What are the responsibilities and job description for the Field Test Engineer position at Actalent?
Job Summary
Field Test Engineer – Agricultural Equipment Validation
The Field Test Engineer is responsible for planning and executing validation activities on prototype and pre-production agricultural equipment under actual and simulated operating conditions. This position plays a critical role in evaluating machine performance, identifying opportunities for improvement, collecting test data, and collaborating with engineering teams to ensure product quality, safety, and reliability.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct Field Testing & Validation
- Execute validation plans, machine evaluations, and performance tests on agricultural and harvesting equipment.
- Perform functional, durability, reliability, and safety testing in field environments and controlled test facilities.
- Operate and assess equipment under a variety of operating, crop, and environmental conditions.
Collect, Analyze & Interpret Test Data
- Utilize instrumentation and data acquisition systems to collect performance measurements.
- Monitor and evaluate key parameters including noise, vibration, speed, torque, hydraulic pressure and flow, and electronic sensor data.
- Analyze results and provide actionable feedback to engineering teams.
Troubleshoot & Investigate Equipment Issues
- Diagnose machine, subsystem, and component-level issues encountered during testing.
- Support root-cause investigations and verification of corrective actions.
- Document findings and communicate technical recommendations clearly and effectively.
Prepare & Maintain Test Assets
- Inspect, repair, modify, and maintain prototype and pre-production equipment to ensure test readiness.
- Install test instrumentation and verify equipment calibration and functionality.
- Maintain accurate records of machine configurations, test setups, and maintenance activities.
Reporting & Documentation
- Develop clear and detailed test reports summarizing procedures, results, observations, and recommendations.
- Track issues, document machine performance, and provide timely updates on testing activities.
- Ensure compliance with engineering standards, safety requirements, and testing protocols.
Collaboration & Customer Interaction
- Partner closely with design, software, manufacturing, and product engineering teams to support product development initiatives.
- Interact professionally with dealers, growers, and customers during field evaluations while maintaining strict confidentiality of prototype equipment and test programs.
- Provide technical feedback to improve product performance, usability, and reliability.
Qualifications
- Associate or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Agricultural Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Automotive Technology, or a related technical discipline preferred.
- Experience operating, testing, maintaining, or troubleshooting agricultural, construction, heavy-duty, or off-road equipment.
- Familiarity with sensors, instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and test procedures is preferred.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on diagnostic skills.
- Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather and field conditions.
- Excellent problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.
- Willingness to travel to test sites, customer locations, and proving grounds as required.
Pay: $72,985.02 - $87,895.94 per year
Work Location: In person
Salary : $72,985 - $87,896