Careers

Do you love chocolate? Do you enjoy working in a fun and innovative environment? If so, AMES International is the place for you! We are a company dedicated to creating quality chocolate and nut products using only the finest ingredients. AMES International is a thriving, vibrant company with a strong growth plan and a vision for the future. We believe that in order to have a top-notch company we need top notch people. The following positions are currently available and you may submit your resume to:  jobs@amesinternational.com.

ABOUT AMES:

AMES International, Inc. is a manufacturer of gourmet nuts, teas, and confections dedicated to producing high quality product while retaining our individual attention and care. Over the last several years, AMES has expanded to become one of the largest nut roasters and chocolate manufacturers on the West Coast. In 2008 AMES will open its first International subsidiary in Kerala, India in an effort to position ourselves in the expanding global market. With operations, customers and suppliers throughout the world, AMES is a dynamic fast growing organization with a host of exciting opportunities. AMES prides its self on its commitment to integrity, relationships, creating value added products, and our attention to high quality standards.


JOB TITLE:   Design Intern

 

JOB LEVEL: Junior Staff

 

GROUP NAME:  Product Development and Design

 

WORK LOCATION:  Fife, WA

 

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:  Part Time

 

GROUP’S PURPOSE


Our product development and design team is responsible for creating innovative consumer products and packaging. Our inspired team facilitates the process from concept to fulfillment; including everything from high quality 3D-rendering concepts and prototypes to pallet configurations and final production instruction.       

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are looking for a talented, hard-working Design Intern. The ideal candidate will posses design related experience. Other areas of design background may be accepted, however the following are preferred: industrial, structural, and print design. This position requires the ability to multitask and meet tight deadlines, and strong conceptual and communication skills. Must be able to generate original ideas as well as take art direction and criticism well.

 

SPECIFIC SKILLS


Candidate must have some related experience in package design, specifically die line generation and form factor development. This position may involve some photography; each candidate should be prepared to show samples from his or her work. Proficiency with the following applications is required: Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat Professional, and Word. Experience with the following is beneficial: Excel PowerPoint and InDesign.

 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

This entry-level internship opportunity involves the following tasks and responsibilities: building prototypes, one-off projects, white samples, concept presentations, production boards and marketing material maintenance (sell sheets, presentation folios and ect.)  This is a fantastic opportunity to gain real world experience in a faced paced, creative environment. 

 

NOTE


This position is currently an un-paid internship.  The total hours that the candidate must commit to are flexible, however they will between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Candidate is also required to work on site at AMES International’s Head Quarters. 


JOB TITLE:   Bulk and Ingredient Account Manager

 

GROUP NAME: Sales & Marketing

 

REPORTS TO:  Sales Director

 

WORK LOCATION:  Fife, WA

 

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:  Full Time


JOB DESCRIPTION

AMES International, Inc. is seeking an experienced Bulk and Ingredient Sales Representative.  The Bulk and Ingredient Sale Representative is responsible for achieving growth and profitability of the nuts sales in multiple channels.    


JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Achieve volume plan goals and objectives
  • Achieve financial objectives
  • Deliver accurate forecast to sales and production planning teams
  • Create, establish & maintain solid relationships with customers and principals
  • Think and act strategically as well as tactically in performance of the job
  • Work with a strong sense of urgency and commitment to achieving results
  • Strong judgment and professional maturity
  • Ability to work both independently and within a team to accomplish goals
  • Demonstrated ability to plan and manage multiple responsibilities
  • Excellent problem solving skills


REQUIRERMENTS

  • A minimum BA/BS degree
  • A minimum of 5 years bulk, ingredients or commodity sales experience
  • Must demonstrate sales of multiple product categories and customers
  • Demonstrate in-depth knowledge in sales, trade and marketing concepts and methods
  • Must have strong interpersonal skills
  • Must have proven fiscal responsibility
  • High level of organization
  • Team oriented, “do what it take to get it done” attitude
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
  • Extensive travel - 50% of time
  • Candidate must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record


JOB TITLE:   Maintenance Technician

 

GROUP NAME: Facilities

 

REPORTS TO:  Plant Manager

 

WORK LOCATION:  Fife, WA

 

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:  Full Time


JOB DESCRIPTION
As a member of the maintenance team you will be responsible for keeping the facilities equipment in the best achievable operable condition, minimizing lost time, and being prepared for emergency repairs during shift. As a maintenance team member you must execute the preventive and corrective maintenance programs on equipment to ensure an efficient and smooth operation of the facility.


JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
    •     Perform basic facilities maintenance, renovation and/or construction duties, including carpentry,     electrical, mechanical, air conditioning and/or plumbing; services HVAC equipment.
  • Work closely with production personnel or service technicians to troubleshoot, diagnose and repair equipment breakdowns involving mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic components.
  • Monitor equipment performance and make adjustments as requested by departments.
  • Tear down equipment, rebuild and replace defective parts and component units such as: motors, gear boxes, clutches, bearings and electrical units as needed. Reassemble and make final equipment adjustments.
  • Coordinate new equipment installation in cooperation with plant manger and contractors.  
  • Assists and directs outside maintenance and construction contractors.
  • Performs systematic inspections of machines and buildings according to established preventative maintenance programs.
  • Coordinates maintenance on security and fire alarm systems, vehicles, and forklifts.
  • Conduct inspections to the equipment and report results to manager.

