About Key Technology:
Key Technology has been providing innovative solutions to the food industry since 1948. We are a global leader in the design and manufacture of food processing technology. Our products range from conveying, digital sorting, and process automation technologies. Corporate headquarters are in Walla Walla, Washington. Here we continually strive to find and fulfill our customers’ growing needs.
Position Overview:
Our Engineering Team is currently seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer specializing in research and development. In collaboration with the design team, both locally and internationally, this individual will play a key role in crafting cutting-edge solutions for our food processing equipment. Responsibilities include the design, testing, and validation of the equipment.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Takes designs of components and systems from initial concept to production using engineering tools such as 3D CAD and analysis packages.
- Develops and implements methods and procedures for evaluating the performance, reliability and manufacturability of components and systems.
- Works with Operations and external suppliers to develop processes and specifications for the procurement and manufacture of components and systems.
- Solves problems using structured problem-solving techniques related to the performance, reliability, and manufacturability of equipment. Gathers data from Customer sites, Manufacturing, Quality Control and other sources to determine root cause of the issue.
- Travels to customer sites to install beta test components and equipment and to assist/advise in the repair of existing equipment. Works directly with customers and suppliers to solve performance and reliability related issues.
- Direct junior engineers, technicians and manufacturing personnel in the setup and execution of tests and prototype builds.
- Lead small teams in the design and evaluation of components or major subsystems.
- Other Duties as assigned.
Experience & Education
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering and ten plus years of related field experience. OR Master degree with up to 8 years of related experience
- Extensive knowledge of manufacturing processes for fabricating parts and components for the custom capital equipment and/or food processing industry.
- Experience in the design of food processing equipment and project management is a plus.
- Demonstrated experience in the design of sheet metal, machined, extruded, cast and welded parts desired.
- Experience using Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT) for design validation.
- Working knowledge of controls and automation
Other Skills and Abilities:
- 3D CAD (SolidWorks or CREO preferred)
- Mechanical analysis tools such as CF Design, Nastran, and LS Dyna are highly preferred.
- Familiarity with ASME Drafting Standards, US and European machine safety and hygienic design standards.
- Structured problem-solving and research techniques.
- Basic understanding of Product Development best practices.
- High proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
Why join Key Technology?
Key Technology offers a competitive benefits package for all full-time employees, including the following:
- Medical coverage through your choice of a high deductible health plan or a PPO plan. All plans include prescription drug coverage
- Flexible spending accounts, when allowed by tax laws
- Health Savings Accounts (HSA), when allowed by tax laws. Our HSA includes a 2x match, up to $1,000 annually
- Dental and Vision Coverage
- Paid life insurance and disability insurance, and options to purchase additional coverage
- Paid Maternity Leave
- Optional coverages include Long-term Care, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness Insurance
- 401k plan with a 100% match on the first 3% of employee contributions, and 50% on the next 2% of contributions (4% match if you contribute 5% of pay)
- Educational Assistance reimbursement
- Accrued paid time off (PTO) – 3 weeks per year
- 10 paid holidays annually
- In addition: based on company eligibility requirements, this position is eligible for a 5% bonus.
