Design Engineer I
Assaria, KS
Great Plains Manufacturing, a subsidiary of Kubota, is seeking an experienced Design Engineer to join our R&D team in Assaria, KS to design agricultural implements.
This is an on-site position based in Assaria, KS and works Monday through Thursday, 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Design new innovative large Ag implements and OEM products from concept through production.
- Manage all aspects of design projects including concept, prototyping, testing and design for manufacturability & assembly (DFMA).
- Provide support to manufacturing to ensure product is fabricated, welded and assembled based on the intended functionality of the design.
- Present design concepts, features, opportunities and challenges to the Great Plains management team.
- Utilize analysis software, evaluate field testing and recommend design modifications to optimize product designs.
- Create detailed drawings, bill of materials, test plans, etc.
- Recommend measures to improve production methods, equipment performance, and quality of product to engineering team lead.
- Follow all Great Plains and OSHA safety regulations and wear prescribed safety and protective equipment.
- Other duties may be assigned that require additional qualifications, physical demands, and/or work environment.
Preferred Skills and Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree (BS) in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural or BioSystems Machinery Engineering, or related engineering discipline from a four-year college or university with 0 to 3 years of experience.
- Experience with PTC Creo (or Solid Works), PLM tools (Windchill), FEA software and Microsoft Office tools.
- Understanding of manufacturing methods and ability work in a fast-paced environment within a diverse group.
- Excellent communicator who performs well solving problems and working in a team environment.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with experience troubleshooting and resolving field and shop issues safely
- Knowledge of hydraulic and electronic integration is a plus.
- Knowledge of design of castings, forgings and plastics is a plus.
- Knowledge of farming practices and equipment helpful.
- Willing and able to travel out of state for multiple days during development and testing phases
Great Plains Manufacturing, headquartered in Salina, KS, is a proud subsidiary of Kubota with more than 50 years as a Kansas leader in the design, engineering and manufacturing of agricultural implements, including seeding, tillage, and landscaping equipment. Our new Construction Equipment Division adds Kubota-branded skid steers, compact track loaders, and CE attachments, supported by Kubota Construction R&D Engineering in Salina. Operating in eight Kansas communities with five divisions—Great Plains Ag; Land Pride; Great Plains International; Great Plains Trucking; and the Construction Equipment Division—we employ over 2,000 people and are committed to innovation and professional growth. If you are self-motivated, goal-oriented, and collaborative, explore open opportunities at www.WorkForGPM.com.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural or BioSystems Machinery Engineering, or related discipline
- 0 to 3 years of related engineering experience
- Experience with PTC Creo or SolidWorks
- Experience with PLM tools (Windchill)
- Experience with FEA software
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools
- Understanding of manufacturing methods and design for manufacturability & assembly (DFMA)
- Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot field and shop issues safely
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Knowledge of hydraulic and electronic integration
- Knowledge of design of castings, forgings and plastics
- Knowledge of farming practices and equipment
- Willing and able to travel out of state for multiple days during development and testing
- Work on-site in Assaria, KS, Monday through Thursday, 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Follow Great Plains and OSHA safety regulations and wear prescribed safety and protective equipment
Great Plains Manufacturing Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Great Plains Manufacturing and has not been reviewed or approved by Great Plains Manufacturing.
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Pay Growth & Progression — Pay progression is often described as structured and frequent in hourly manufacturing roles, with step-based or performance reviews leading to regular increases until top-out rates. Feedback suggests this predictability supports a clearer path to higher earnings.
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Retirement Support — Retirement offerings include a 401(k) plan with matching that is frequently highlighted as a meaningful part of total compensation. Feedback suggests this adds long-term value alongside base wages and overtime opportunities.
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Healthcare Strength — Health benefits are commonly viewed as solid, including medical, dental, prescription, and life insurance coverage. Feedback suggests coverage quality is a notable advantage for many employees.
Great Plains Manufacturing Insights
What We Do
Great Plains Ag, a division of Great Plains Mfg., Inc., has been a leader in seeding and tillage equipment since its inception in 1976. Based in Salina, Kansas, the company is a leading producer of grain drills, vertical tillage, hybrid tillage, planters, and compact drills.









