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. Our ongoing innovations provide increased control, continuous processing, and longer machine life–in processed fruits and vegetables, nuts, dried fruit, fresh-cut produce and more. Corporate headquarters are in beautiful eastern Walla Walla, Washington. Here we continually strive to find and fulfill our customers’ growing needs.

 

Position Summary:

The Optical Applications Engineering Technician will conduct tests on food and non-food products using Key's optical sorting solutions, on both lab equipment and customer equipment.  They will determine appropriate configuration and performance characteristics of Key’s optical sorting solutions to optimize results on the specific application(s).  Additionally, they will provide recommendations to the sales & marketing organizations.

 

Essential Responsibilities:

Working as part of a team while maintaining independent thinking is a must in this position. Develop application specific software solutions for customer needs. Determine appropriate material handling, sensing/illumination, and algorithm requirements necessary for the optical sorter to meet application specific guidelines. Develop design proposals for improving equipment performance, which may include recording data for development, standardization and/or quality control. Provide support, both onsite and remote, for newly developed applications and optical sorting systems. Includes working closely with the development engineering team and the service team. Provides technical support to customers, service engineers, sales, and marketing on both existing and new applications. Plan, set up and conduct equipment tests for specific customer products, both in the demonstration lab and at the customer site, to recommend configuration and performance levels for a specific customer product or set of products. Record test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test method. Complete trip reports and test reports in a thorough and timely manner. Analyze indicated and calculated test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives and modifies or adjusts equipment to meet specifications. Author standard performance specifications for equipment based on test data. Researches, collects, and reports information on the ability and capacity of company products and competing equipment. Aids in the design and development of equipment and systems, and redesign of existing systems to fulfill the needs of customers by working with the development engineering team. May lead and direct the work of others in a limited fashion. Ability to work on small to medium scale optical installations independently. Ability to follow and execute test plans for conditional sales, beta systems and research projects for existing and new optical platforms. Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

Education and/or Experience Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from four-year college or university preferred; and one to two three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Other Skills and Abilities Ideal candidate will be knowledgeable in machine/computer vision (lighting, cameras, lasers, and other sensing equipment), working knowledge of assorted image processing algorithms and have a sound understanding of electronics and the ability to troubleshoot vision systems. Preference for computer/electronic experience.  Specific knowledge of Microsoft Office, file compression, image processing experience, Window's OS or other OS systems like UNIX or Linux preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:

A valid vehicle operator’s license is required.  A valid passport is required. 

Travel:

Willing and able to travel 15% - 25%.  Travel is often less than 1 week and typically no more than 2 weeks at a time.  Travel can be heavier over the processing season or when new opportunities/ systems are being developed.  Must be willing to work weekends and holidays as needed.

 

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)  10 paid holidays annually