies achieved with productivity and superior production, but also with an unselfish, action-not-talk commitment to the overall future of the resource, the industry, the craftsman, and companies who create function and art with wood veneer.

Wood veneer is unmatched in its beauty and is an efficient use of wood resources sustainable with appropriate conservation and regulatory measures. Veneer Technologies actively supports environmental responsibility and sustainability of the resource with actions, not words, including financial support of the Hardwood Forestry Fund (HFF), the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) and other efforts in resource conservation.

Veneer Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the established policy of Veneer Technologies, Inc. to extend equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified individuals, regardless of their race, color, age (40 and over), sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender/gender-identity, disability, genetic profile, religion, national origin, ethnic background, military service, citizenship, or any other statutorily protected activity.

If any applicant requires accommodation for a disability, please contact HR for assistance!