Applied Technology Lead

KWS SAAT SE; Tangent (OR); On-site; USD 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus

Pension plan and 401(k) with employer

Flexible PTO

Training and development opportunities

Job summary

KWS Seeds LLC in Tangent, OR is seeking a full-time permanent Applied Technology Lead to guide a small X-ray quality testing team. The role oversees sampling and testing of sugar beet seeds, ensuring data integrity and high-quality test results across process stages.

Responsibilities include training staff, developing SOPs, maintaining equipment, coordinating testing schedules, and collaborating with other departments.

Qualifications

• Research experience is required.
• Proficiency with MS Office.
• Reliable attendance history.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform X-Ray analysis of sugar beet seeds.
• Train and schedule seasonal staff for x-ray testing.
• Validate x-ray test results.
• Develop and follow SOPs for x-ray tests.
• Maintain and calibrate X-Ray equipment and perform PMs.
• Travel as needed.

Skills

Research experience

MS Office

Communication

Team leadership

Attendance reliability

Tools

LIMS

Python

R

SQL

MATLAB

Job description

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KWS Seeds LLC in Tangent, OR is looking for a full-time permanent Applied Technology Lead. This position leads a small team in x-ray quality testing and monitors the daily activity of sampling and testing of sugar beet seeds at each process stage with the goal of maintaining the integrity of testing and the quality of test results to ensure good data about product quality.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• X-Ray Testing :
  
  • Perform X-Ray analysis of sugar beet seeds
  • Train and schedule seasonal staff to perform x-ray testing
  • Validation of x-ray test results
  • Perform and schedule equipment preventative maintenance (PM) and in-season service as needed
  • On call for troubleshooting of X-Ray equipment and software and/or to fill in for absent staff
  • Develop, maintain, and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for x-ray tests
  • Maintain flexible working hours during the peak processing season (usually begin of August to end of November)
• Work with supervisor to determine staffing/scheduling for critical testing periods
• Calibrate and maintain analytical moisture meters
• Assist in creation, maintenance, and annotation of image datasets
• Assist other team members and support research in the execution of projects during the non-peak season
• Data entry using multiple input tools
• Cross-train and stay current in all areas of QC testing
• Develop, support, and maintain respectful working relationships with all departments
• Ensure Company handbook, RGPs and safety policies are followed, and personal protective equipment is used correctly
• Occasionally travel and/or drive
• Meet attendance requirements
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Research experience
• Proficient in MS Office applications
• Reliable work attendance history
• Valid driver’s license
• Strong communication, organization and team leadership skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of seed testing procedures
• Experience in a Lab or in Quality Control
• Experience with AI
• Experience in one or more programming languages – R, Python, SQL, MATLAB etc.
• Key user in LIMS.
• Experience in UPLC
• Expertise in Excel
• Experience in trial design and execution
• Demonstrated experience analyzing data: T-tests, regression, data visualization

OUR OFFER:

• Competitive salary ($26- $28) and bonus system
• Pension plan and 401(k) with employer match
• Flexible paid-time-off (PTO)
• Professional training and development opportunities

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Work with minimal direction by supervisor
• Work effectively individually and as a team member
• Able to stand or sit for long periods of time
• Flexibility to work rotating shifts as needed (including weekend, night shift, and holidays)
• Good mobility able to bend/twist
• Must wear required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
• Able to work in varied environmental conditions (loud, hot, cold, dusty, damp, etc)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and move objects up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

About KWS

KWS is one of the world’s leading plant breeding companies and employs around 5,000 employees in more than 70 countries. With the tradition of family ownership, KWS has operated independently for more than 170 years. It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seeds for sugarbeet, corn, cereals, vegetables, oilseed rape and sunflowers. KWS uses leading-edge plant breeding methods and invests a significant amount in research and development.
At KWS, diversity is not just a value; it is an essential part of our success. Breeding resilient crops requires diversity; likewise, our strength comes from the diversity of our teams. Whatever your background or identity is, we invite you to join us.
Further information: https://www.kws.com/corp/en/careers/ . Follow us on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/company/kwsgroup/ .
Our data privacy policy for candidates is available on www.kws.com/dataprotection . Please select the country where the job you applied for is posted in and, if applicable, the specific business unit.