Job Description

Field Test Engineer performs hands-on field validation of agricultural and crop harvesting equipment under real-world and simulated operating conditions. This role is ideal for individuals with experience in field testing or operating outdoor equipment who enjoy working with machinery in farm and agricultural environments while collaborating closely with engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Execute validation plans, machine evaluations, and functional and safety tests on agricultural and crop harvesting equipment in the field or at designated test facilities.
• Set up, operate, and monitor test equipment and prototypes to ensure accurate and reliable test execution.
• Collect and analyze test data using instrumentation and data acquisition tools to measure noise, vibration, speed, torque, hydraulic pressure and flow, and electronic sensor outputs.
• Use diagnostic tools and measurement methods to interpret test results and identify performance trends or anomalies.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues by diagnosing component and system problems during and after tests.
• Document machine performance and test outcomes clearly and accurately in concise test reports.
• Support root-cause investigations by providing detailed data, observations, and technical input to engineering teams.
• Inspect, repair, and update pre-production or prototype machinery to maintain test readiness and ensure equipment is safe and functional.
• Prepare machinery and test setups before field trials, including configuration, calibration, and verification of test instrumentation.
• Collaborate with design, software, and manufacturing engineering teams to provide feedback on equipment performance and test findings.
• Interact professionally with dealers, farmers, and other external stakeholders during field tests while maintaining confidentiality of prototype equipment and test results.
• Follow established safety procedures and best practices when working with heavy machinery and in outdoor agricultural environments.
• Maintain accurate records of test activities, equipment configurations, and maintenance performed on test assets.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and comfort working hands-on with machinery and tools.
• Experience operating or testing outdoor equipment, particularly in agricultural or similar environments.
• Basic knowledge of vehicle systems such as powertrain, hydraulics, electronics, or embedded software.
• Ability to use hand tools for inspection, repair, and maintenance of test equipment and machinery.
• Ability to work independently at remote test locations and manage field test activities with minimal supervision.
• Strong verbal communication skills for interacting with engineering teams, dealers, and farmers.
• Strong written communication skills for preparing clear and concise test reports and documentation.
• Ability to use instrumentation and data acquisition tools to collect and interpret measurements such as noise, vibration, speed, torque, hydraulic pressure and flow, and sensor data.
• Interest in agricultural machinery and field-based engineering work.
• Professionalism and discretion in protecting prototype confidentiality when working with external stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Candidates without a degree may also be considered based on relevant experience and technical capability.
• Familiarity with data acquisition and measurement methods used in vehicle and machinery testing.
• Preferred experience with CAN bus communication systems for vehicle diagnostics and data logging.
• Preferred familiarity with Python or MATLAB for data analysis and processing of test results.
• Preferred experience using diagnostic tools for troubleshooting vehicle systems and embedded electronics.
• Experience using tools such as Jira or similar platforms for tracking issues, test tasks, and documentation.

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