Proof Of Concept (POC) Process Specialist

Your Job
Support the Proof of Concept (POC) Lab by setting up, maintaining, and optimizing equipment and tooling used to develop and test new manufacturing processes and technologies. This role helps evaluate early-stage concepts and supports the transition of ideas into scalable, production-ready solutions.

What You Will Do

Set up, change over, and adjust POC lab equipment for trials and builds

Troubleshoot equipment and tooling issues and implement corrective actions

Perform and maintain preventive maintenance schedules

Operate machine HMIs and configure equipment for new product runs

Build and modify fixtures using machine shop tools (mills, lathes, drills, saws)

Maintain tooling inventory and organize the tool crib

Support engineers with mockups, prototypes, and display builds

Recommend process improvements for safety, ergonomics, and efficiency

Maintain a clean, safe, and 6S-compliant lab environment

Partner with engineers on R&D and process development projects

Support testing and validation of new manufacturing technologies

Follow PBM, EH&S, ISO, and quality standards

Support additional tasks and projects as assigned

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

High school diploma or GED

2-5 years experience in manufacturing, prototyping, or R&D lab environments

Hands-on experience with equipment setup, changeovers, and troubleshooting

Experience with preventive maintenance and equipment repair

Ability to read technical drawings and schematics

Experience operating manual fabrication equipment

Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams

Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines

What Will Put You Ahead

Trade school or Associate degree in a mechanical field

Experience with 6S or organized tooling systems

Basic CAD experience (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, NX)

Familiarity with machine HMIs or programmable equipment

Experience with project tools such as Jira or Confluence

Exposure to process development or continuous improvement work

Compensation
For this role, we anticipate paying $27 to $32 per hour. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.

Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.

Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.

Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here, aqui, or tu).

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