REQUIRERMENTS

  • Formal training in plumbing, carpentry, painting, electrical systems, machinery, and refrigeration, or equivalent experience preferred.
  • Strong mechanical ability and troubleshooting skills are required, as is working knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and PLC systems.  Experience in troubleshooting vertical and horizontal form and seal packaging machines is a plus.
  • Good math aptitude and ability to read and interpret blueprints, operating instructions, and maintenance manuals is essential.
  • Candidates should be able to use lathe, milling machine, drill press, grinders, hand power tools, micrometers, calipers, forklift, scissor lift, welding equipment, measuring tools, hand power tools and a variety of hand tools.
  • 1 – 3 years of mechanical experience within a manufacturing environment is a plus. Food processing, liquid filling, and/or bottling experience is a preferred.
  • Candidate must be able to work extended hours and weekend shifts as required.
  • Candidate must follow all O.S.H.A. and Company safety rules.
  • Strong written, verbal and interpersonal skills to maintain communication with staff and vendors.  Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred – Ability to read, write and speak.
  • Computer Literacy of basic Microsoft Office programs.   

Education

  • Minimum requirement – Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field. 
  • Formal training in plumbing, carpentry, painting, electrical systems and machinery, and refrigeration, or equivalent experience.


JOB TITLE: Product Development and Design Coordinator

JOB LEVEL: Junior Staff

GROUP NAME: Product Development and Design

WORK LOCATION: Fife, WA

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full Time

GROUP’S PURPOSE

Our product development team is responsible for creating innovative consumer products and packaging. Our inspired team facilitates the process from concept to fulfillment; including everything from high quality 3D-rendering concepts and prototypes to pallet configurations and final production instruction.

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are looking for a talented, hard-working entry-level designer. The ideal candidate will have a four-year design degree, a strong portfolio, the ability to multitask and meet tight deadlines, and strong conceptual and communication skills. Must be able to generate original design ideas as well as take art direction and criticism well. Some work experience is preferred, however not required.

SPECIFIC SKILLS

Candidate must have related experience in package design, specifically die line generation and form factor development; and possess general knowledge of printing processes from traditional Offset to Photogravure, Flexography and Letterpress Printing. This position may involve some light photography, and the candidate should show any photography in his or her portfolio. Candidate MUST be proficient with the following applications: Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat Professional, PowerPoint, and Word. Experience in the following is beneficial: Excel and Indesign.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Junior Level Designer is responsible for the following:

  • Design Support:

o        Building prototypes

o        One-off projects

o        White samples

o        Concept presentations

o        Production boards

  • Product Development Support:

o        Vendor Correspondence for Packaging and Print Material

o        Submitting initial RFQ requests

o        Answering technical questions relating to design and form factor concepts, file setup, and die lines under the direction of manager during RFQ and prepress.

o        Vendor Auditing for Packaging and Print Material as process develops

o        Project cost tracking – maintain and update project cost tracking mechanisms.

  • Weekly Reports:

o        Submission of Weekly status report to PD&D team member.

 

JOB TITLE: TQA Assistant

GROUP NAME: Quality Control

Direct Report: Reports to the TQA Control & Compliance Officer

WORK LOCATION: Fife

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full Time

GROUP’S PURPOSE

This group is responsible for total quality control and compliance within AMES International Inc.’s chocolate, nut and tea divisions in Fife, Washington.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This job description defines the duties and responsibilities of the position in general and is not to be interpreted as being all-inclusive.

The position will assist the TQA Officer with the following:

  • Develop plant quality control procedures and systems within the plant and assists with the administration of all quality programs and systems.
  • Monitor all quality control activities to ensure product compliance with governmental and corporate specifications and standards.
  • Provide training and education for plant personnel in quality techniques, methods, corrective action measures, and product standards/specifications.
  • Determine proper quality control methods in accordance with operational needs and corporate quality assurance procedures.
  • Provide support to resolve product quality and process issues.
  • Prepare all necessary activity reports.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • HACCP and Kosher standards
  • Track ingredients and products (Traceabililty – Lot Tracking)
  • Supplier certifications
  • Assists TQA Officer with implementation of immediate corrective actions in consultation with appropriate managers and company operations officers
  • Measures quality and safety of ingredients for WIP and finished product testing
  • Assists in the development and implementation of new quality control initiatives and programs
  • Aids in the administration of plant sanitation
  • Monitors practices to aid in a pest-free environment
  • Provides education and training on quality guidelines in process control methods, and product standards for plant personnel
  • Supports product quality improvement activities
  • Assists TQA Officer with documentation for all quality guidelines, procedures, and standards are current, accurate, and accessible. Also assists with periodic reviews of departmental guidelines, standards and procedures.
  • Provides assistance and support for R&D trials. Participates in and provides input for existing and new products developed by the product and packaging development team
  • Assists in new employee orientations
  • Documents product processes and packaging lines

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelors degree required, consideration will be given if candidate is in the final quarter prior to completion of degree
  • Strong preference given to those with a degree in food sciences or industrial engineering.
  • Sets priorities in a heavy workload, not neglecting attention to detail.
  • Capable of working in a fast-paced, fluid environment.
  • Must have excellent verbal and written communications skills in English.
  • Strong analytical skills; an ability to gather data and draw insightful conclusions.
  • Basic knowledge of MS Office Applications (Word, Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Internet Explorer)