The opportunity:
The R&D Machine Operator is a specialist position that reports to the R&D Manager for the Pilot Plant and performs a variety of operational and maintenance tasks with trial work in support of innovation projects. In this role, you will interact with corporate professionals to develop a variety of processes used to produce paperboard-based substrates that are used in packaging applications by WestRock’s customers. The work is innovation-intense and requires a high level of creativity, flexibility, and professionalism. To be successful in this role, you will be expected to tackle a variety of challenging tasks and opportunities with a positive attitude communicating with a variety of business professionals from scientists to engineers.
How you will impact WestRock:
- Safely operate a variety of equipment including mechanical and chemical processes
- Participate in rapid prototyping for packaging formats
- Actively participate in planning and executing pilot trials in the Pilot Plant and potentially other manufacturing locations including representing WRK at customer sites
- Work with R&D scientists and other cross-functional teams on strategic projects for product development
- Focus on safe work practices which is paramount to WestRock
- Operate test equipment and perform laboratory experiments
- Design and produce custom parts and prototypes
- Operate a forklift as needed; forklift training will be provided
What you need:
- High School Degree required; Associates Degree and/or training in maintenance or mechanical/electrical fields preferred
- 2+ years' experience
- Manufacturing experience preferred
- Paper and packaging industry experience is preferred
- Knowledge of papermaking and paperboard products preferred
- Ability to function independently with minimal oversight, high degree of initiative
- Strong teamwork skills, including ability to contribute to cross functional teams
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written to interact with corporate professionals
- High degree of mechanical aptitude and technical curiosity
- Ability to contribute in a lab, pilot plant and production environment
- Basic computer skills to include proficiency with spreadsheet
- Ability to lift and carry samples routinely weighing 50 pounds
- Ability to travel up to 15%
- Must be able to work from 7 – 4 PM M-F
- Must have demonstrated examples of how you have offered solutions to problems in previous work environments.
- Willing to learn multiple machines.
What we offer:
- Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellence
- Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
- An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potential
- A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $24.00 - $29.80 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Ability to Relocate:
- Richmond, VA: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person