R&D & Manufacturing Engineer
Location: Portland, OR
Department: Production & R&D
Reports to: Production Manager
Direct Reports: 1 (Maintenance Technician)
Employment Type: Full-time
About the Role
CRAFT is seeking a highly skilled and innovation-driven R&D & Manufacturing Engineer to develop, test, and scale advanced manufacturing processes. This role blends research & development, hands-on production engineering, maintenance leadership, and rapid prototyping to drive innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement across our production systems.
You will play a key role in experimenting with new equipment, materials, and workflows, leveraging 3D printing, data-driven analysis, and automation concepts to prototype solutions and improve system performance. This is a highly visible role in a fast-growing startup where ideas move quickly from concept to production.
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Key Responsibilities
R&D, Prototyping & Process Development
• Lead experimentation and pilot testing for new manufacturing processes, equipment, and materials
• Design, test, and validate process improvements to support new product development and scale-up
• Use 3D printing and rapid prototyping to design fixtures, tooling, guards, and experimental components
• Develop and document experimental protocols, test plans, and results
Maintenance & Equipment Leadership
• Lead and manage the maintenance function, with the Maintenance Technician reporting directly to you
• Develop and enforce preventative maintenance programs that support both production and R&D activities
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and automation/control system issues
• Ensure all maintenance and development activities meet safety and regulatory requirements
Production Optimization & Continuous Improvement
• Identify and implement strategies to improve throughput, uptime, yield, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
• Optimize equipment and workflows to support high-mix, evolving production needs
• Standardize best practices, documentation, and SOPs across production and R&D
• Partner with the Production Manager to align technical development with operational goals
Leadership & Collaboration
• Mentor and develop the Maintenance Technician
• Act as a technical bridge between R&D, production, and leadership teams
• Communicate technical findings, recommendations, and project outcomes clearly and effectively
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Qualifications
Required
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Mechatronic Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 3–5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, R&D, process development, or production maintenance
• Hands-on experience with 3D printing, rapid prototyping, or CAD-based design for manufacturing applications
• Proven ability to design, test, and implement process or equipment improvements
• Strong troubleshooting skills across mechanical, electrical, and automation systems
• Excellent communication, documentation, and leadership skills
Preferred
• Experience in packaging, printing, food & beverage, or other high-speed manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with Siemens PLCs, industrial automation systems, and control architectures
• Coding or scripting experience (e.g., Python, PLC Structured Text, or similar) for data analysis, automation, or tooling
• Experience integrating sensors, data acquisition, or machine monitoring systems
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Design for Manufacturing (DFM) experience
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Compensation & Benefits
• Competitive salary aligned with experience and market standards
• Performance-based bonus opportunities tied to operational and development milestones
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid time off and company holidays
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Why Join CRAFT?
At CRAFT, we combine art, technology, and sustainability to redefine packaging. This role sits at the intersection of R&D, manufacturing, and rapid prototyping, offering the opportunity to experiment, build, and scale improvements that directly impact production performance and product quality.