The R&D Equipment Development Engineer develops and evaluates coffee dispensing equipment for Away-From-Home channels. The role is responsible for translating consumer and operator needs into technical product design criteria. The incumbent will leverage engineering principles and critical thinking skills to design safety, convenience, and flexibility into dispensing systems and their operation. The role may also take on technical project management for product and process development for AFH and Retail coffee markets.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The R&D Equipment Development Engineer develops and evaluates coffee dispensing equipment for Away-From-Home channels. The role is responsible for translating consumer and operator needs into technical product design criteria. The incumbent will leverage engineering principles and critical thinking skills to design safety, convenience, and flexibility into dispensing systems and their operation. The role may also take on technical project management for product and process development for AFH and Retail coffee markets.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Understand the design and operation of new and existing coffee dispensing systems, including assembly, installation, cleaning, and sanitization


• Develop and execute test methods to evaluate design and function of new and modified equipment and products


• Troubleshoot equipment issues to accurately dispense desired products and maintain food and electrical safety


• Create operating procedures, troubleshooting guides, equipment design drawings, and other relevant technical documents


• Create risk mitigation plans and options; communicate key risks and implications to management and other stakeholders


• Build and maintain relationships with external partners / vendors for design collaboration, hygiene testing, safety testing, and equipment field tests


• Create control strategies for new and modified equipment executions and associated beverage products


• Develop recipes to dispense a variety of coffee-based beverages to meet consumer and marketing needs


• Demonstrate equipment function and operation to service technicians, commercial operators, marketing resources, and management


• Manage technical aspects of product and process development projects for AFH and Retail applications

SELECTION CRITERIA

Education

• BS degree or higher in Engineering (Mechanical preferred; Electrical and Chemical considered)

Experience

• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in R&D and/or equipment design is required


• Food and/or beverage experience is a plus


• Experience with liquid dispensing systems is a plus

Other

• Strong critical thinking and scientific method skills


• Knowledge and application of engineering principles


• Effective presentation, verbal, and written communication skills


• Focus on mechanical and electrical safety


• Working on-site in Orrville 50-80% of the time is required


• Must be able to travel up to 25%, including internationally