Staff Systems Engineer

At Apeel Sciences, we look to nature to help the global food system improve quality, reduce waste, and ensure an abundant future for our planet.  

We believe that our most essential ingredient in our recipe for success is our people. We strive to cultivate an environment where everyone is welcomed, and can bring their full, authentic selves into everything they do at Apeel. Humility, Ingenuity, Leadership and Teamwork are the values that define us and how we work with each other, customers, and communities across the globe.

About This Role

We're currently seeking a Staff Systems Engineer to be responsible the design, testing and release of various types of equipment used in the application of Apeel’s barrier coating products. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Mechanical and Electrical design and a good understanding of Electronics and Software. Our Staff Systems Engineer will effectively understand the opportunities and challenges for technical success in new environments and facilities, including customized design solutions for specific customers. There will be some design in house, but the majority of this function will collaborate with our external manufacturing partners.    This role will require up to 25% travel to our domestic and international locations for Factory Acceptance Tests.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the mechanical design and development of Apeel’s application equipment and quality control / test products
• Develop product specifications based on specific system and customer requirements
• Work with third-party equipment OEM vendors on the design, fabrication and testing of equipment ensuring designs meet Apeel design and performance specifications
• Work with vendors to identify and source key components as required by per the design specifications
• Generate detailed CAD assemblies with appropriate subassemblies and custom parts and part drawings, as needed to fabricate and build new tooling and equipment
• Perform necessary calculations or analysis to ensure design performance
• Design and implement equipment and process improvements
• Build initial proof of concept / prototype systems
• Generate and carry out performance validation test plans for new designs
• Work with appropriate test agencies to confirm designs meet needed regulatory approvals
• Collect and analyze performance data from equipment and automated processes to evaluate performance and identify opportunities for improvement
• Proactively manage reliability and performance risk mitigation tasks, to ensure the long-term reliability of designed systems
• Ensure all designs are completed and implemented following appropriate codes and standards
• Write technical reports, present design and test results during Apeel’s technical forums

What You Bring

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or similar
• 10 years of hands-on experience designing, testing, and deploying complex machinery
• Experience working with industrial machinery in a regulated field (i.e. food, agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, medical) 
• Experience working with third party design and fabrication firms on the development, testing and acceptance of new equipment
• Experience working with component suppliers to identify, validate and source key components
• Experience working with PLCs and HMIs on industrial controls and automation equipment
• Experienced CAD user
• Experience taking a design from concept through prototype to production
• Hands-on experience with the assembly, testing, and troubleshooting of electro-mechanical systems
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics
• Experience with the testing and certification of new designs to meet regulatory compliance requirements (UL & CE)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Self-directed but also works effectively and professionally with cross functional teams to achieve company goals
• Highly creative and resourceful individual. Experienced with performing complex root cause and corrective actions analysis

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or similar
• Fluency in Spanish
• Familiarity with Hygienic / Sanitary design is highly desirable
• Experience working with equipment in a cGMP pharmaceutical or agriculture/food processing environment
• Experienced SolidWorks user

Apeel believes that the scale of our impact is determined by the teams that work with us. As such, we seek to build high-performing teams of people from various experiences and backgrounds who can collectively push our company into new realms. We seek a diverse pool of applicants and consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, ancestry, color, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, Veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status. If you have a special need or disability that requires accommodation, please let us know.