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 >>As a Production Operator, you will play a vital role in ensuring the highest quality products are delivered to our customers in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Job Description: Our team is responsible for monitoring and operating machinery on production lines, adhering to established standard operating practices for each customer. We seek individuals who possess a practical understanding of SQF and HACCP, enabling them to address inquiries related to both. The successful candidate will be able to read, comprehend, and adhere to a production manufacturing schedule, effectively communicate issues or deviations with the appropriate parties, and respond to inquiries. They will also maintain production flow by monitoring downstream and upstream issues, supplying raw materials to equipment, and performing minor servicing as needed. • Essential Responsibilities: • Adhere to all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) while in warehouse or production areas. • Responsible to adhere to food quality and food safety as per standards provided by corporate, customer, and/or governing bodies. • Ability to read, comprehend, and adhere to a production manufacturing schedule, effectively communicate issues or deviations with the appropriate parties and respond to inquiries. • Maintain production flow machine(s) by monitoring downstream and upstream issues, supplying raw materials to equipment, and performing minor servicing if and when needed. • Follow all Quality Assurance and Production line standard operating procedures. • Follow standard operating procedures to perform equipment changeovers; ability to read imperial and metric measurements. • Provide coverage for machine operators during breaks and meal periods and assume their duties in case of absences. • Completely and accurately record all necessary information for production and quality records. Keep accurate downtime reports and documentation. • Responsible for performing equipment and general sanitation in your work area or as assigned by leadership. • Work closely with all departments to improve quality, increase efficiencies, and reduce waste. • Ability to accurately identify raw material defects that could impact production quality, reduce efficiencies, and increase waste. • Ability to understand visual and auditory cues to identify production or machine-related issues. • Will assist in training new employees. • Perform minor machine maintenance as well as daily and weekly preventive maintenance. • Perform any other duties assigned by leadership including but not limited to cross-training, general and plant sanitation, inventory management, training, etc. We are seeking a motivated individual who can contribute to our team's success. If you have the skills and experience we're looking for, please apply today!
See More Details >>Wind Turbine Service Technician Job Description "> We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Wind Turbine Service Technician to join our team. As a Wind Turbine Service Technician, you will be responsible for performing scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on wind turbines, leading and mentoring wind technicians, and ensuring the safe operation of equipment. Responsibilities: • Travel extensively to perform scheduled and unscheduled wind turbine maintenance. • Lead and mentor wind technicians during troubleshooting, repairs, and service operations. • Perform electrical and mechanical tasks, including: Torquing, tensioning, greasing, and filter changes. Hydraulic and electrical component maintenance. Major component exchanges (MCEs). Alignments using mechanical or laser tools. Use of borescopes for inspections. Charging accumulators and using amp clamps. • Perform LOTO procedures on all energy sources; conduct HV switching operations. • Read and interpret electrical/hydraulic schematics and one-line diagrams. • Terminate wires based on schematics and identify motors, generators, and other components. • Use diagnostic tools and support site punch-list closeouts. • Develop work instructions and safety documentation. • Maintain accurate records and report all safety or technical issues promptly. Requirements: • Must have 3+ years of successful service and troubleshooting experience on Wind Turbines (Vestas platforms preferred). • Valid passport preferred. • Ability to work an 8-week on, 1 week off rotation. • Physically able to safely climb wind turbines up to 120m+ (400+ feet), stand, stoop, walk, crawl, crouch, lift up to 75 lbs. and generally meet the physical demands of the position. • Willingness and ability to travel extensively, including by air and ground transportation, often on short notice, and to spend extended periods away from home at project sites. • Ability to drive or travel up to 11 hours per day when required. • Good vision (with corrective lenses if necessary) to perform detailed inspections, read instructions, and safely operate equipment. • Must have strong experience doing torquing and tensioning. • Must have strong experience using a grease gun, doing filter changes. • Valid and current driver's license with a satisfactory driving record (satisfactory MVR is required). • Must be 21 years of age to be able to drive a company vehicle. • Must be able to proficiently read, write and speak English. • Satisfactory criminal background check. • The following certifications or will train: GWO BST (Basic Safety Training) - fire awareness, working at heights, manual handling, first aid. GWO BTT (Basic Technical Training) - electrical, hydraulic, mechanical. OSHA 10 General Industry. Crane, Chain Hoist and Rigging Safety Training. NFPA 70E Arc-Flash Awareness. • Prefer training or experience with Touchscreen Controller Hand Terminals.
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.
