Research Development Quality Engineer

Objective:

Develop, execute, and technically support research and development activities for ZeroWater products and raw materials, with emphasis on ion-exchange resins, activated carbon, filtration media, components, and finished filtration products. Design and execute experiments, evaluate new materials and suppliers, characterize product performance, and translate laboratory data into technical recommendations that improve performance, robustness, cost, manufacturability, and product reliability. Support new product introduction, material changes, validation, and technical problem solving through statistically sound and traceable laboratory studies.

Key job responsibilities:

1. Designs and executes R&D test plans, experiments, DOE studies, and technical evaluations for ZeroWater filtration products, components, and raw materials.

2. Evaluates and characterizes ion-exchange resins, activated carbon, filtration media, and other critical materials for capacity, consistency, compatibility, and product performance.

3. Develops and validates laboratory test methods, accelerated test protocols, and performance correlations to support product development and material qualification.

4. Analyzes experimental data using statistical tools, identifies trends and sources of variation, and converts results into clear technical conclusions and recommendations.

5. Supports qualification of new suppliers, alternate materials, formulation changes, and cost-reduction initiatives through laboratory validation and comparative performance studies.

6. Investigates product performance issues, raw-material variation, out-of-specification results, and customer-related technical concerns using structured root-cause analysis.

7. Prepares technical reports, protocols, specifications, presentations, and documentation required for design reviews, material changes, and product validation.

8. Collaborates with Quality, Engineering, Operations, Procurement, Product Management, suppliers, to transfer laboratory findings into scalable product and process improvements.

9. Maintains traceability, data integrity, laboratory safety, and compliance with applicable procedures and quality-system requirements during R&D activities.

10. Recommends with Laboratory Manager new laboratory capabilities, equipment, analytical techniques, and external testing resources needed to strengthen ZeroWater product and material development.

Education Level:

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Biotechnology, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field (required).

Training or certifications in Design of Experiments, statistical analysis, laboratory methods, or water treatment (preferred).

Experience preferred:

• Experience in research and development, product development, materials evaluation, laboratory testing, or validation within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience designing experiments, executing test protocols, analyzing data, and preparing technical reports.
• Experience evaluating raw materials, supplier changes, alternate materials, or product formulations.
• Experience with root-cause analysis and technical problem solving related to product performance or material variation.
• Experience with water treatment, filtration, ion exchange, activated carbon, polymers, consumer products, or durable goods.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, suppliers, and/or global technical teams is preferred.