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.
See More Details >>Are you looking for a great place to work? Key Technolgy is looking for a Mechanical Assembly Tech to join the production team! 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. Products range from conveying, digital sorting, and process automation technology. 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 located in beautiful eastern Walla Walla, Washington. Here we continually strive to find and fulfill our customers’ growing needs. Summary: Our Mechanical Assembly Technicians assemble a variety of mechanical products by reading and interpreting mechanical drawings and using both power and hand tools in one of the following areas: Vibratory, work cell area and sub-assembly. Essential Responsibilities: • At all times safety is a top priority while performing any part of your job. • Build mechanical and electro-mechanical assemblies using a variety of hand tools such as wrenches, screw drivers, wire strippers, drills, etc. • Follow verbal and written instruction given by Production Supervisor. • Read and understand blueprints, work instructions and/or electrical schematics. • Clearly communicate any quality or blueprint/schematic issues to Production Supervisor or Lead. • Use fixtures or templates to build equipment as required per blueprint. • Interacts with fellow workers to exchange information accurately. • Other duties as assigned. What you will need to be successful • High school education, community college technical school, or equivalent experience. • Three years industrial experience preferred. • Able to use fixtures, templates, stops and/or guides. • Basic math skills. We would be impressed if you had: • Competence in reading and fully understanding manufacturing drawings. • The ability to work with minimum supervision. • Ability to contribute to the teams performance. • Your confidence with measurements, tolerances, and the use of both imperial measurement and metric system. Why Work at Key? 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 All candidates must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen and background and reference check.
See More Details >>Job Description We are seeking a seasoned mechanical engineer to join our team. This role involves designing and developing cutting-edge solutions for food processing equipment. ", "Responsibilities: • Design, test, and validate equipment using engineering tools like 3D CAD and analysis packages. • Develop methods and procedures for evaluating performance, reliability, and manufacturability of components and systems. • Collaborate with operations and suppliers to develop processes and specifications for procurement and manufacture of components and systems. • Solve problems related to performance, reliability, and manufacturability using structured problem-solving techniques. • Travel to customer sites to install beta test components and equipment and assist/advise in repair of existing equipment. • Direct junior engineers, technicians, and manufacturing personnel in setup and execution of tests and prototype builds. • Lead small teams in design and evaluation of components or major subsystems. ", "Requirements Our ideal candidate has extensive knowledge of manufacturing processes for fabricating parts and components for custom capital equipment and/or food processing industry. ", "Preferred Qualifications: • Experience in design of food processing equipment and project management. • Demonstrated experience in design of sheet metal, machined, extruded, cast, and welded parts. • Experience using Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT) for design validation. "],
See More Details >>Embarking on a career in the mechanical trade in Walla Walla, WA typically begins with a structured apprenticeship, blending hands-on experience with theoretical learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships in this field generally last between three to four years, demanding extensive training under seasoned professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 1,000 mechanical trade professionals in Washington, with Walla Walla offering a robust job market. The average weekly wage for mechanical engineers in Walla Walla is $856.75, with experienced professionals often earning over $1,000 per week. Trade schools, local unions, and platforms like HireLevel provide aspiring mechanical trade professionals with apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a lucrative career with strong earning potential.
