Research and Development Engineer III

About the role

The Research and Development Engineer III is responsible to create ideas for new and improved oilseed extraction equipment and processes. Quickly evaluate merit using experience; distill and share idea with others for screening; and perform quantitative screening using basic assumptions. Evaluate new ideas. Design and construct prototypes and lab apparatus; perform lab experimentation and pilot testing; and analyze test results and data. Develop new ideas. Compile, document, and communicate results. Determine and plan next development steps, including gaps to address and scale of next prototype or test. Develop Research & Development (R&D) capabilities. Responsible for training and development in skills used in data analysis, fabrication, analytical methods and development and delivery of tools useable by larger R&D team for these same tasks. Improve effectiveness and impact of R&D. Draft, review, and manage patent activity. Communicate results with and share feedback from commercial and engineering teams. Communicate technology details with customers in support of commercial team activities. Use equation-based process simulation software: Aspen Custom Modeler, Siemens gPROMS, AVEVA Process Simulation.

Responsibilities

• Create ideas for new and improved oilseed extraction equipment and processes.
• Evaluate merit using experience; distill and share idea with others for screening.
• Perform quantitative screening using basic assumptions.
• Evaluate new ideas.
• Design and construct prototypes and lab apparatus.
• Perform lab experimentation and pilot testing.
• Analyze test results and data.
• Develop new ideas.
• Compile, document, and communicate results.
• Determine and plan next development steps, including gaps to address and scale of next prototype or test.
• Develop Research & Development (R&D) capabilities.
• Train and develop in skills used in data analysis, fabrication, analytical methods and development and delivery of tools useable by larger R&D team for these same tasks.
• Improve effectiveness and impact of R&D.
• Draft, review, and manage patent activity.
• Communicate results with and share feedback from commercial and engineering teams.
• Communicate technology details with customers in support of commercial team activities.
• Use equation-based process simulation software: Aspen Custom Modeler, Siemens gPROMS, AVEVA Process Simulation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• 3 years related research and development engineering experience.
• 36 months of experience with each of the following:
• Researching and designing processes and products related to processing agricultural or biological products using experimental methods.
• Using equation-based process simulation software: Aspen Custom Modeler, Siemens gPROMS, AVEVA Process Simulation.
• Performing quantitative ELISA assays on both solid and liquid biological and agricultural materials.
• Designing, operating, and automating bench-scale experimental apparatus using the Arduino platform.
• Handling, characterizing, and purifying triglycerides and phospholipids.

Qualifications

• Must be able to travel as needed to evaluate technology vendors, support customers, and attend academic conferences.
• Domestic and international travel may be required.
• Pre-employment background check required.

Skills

• Equation-based process simulation software: Aspen Custom Modeler, Siemens gPROMS, AVEVA Process Simulation.
• ELISA assays on biological and agricultural materials.
• Arduino platform for bench-scale experimental apparatus.
• Handling, characterizing, and purifying triglycerides and phospholipids.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits, including paid holidays and vacations, 401k, medical/dental insurance, tuition assistance, and more.

Pay

$144,498/year.

Schedule

Full-time position located in Blaine, MN. Expected travel 5%; must be able to travel as needed to evaluate technology vendors, support customers, and attend academic conferences. Domestic and international travel may be required.