Applied Technology Lead

KWS Group; Tangent (OR); On-site; USD 54,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Pension plan 401(k)

Flexible PTO

Professional training

Job summary

KWS Seeds LLC in Tangent, OR is seeking an Applied Technology Lead to head a small team focused on X-ray quality testing of sugar beet seeds. The role oversees sampling and testing at each process stage to ensure data integrity and high-quality test results.

Responsibilities include training staff, validating results, maintaining SOPs, and coordinating testing during peak season, with travel as needed and a strong emphasis on collaboration across departments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Experience in research.
• Proficient in MS Office applications.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead X-Ray testing and QA of seeds throughout processing stages.
• Train and schedule seasonal staff for X-ray testing.
• Validate X-ray test results and maintain SOPs for tests.
• Calibrate and maintain analytical moisture meters.
• Monitor data validity and assist in data annotation.
• Cross-train and support other departments as needed.
• Occasional travel and flexible scheduling during peak season.

Skills

Strong communication

Organization

Team leadership

Reliability / attendance

Math skills

Education

High school diploma

Tools

MS Office

LIMS

Job description

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
• Monitor data validity against data entry errors, testing errors, etc
• 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:

• Highschool Diploma
• Research experience
• Proficient in MS Office applications
• Strong basic math skills including algebra
• 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
• Health, dental, vision benefits
• 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.