Sr. Research Agricultural Engineer

Florida Crystals is a leading domestic sugar producer and North Americas first fully integrated cane sugar company, guiding our sugar from farm to table. We are Americas first and only producer of certified organic sugar, grown and harvested in the United States. Our renewable energy facility is the largest of its kind in North America and provides clean energy that powers our sugar operations, which helps us reduce our use of fossil fuels. Florida Crystals also sustainably farms rice, sweet corn and other vegetables in rotation with our sugarcane. Our rice mill is the only rice mill in Florida.

OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Vice-President of Research & Development, the Sr. Research Agricultural Engineer will be responsible for applying knowledge of agricultural engineering and precision agriculture to implement innovative ways to design, develop, and test farm machinery, equipment, and technology to improve farming and harvesting efficiency. The research will focus on improving productivity, efficiency, and sustainability of our agricultural and harvesting operations. This person will also support research, design and execution of trials related to equipment manufacturers based on commercial needs, as well as analyze research results and make recommendations for operations accordingly.

DETAILED ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

+ Lead the research program to innovate farm machinery, equipment, and technology to increase productivity, optimize costs and drive sustainability in our operations.

+ Evaluate, analyze, and propose new research projects in the areas of agricultural equipment and precision agriculture.

+ Work closely with machinery/equipment/technology manufacturers to design, develop and test solutions/innovations for our commercial operations.

+ Define and specify machinery/equipment functional requirements during development/testing phase. Evaluate the effectiveness of the design, cost, reliability, safety and propose changes if necessary.

+ Design research/test protocols, execute field testing, and oversee ongoing and new research based on operation needs.

+ Support on elaborating project proposals, budgets, and resource needs.

+ Develop standard operating procedures (SOP) for research/testing/operations/safety protocols for all machinery and equipment.

+ Be responsible for planning and execution of research and equipment testing. This will include coordinating work between technicians, farm/harvesting personnel, outside collaborators, and machinery/equipment manufacturers.

+ Collect, organize, and summarize test data electronically for efficient retrieval, statistical analysis, and reporting.

+ Prepare quality reports, make farmer level publications, and public oral presentations.

+ Maintain communication with all internal departments and outside collaborators.

+ Provide technical support, training and problem solving to agricultural and harvesting operations.

+ Comply with and enforce Florida Crystals Corporations Environmental, Health, Safety and Quality Policy (EHSQ), must understand, and adhere to all policies and procedures.

+ The job requires many hours working outdoors in the South Florida environment and will involve physical labor. The candidate must be prepared to work in these varied environmental conditions and be aware of necessary safety and health precautions.

WORK EXPERIENCES

+ Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a Research Agricultural Engineer

+ Working experience with sugarcane is a plus.

ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES)

+ Agricultural Skills Solid working knowledge of agricultural and harvesting practices.

+ Engineering Skills Ability to use engineering skills to complete tasks like testing or improving machinery, developing new technology and planning agricultural systems.

+ Design Skills Require design skills and knowledge to test and support work with agricultural equipment, systems, and infrastructure.

+ Research Demonstrate research experience through education, employment, or personal experiences on agricultural research, agricultural engineering, precision agriculture, agricultural equipment/machinery, and other hands-on experiences.

+ Data Analysis Data-driven, problem solver, intense curiosity, and desire to go beneath the surface of the analysis. Proficiency in statistical analysis, data mining, data reporting, relational databases, and ability in visualizing and communicating research results to support data-driven decisions.

+ Analytical Skills Ability to analyze information, identify underlying principles, reasons or facts of information and make deductions based on information. Ability to track and report data, as needed. Ability for associative thinking, curiosity, and creativity.

+ Teamwork Create a climate that fosters commitment to a common vision and shared values that promote cooperation and working together through trust and support of others. Maintain effective working relationships with team members, management, and outside collaborators.

+ Organization Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to multi-task and deliver on accountabilities to resolve any outstanding issues.

+ Computer Proficiency Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Power Bi), statistical analysis, GIS and mapping, precision agriculture tools.

+ Communication Excellent written and verbal communication skills, appropriately communicates at all levels of the organization.

+ Flexibility Adapt to change and different ways of doing things quickly and positively, does not shy away from addressing setbacks or ambiguity, deals effectively with a variety of people and situations, appropriately adapts ones thinking or approach as the situation changes.

+ Initiative Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges with a sense of urgency.

+ Ethics & Integrity High degree of personal integrity in all business dealings.

+ Persistence Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles and being able to work under pressure.

+ Customer Service Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

+ MS or PhD degree in Agricultural Engineering or a related field

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

+ No

LOCATION OF ROLE

+ Florida Crystals Research & Development Department - Agricultural Center of Excellence, Palm Beach County, Florida.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.