Research Development Process Engineer Jobs in Little Rock, AR

The Chemical Engineer will support both manufacturing operations and chemical research & development activities. This role combines hands-on production work with involvement in process optimization, product development, and continuous improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will collaborate with chemical process engineer, lab technician and chemical operators to ensure efficient, safe, and innovative chemical production processes.

The role includes but is not limited to the following responsibilities:

Manufacturing Operations

• Assist in chemical process monitoring, equipment troubleshooting, and day-to-day production support
• Support quality assurance testing of raw materials and finished products, maintaining accurate records
• Help implement and maintain SOPs, training programs, and compliance with safety and environmental standards
• Assist in product development, material testing, and process improvement projects
• Support inventory and chemical stock control, including FIFO practices and documentation
• Participate in audits, calibration programs, and reporting of operational KPIs
• Supports the development and monitoring of control charts and operational indicators, such as SPC, setup sheets, and check sheets
• Provide technical support to the operations team and contribute to meetings as required
• Ensure good housekeeping at the facility
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Chemical Engineering or Chemical Process Engineer

Chemical Research & Development

• Assist in research and development of new chemical processes, formulations, or products
• Support laboratory testing, pilot trials, and scale-up activities
• Collaborate with production teams to transfer new processes to manufacturing
• Help evaluate and implement process modifications for efficiency, sustainability, and quality improvement
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, experimental records, and reports
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Chemical Engineering

• Interpersonal skills; strong verbal and written communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Analytical skills
• Creative thinking

• Minimum of bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field or the equivalent combination of education and significant prior relevant professional experience and demonstrated ability to perform independent work.
• Minimum 1 year of industrial experience.
• Significant experience working with multidisciplinary teams in achieving complex project objectives; demonstrated strength in partnering with outside organizations successfully.
• Significant experience working effectively under deadlines, reasoning effectively under broadly defined objectives and limited information, coordinating workload on multiple complex projects simultaneously, and meeting deadlines with conflicting priorities.
• Experience working across organizational work units, utilizing effective teamwork and customer service skills.
• Advanced verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment, author complex technical analyses, and present technical information to external sponsors and customers.
• Must have strong technical and engineering aptitude.
• Willingness to learn.

• Ability to interact effectively with employees and other individuals.
• Ability to function effectively with moderate to high levels of stress in a demanding and dynamic environment.
• Able to wear prescribed personal protective equipment and appropriate clothing.
• Lift up to 50 lbs.
• Effectively read, write, speak, and communicate in English fluently.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time. Ability to walk, bend, climb, crouch, lean, reach, and other physical movements as required to effectively and efficiently perform duties.
• Work in conditions typical of a manufacturing environment, including noise, extreme temperatures and humidity, odors, dust, etc.
• Effectively use a computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, as well as commonly used equipment and software to complete necessary functions.
• Finger dexterity, visual acuity, discernment of sounds, color, and texture.
• Must be able to use tools, equipment, machinery, etc.
• Must be reliable and dependable.
• Must have the physical and mental ability to drive a standard forklift successfully. AWIP will certify.
• Must have omnidirectional spatial awareness necessary to operate CombiLift forklift.
• Ability to travel by automobile, airplane, and other modes of economy class public transportation are required.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to work near moving mechanical parts, dusty conditions, high noise environments, chemicals used in the process, and extreme temperatures. The facility is an industrial manufacturing plant.

Benefits of Working with Us

We offer a professional but family-oriented culture. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical coverage, dental and vision coverage with no waiting period to enroll, a 401(k) with company matching, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance, an employee assistance program, a shopping discount program, and a quarterly bonus program for eligible employees. Benefit plans and eligibility are governed by applicable plan documents and company policy.

About Us

Headquartered in Vacaville, California, All Weather Insulated Panels (AWIP) operates three state-of-the-art continuous-line manufacturing facilities in Vacaville, California; East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania; and Little Rock, Arkansas. AWIP is an innovator in the design, construction, and advancement of insulated metal panels and is strategically positioned to meet the growing energy, environmental, and economic challenges facing the North American building industry. AWIP provides customers with a broad line of insulated wall and roof panels, complementary trims and accessories, and engineering services.

AWIP is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law. In that regard, U.S. applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal and State law, as applicable.