Research and Development Associate jobs in Petersburg, VA

Company Overview:

We design, develop and manufacture case packers and tray packing solutions for flexible and tough-to-handle packages such as doypacks, pillow bags, and four-sided sealed bags. Built for around-the-clock operation, these solutions have a worldwide reputation for their quick change-over, flexibility, speed, and comprehensive design. Our Integrated state-of-the-art technologies include gravity, pick and place, wrap-around, and vision-guided robotics.

At BPA, we are absolutely passionate about innovation. It adds the fun and inspiration to our work that people need to excel. Our customers stimulate innovation by developing new needs, and we are on a never-ending quest to find a better, simpler way. BPA has no innovation budget; innovation is what we are. 

Position:

We are seeking a Research and Development Engineer. The R&D Engineer is at the forefront of our design process. 
 

What will you do as an R&D Engineer?

As a Mechanical R&D Engineer, you will be responsible for the development of new systems and the improvement of existing systems.  In this position, you will be faced with complex challenges, and you will be given the freedom to get involved in designing the best solution. You will also make a feasibility analysis with regard to speeds and forces and test setups for endurance tests. You’ll use Solidworks to develop new machines and modules. Your focus will be on safety, and you'll create cost-effective, user-friendly, and maintenance-friendly designs in which your research and creativity are reflected.

To best serve our customers in Europe and North America, Blueprint Automation has two main locations. Woerden, The Netherlands, and South Chesterfield, Virginia in the United States. Both locations engineer and manufacture highly customizable automation solutions to suit their market's needs. Although we are separate companies, we partner closely with each other to share knowledge and strategize. This R&D Engineer position will bridge the gap between the R&D department in Holland, and the Engineering department in the US. Travel between locations will amount to a few times each year. You'll spend roughly 65% of your time in The Netherlands, and 35% of your time in the United States. However, we believe in the importance of being flexible so your location and travel preferences will be considered. Each location not only engineers and designs its own machines, but they are also fabricated, assembled, and programmed onsite, so you'll always be in contact with the end product. 

Education/ Experience & Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent
• You have 5-10 years of experience in product development as a Mechanical Engineer
• 3D experience (for example with Solidworks and EPDM)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills and you know how to make connections between people and different cultures:
• You enjoy working internationally and are willing to work 4-6 times a year for a longer period (varying from 2 weeks to 2 months) at our American and Dutch offices.
• Sense of cost-effectiveness, hygienic, user-friendly, safe, and installation-friendly designs
• You are a team player
• You don't have a 9-5 mentality
• Knowledge of modern production methods
• Excellent command of both Dutch and English languages is preferred
   

BPA prides itself on the quality of its employees, and as such, candidates who receive an employment offer will be required to successfully pass a drug screen and a background check.

BPA offers an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. In addition, we offer a robust benefits package including a majority employer-paid employee health, dental, vision, life, and disability; 20 days’ PTO during the first year of employment; and 401(k) with a 6% match.
  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status. 

BPA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans.