Title:
Test Engineer - Lead
Reports To:
Design Manager
Direct Reports:
Shop Technicians
Summary:
Vaderstad is looking for people who share our passion for farming. Our employees are the most important resources we have in achieving our goals. We provide great career opportunities for the right candidates in a rapidly evolving workplace with locations in ag markets across North America. Vaderstad is an equal opportunity employer, that values and respects diversity in its workforce. All employment decisions are made, based on qualifications, merit and business needs.
The Test Engineer-Lead oversees product validation processes within product development, including both new product validation and enhancements to existing products. This role is responsible for ongoing advancement of testing capabilities at the Wahpeton facility. While the primary focus is on the NA Tillage portfolio, the team is also expanding its activities into the planter segment.
The Test Engineer-Lead will also be responsible for the Test Shop as well leading the R&D test fleet and staff.
Education/Experience:
Bachelor’s degree or Technical Diploma in applicable engineering discipline
Minimum 3-5 years of experience in a test or product development role – preference for experience in Agriculture and/or off-road mobile equipment
Minimum 3 years in a managerial/leadership role
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite
Proficient in the use of CAD software systems
Proficient in Data Acquisition Software
Experience with Ag Equipment design and manufacturing is an asset
Knowledge of and experience with current farming practices and equipment are an asset
Core Competencies:
Strong understanding of measurement technology and mechanical testing techniques
Skills in designing test rigs, conducting measurements, and analyzing data.
Critical and creative thinking to develop new testing techniques and methods
Proven ability to mentor and share knowledge with other engineers
Demonstrate capability to collaborate effectively with peers across functional areas to accomplish project objectives.
Able to make decisions or solve problems by using logic to identify key facts, explore alternatives and propose effective solutions.
Strong communication, interpersonal and leadership skills
Possess a valid driver's license and passport
Self-starter, adaptable, and able to work independently or in a team
Accountability
Ethical conduct
Able to communicate fluently in English
Able to communicate information and ideas clearly and concisely, in writing and verbally
Some travel will be required
Accountabilities:
Develop and maintain test strategies, plans, and schedules for projects and products
Secure test sites and coordinate with test cooperators for field trials
Adapt tests for varying crop conditions and environmental factors
Management and leadership of R&D Technician staff, facilitating the development of an employee-oriented company culture that emphasizes safety, quality, continuous improvement and high performance
Manage R&D Shop, Test Fleet and Test Equipment
Evaluate machine performance in terms of function, reliability, and service life
Document findings in technical reports and communicate improvement recommendations
Work closely with design engineers, project managers, and internal/external test facilities
Provide feedback and technical guidance to design teams during development
Execute test plans in coordination with project timelines
Implement and improve testing processes, ensuring compliance with quality standards and regulations
Stay up to date on new testing techniques and propose process improvements
Recommend training to maintain technical competency within the team
Work Conditions:
Time split between office, shop and field environments
Flexible work environment
Travel required throughout North America and some International travel required.
General physical effort, handling test rigs and equipment, set up and adjusting test subjects
Manual dexterity required to use laptop computer and peripherals
Top Skills
What We Do
Väderstad - Where farming starts
The high quality Väderstad planters, seed drills and tillage equipment make any farmland reach its full potential. Väderstad – Where farming starts.
Farm profits- our driving force
Our driving force is to create flexible machines for soil cultivation and drilling that produce excellent results regardless of cropping system. All our machines are capable of several operations in a single pass and have a high work capacity – everything needed to save time, energy and money for the farmer. The long lifetime of our machines and their high resale value make them very cost-effective
