Senior Systems Technician (R&D)

Senior Systems Technician (R&D Department) Yakima, Washington | Full-Time About the Opportunity We are building the next generation of integrated produce solutions—combining equipment, automation, and data to transform how food is processed and packed. We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Senior Systems Technician to support the commissioning, development, validation, deployment, and performance optimization of complex machines in a research and development environment. This role provides hands-on technical ownership across machine configuration, system testing, customer deployments, and ongoing evaluation activities. The Senior Systems Lead works collaboratively with R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and customer stakeholders to ensure systems are properly configured, validated, documented, and continuously improved based on real-world use and testing feedback.

Who we are:

Van Doren Sales, Inc. is a leading equipment manufacturer and systems integrator specializing in the design and build of sorting and handling solutions for fresh fruit and produce across North America. As a family‑oriented organization, we pride ourselves on our long‑standing reputation as an industry leader and trusted partner in the marketplace. We are a socially responsible employer committed to fostering an inclusive, friendly, and supportive work environment. Van Doren Sales, Inc. offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) plan with company match; paid holidays; and paid time off (PTO).

Who you are:

You are a talented Systems Technician who is humble, teachable, and confident in your abilities. You are self‑driven and energized by challenge, yet able to remain calm and focused under pressure. You enjoy collaborating with creative, analytical, and detail‑oriented teammates who share your commitment to high‑quality work and a healthy work/life balance.

Posted Position:

Location & Work Arrangement Union Gap, WA Onsite role with limited remote flexibility when operational needs allow Reporting Relationship Reports to the R&D Director Key Responsibilities System Setup, Deployment & Ownership Configure, set up, and commission machines in laboratory, manufacturing, and customer environments Support and maintain multiple systems across development, test, and deployed field locations Verify systems operate in accordance with design intent, safety requirements, and documented procedures Take technical ownership for assigned systems throughout deployment and evaluation cycles Document procedures, customer configurations and changes, and outstanding issues Testing & Validation Plan and execute Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and other system-level validation activities Follow established test procedures, acceptance criteria, and validation plans Document test results, identify system issues, and support root-cause investigations Partner with engineering and R&D teams to implement and verify corrective actions Customer & Site Engagement Engage with customers to evaluate machine performance, reliability, and usability Conduct on-site assessments and verify corrections, installation conditions and system operation Serve as a technical point of contact during deployments, evaluations, and feedback cycles Provide remote technical support when required Position requires periodic travel, including potential overnight stays Software Interaction & Diagnostics Utilize HMI interfaces and PC-based software tools to operate and configure machines Review diagnostic logs, configuration files, and system outputs Ensure software-related changes are accurately documented and communicated Organize and document customer configurations Documentation & Collaboration Maintain accurate system documentation, including configurations, test reports, and procedures Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, quality, and R&D teams Required Qualifications 3-6 years of hands-on experience working with complex machinery or integrated systems Experience with equipment setup, commissioning, validation, or acceptance testing Proficiency using HMI or PC-based software tools (Windows or Linux) Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and organizational skills Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a technical team environment Willingness to travel up to 25% domestically (and potentially internationally) Ability to work in laboratory, manufacturing, and customer-site environments Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and stand for extended periods during machine setup and testing Ability to work safely around moving equipment in controlled environments Ability to communicate efficiently and professionally with customers Preferred Qualifications Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a technical field (engineering or related discipline preferred but not required) Experience working in an R&D, prototype, or new product introduction environment Familiarity with FAT/SAT processes Customer-facing technical support experience Basic electrical troubleshooting skills, including use of a multimeter and reading schematics Exposure to automation, robotics, or controller-based systems

Benefits:

Health:

Medical, Dental, Vision Holiday Pay PTO Plan 401(k) with company match

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Application Question(s): Are you able to work on-site in our Yakima, WA office facility?

Experience:

AutoCAD:

2 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person