Frontmatec · 18 hours ago
Blade / Cutting-System Process Engineer
Kansas City, MO
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
5+ years expFrontmatec is a company specializing in automated red-meat processing equipment, and they are seeking a Blade Engineer to lead the design, selection, optimization, and maintenance of blade and cutting systems. This role involves collaborating with automation teams to enhance performance and ensure compliance with safety standards.
Industrial AutomationIndustrial Engineering
Hiring Manager
Stori King
Responsibilities
Design, specify, and validate cutting and deboning blades for automated red-meat equipment (beef/pork)
Analyze cutting performance, material flow, and blade wear to improve yield and precision
Optimize changeover procedures, maintenance intervals, and blade/tooling inventories
Lead root-cause analysis of blade failures, vibration, or edge-life issues
Support new equipment installations, FATs (Factory Acceptance Tests), and SATs (Site Acceptance Tests)
Collaborate with automation engineers to integrate blade/tool systems with robots, conveyors, and sensor-based inspection systems
Define blade parameters compatible with servo motion control
Contribute to CAD modeling and simulations for cutting trajectories and force profiles
Develop predictive maintenance programs focused on blade/tool wear tracking
Establish data collection and KPI reporting on downtime, tool life, and cutting performance
Recommend process improvements to reduce unplanned downtime and optimize blade cost per ton processed
Ensure all blade and cutting systems meet USDA, FSIS, and OSHA standards
Collaborate with quality and food-safety teams to maintain hygienic design and sanitation compliance
Conduct risk assessments and implement corrective actions related to blade/tool handling
Recommends new products and versioning on behalf of validated market needs and competitive offerings
Participates in the 5 years roadmap of the product range
Maintains a database of the 'installed base' of the products under its care
Knows the market potential and can identify it
Knows the products in competition with the products under his charge and can evaluate the pros and cons of these products in relation to ours
Is responsible for accessory development needed for the sharpening programs
Recommends parameters for programs sold by after-sales
Monitors sharpening program KPI
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, industrial, or food process engineering (master's preferred)
Minimum 5 years of experience in red-meat processing, industrial equipment design, or tooling systems
Demonstrated expertise in blade/tooling materials (stainless steel, ceramics, coatings) and wear mechanisms
Familiarity with automation and robotics in production environments
Experience with 3D CAD (SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar)
Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC), root-cause analysis, and OEE metrics
Strong understanding of food-industry safety and hygiene standards (USDA, FSIS, OSHA)
Excellent communication and technical documentation skills in English
Preferred
Experience with automated cutting lines, robotic deboning, or vision-guided trimming
Prior collaboration with Frontmatec or similar OEM equipment providers
Data analysis using Python, Minitab, or Excel VBA for process optimization
Bilingual (English/French) considered an asset
Company
Frontmatec
Frontmatec is develops world-leading customized solutions for automation in the food industry, other hygiene sensitive industries.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknownKey Investors
VIA Equity
2022-05-24Acquired
2011-01-01Series Unknown
Recent News
Business Journals
2022-06-03
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