{"id":1440324,"url":"https://alion.io/job/hexcel-rd-facilities-engineer","title":"R&D Facilities Engineer","company":{"id":1845469,"name":"Hexcel","domain":"hexcel.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/hexcel","size_band":"201-500","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Workday","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":75,"open_postings":20,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":1,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":null,"computed_at":"2026-10-01T05:45:00Z"}},"role":"Operations","role_family":"Operations","seniority":"senior","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Decatur, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":89000,"max_usd":175000,"period":"year","method":"role_seniority_country_remote_cell","sample_n":1763},"experience_years_min":5,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"Honeycomb","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-09-24T00:00:00Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-09-24","last_verified_at":"2026-10-01T14:11:37Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":7,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":7},"description":"As the R&D Facilities Engineer, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of Hexcel's advanced aerospace materials. Based in Decatur, Alabama, you will own the reliability, modernization, and technical advancement of our R&D pilot facilities, the proving ground where the next generation of carbon fiber technologies moves from concept to reality.\nIn this role, you will lead capital upgrades, improve equipment reliability, troubleshoot complex mechanical and process challenges, and help build the pilot capabilities needed to support future aerospace programs. Your contributions will help accelerate the development of high-performance carbon fiber technologies that enable lighter, stronger, and more efficient aircraft for years to come.\nFlexible work schedule options are available, including both a 9/80 schedule and traditional 5/40 workweek arrangements.\nWhat you will do:\nLead and execute capital improvements to R&D facilities from conception to completion and direct pilot plant activities to support innovation projects.\nApply analytical thinking and data-driven decision-making to identify opportunities, develop solutions, and successfully deliver R&D projects.\nTroubleshoot and resolve mechanical issues\nIdentify and execute pilot line improvement opportunities including process improvements and non-capital projects.\nEnsure documentation for trials, equipment, and procedures is well maintained and accessible\nLead R&D research projects. This may include trial coverage both in the pilot facilities and at plant scale.\nSupport process development, process optimization, and product application development for new PAN precursor fibers.\nCollaborate with cross functional teams to leverage learnings from operations partners and share learnings from R&D testing.\nEnsure all trial work is done in accordance with safety requirements and may lift up to 25 lbs, stoop, bend, etc.\nEnsure R&D Pilot facilities are well maintained and all materials are ready for trials.\nQualifications:\nBS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineer or related field required\nAt least 5 years of experience with industrial processes and equipment, polymer processing experience preferred.\nExperience supporting capital projects.\nExperience working with machinery to guide upgrades, troubleshoot, maintenance, and calibration\nUnderstanding of safety procedures and protocols required to run industrial scale equipment in PSM areas\nExperience leading or coaching a team is desired.\nExperience working with, or in, R&D is preferred\nDirect experience with PAN, fiber spinning, industrial polymerization units, and/or carbon fiber is preferred.\nWhere This Role Can Take You\nThis role offers broad exposure across R&D, manufacturing, process development, and capital project execution, creating opportunities for future growth in technical and operational leadership. Whether your career interests lead toward R&D, engineering, operations or technology commercialization, this position provides the visibility, experience, and cross-functional partnerships needed to accelerate your development.\nEligible candidates must be a: U.S. citizen, U.S. national, person lawfully admitted for permanent residence, temporary resident under sections 210(a) or 245(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, person admitted in refugee status, or person granted asylum. Hexcel (NYSE: HXL) is a global leader in advanced composites technology, a leading producer of carbon fiber, and the world leader in honeycomb manufacturing for the commercial aerospace industry.\nHexcel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected class.\nWith our strong investment in research and development and our culture of continuous improvement, Hexcel is the industry leader in the manufacturing of composite materials and industrial fabrics. We invite you to join the Hexcel team at various manufacturing sites, sales offices and R&T centers around the globe. Become a part of the “strength within.”","description_format":"text","description_chars":4203,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":5,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"bachelor","optional":false},"security_clearance":false,"languages":[]},"benefits":["Flexible schedule"],"hiring_locations":[],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Manufacturing","Science & Engineering","Advanced Materials"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-09-29T04:41:52Z"}],"liveness":{"score":63,"band":"ok","label":"Likely open","p_open":1,"p_active":0.632,"p_room":1,"age_days":7,"expected_fill_days":47,"reasons":["conf:17","stale_co","velocity","win:early","comp:brand"],"computed_at":"2026-10-01T05:45:00Z"},"pay":null,"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/hexcel-rd-facilities-engineer","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/hexcel-rd-facilities-engineer.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-10-01T17:10:29Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","usage":{"tier":"crawler","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":1,"day_limit":5000,"remaining_today":4999,"minute_limit":60,"resets_at":"2026-10-02T00:00:00Z"}}}