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

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.

Hiring Philosophy

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .

Who We Are

At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

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, aquí, or tu ).