R&D Engineer

Coats is a world leader in thread manufacturing and structural components for apparel and footwear, as well as an innovative pioneer in performance materials. These critical solutions are used to create a wide range of products, including ones that provide safety and protection for people, data and the environment.

Trusted by the world's leading companies to deliver crucial, innovative, and sustainable solutions, we provide value-adding products including apparel, footwear and specialty threads.

With a proud heritage dating back more than 250 years and a spirit of evolution to constantly stay ahead of changing market needs, we have operations across some 50 countries with a workforce of over 17,000, serving our customers worldwide.

Headquarter in the UK, Coats* connects talent, textiles, and technology, to make a better and more sustainable world.

For more info, visit our website: www.coats.com

Role Purpose:

The R&D Engineer aims to achieve the mid-term target of driving profitable new product growth in the composites sector by developing innovative solutions, with a primary focus on Telecom Infrastructure and Energy within Gotex, while collaborating closely with the global Composites business. This includes understanding and developing products and technologies that meet customer technical requirements and leading external resources, such as universities or consultants, to accelerate the commercialization of Coats' composite offerings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Developing new products and processes or modifying existing products in the Telecom & Energy portfolio to meet market and specific customer needs.
• Conduct thorough materials characterization, including testing and analyzing mechanical properties.
• Serve as project lead on new R&D projects that are strategic to the growth and success of the business.
• Serve as liaison and subject matter expert between the business units and manufacturing locations both internal and external.
• Serve as a technical resource to other upstream manufacturing technologies to improve current and new performance capabilities.
• Conduct research and stay updated on industry trends, new materials, and advanced extrusion technologies.

Qualifications and Experience:

Essential:

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Polymer Science, Industrial Engineering/Design, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field + 5 years relevant work experience (or equivalent background and experience)
• Hands-on experience; Familiarity with state-of-the-art technologies in mechanical testing, extrusion, coatings, and common post-production techniques.
• Experience in manufacturing and new product development
• Understanding die design is a plus
• Experience in materials characterization, specifically testing and analyzing mechanical properties
• Strong team orientation and ability to collaborate
• Ability to analyze samples and determine construction and characteristic information in product specifications
• Highly motivated, self-driven, and open-minded individual who is capable of accomplishing tasks and projects in a limited supervision environment

Desirable:

• Master’s degree + 3 years relevant experience is preferred
• Research or Quality Laboratory management experience (re. particularly in the textile/extrusion/mechanical characterization field)
• Product and process statistical training (e.g., Six Sigma, Design of Experiments, etc.) and applied experience
• Experience with CAD software for designing extrusion dies and related components is a plus
• Good communication skills and ability to interface with all stakeholders in the development process including customers, manufacturing associates across multiple locations, sales & marketing groups, and other development engineers to successfully and efficiently expedite samples through processing while meeting company and customers’ objectives and goals
• Good presentation skills to convey project details (status, timelines, financial data, etc.)
• Strong computer skills related to data entry and tracking (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)

At Coats Group, we are committed to innovation, excellence, and fostering a diverse and collaborative environment where every team member can thrive. If you are passionate about making an impact in the textiles industry and eager to join a global leader with a rich heritage and a forward-thinking approach, we invite you to take the next step in your career with us.

Apply now to be part of our dynamic team and help shape the future of textiles.