Senior Research Engineer – Process Equipment Development

About the role

3M is seeking a Senior Research Engineer to lead process equipment development for experimental and pilot‑scale applications. You will work at the 3M Center in Maplewood, MN, collaborating with global teams to translate laboratory concepts into manufacturing‑ready equipment.

Key responsibilities

• Design, build, and operate experimental and pilot‑scale processes for new and existing applications.
• Run complex experimental campaigns, iterating equipment design to improve cost and performance.
• Modify and reconfigure existing machinery to support new research directions.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, fluidic, and thermal system failures to minimize lab downtime.
• Partner with researchers and engineers to scale lab workflows to functional manufacturing equipment.

Required profile

• Bachelor of Science in engineering, chemistry, or material science (required).
• At least five years of hands‑on experience in an industrial or academic R&D environment building and maintaining custom equipment.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.

Required skills

• Expertise in mass, heat, and fluid transport principles.
• Experience specifying and integrating mass flow controllers, transducers, and heating elements.
• Hands‑on work with high‑pressure vessels and gas‑handling systems.
• Familiarity with sol‑gel chemistry, ceramic processing, and advanced drying/solidification techniques.
• Ability to create and interpret CAD models and understand basic process control schemes.
• Proficiency with basic automation and data acquisition tools.

What we offer

• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge equipment development within a global innovation network.
• Potential relocation assistance and up to 10% travel for domestic/international collaboration.