Research Engineer

Overview

Since its foundation in 1884, JBT has installed more than 40,000 machines worldwide, specifically over 5,000 fillers and closers, and over 4,000 sterilization systems. In fact, more than 50% of the world's canned food are filled, closed, or sterilized on JBT equipment. This makes JBT one of the world's leading suppliers of processing and packaging technology for the global food industry!

As a leading global technology solution provider to high-value segments of the food processing and air transportation industries, we are awesome at designing, manufacturing, testing, and servicing technologically sophisticated systems and products for our customers. We have offices in more than 100 countries all over the world and our site in Madera, California is impressive with a head count that sits at around 200+ employees. As we grow both organically and by acquisition, we are continuously looking for new employees that want to grow with us.

JBT Diversified Food & Health is a prime solutions and equipment provider within the preservation industry segment. From preparation to preservation, conveying and packaging, our comprehensive range of technologies captures the freshness, taste, texture, appearance and nutritional value of fresh and processed fruit and vegetable products, and we have a fantastic opportunity for you to join our team!

The Research Engineer will provide technical and research assistance to the DF&H Business Unit in the area of thermal processing of hermetically sealed containers for the purpose of supporting sales, new and existing installations of JBT machinery, and generating revenue by providing thermal process consulting services.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate and conduct tests on all laboratory equipment including Steritort, can closing machine, still and agitating batch retorts.

• Lead customer projects and provide documentation and assistance with FDA filing.

• Perform laboratory and field study projects. Conduct heat penetration and temperature distribution on all types of food containers (e.g. cans, jars pouch, tray, plastic tubs) and process delivery systems, with an emphasis on those provided by JBT.

• Provide sales, marketing, and application engineering teams, and customers with accurate thermal processing information for sizing sterilizing equipment. Assist in Sales presentations as needed.

• Communicate well (orally and written) to food processors and with technical associations.

• Be able to train NumeriCAL users.

• Create comprehensive project proposals, including timelines and goals

• Uses independent judgment, consistently and clearly demonstrates creativity and innovation in finding solutions and alternatives.

• Design and develop safe and accurate thermal processes of foods in hermetically sealed containers for JBT customers through heat penetration and spore count reduction studies. Evaluate process deviations.

Qualifications

EDUCTION AND SKILL QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years demonstrated experience in thermal processing food laboratory environment.

• BS degree in Microbiology, Food Science, or Food Engineering, Postgraduate degree desired.

• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communications skills.

• Requires sound understanding of thermal processing and ability to use knowledge to optimize thermal processes.

• Proficient in thermal processing methods (e.g. Ball Formula, General Method, Heat penetration and temperature distribution techniques)

• Working knowledge of US FDA and USDA regulations for thermal processing of foods in hermetically sealed containers. Ability to assist customers with process filings.

• Computer literate, knowledgeable of Microsoft Office applications. Experience with CALSoft, NumeriCAL, DataTrace and Ellab desired. Understanding of AseptiCAL.

RELATIONSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES:

No direct reports

Will regularly exercises discretion and independent judgment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Will work pre-dominantly at customers' site both domestic and abroad, from home office and occasionally the JBT Madera location.

• Occasionally lifting heavy objects up to 50lbs. Squatting, prolonged standing and working heights up to 100'. Possible exposure to hazards such as noise, heavy equipment, temperature extremes, chemicals, etc. while working in assembly areas and field service applications.

COMPENSATION RANGE: $80,000-$120,246

Compensation is determined on experience and skill.

This job description is a general description of essential job functions. It is not intended as an employment contract, nor is it intended to describe all duties someone in this position may perform. All employees of JBT are expected to perform tasks as assigned by supervisory personnel, regardless of job title or routine job duties.