Field Test Engineer - Harvest & Hay Products

Sage Ag Inc. is currently seeking a Field Test Engineer - Harvest & Hay Products to support product verification and validation activities across Harvest and Hay product lines. This position combines field test support with project coordination, reporting and metrics, connected equipment management, technical troubleshooting, and field site planning.

The Field Test Engineer will work closely with product verification and validation (PV&V), engineering, planning, and field teams to support effective execution of field testing activities. This role will help maintain visibility into testing projects and performance metrics, coordinate work requests and field resources, manage connected equipment and associated technologies, review equipment diagnostic information, and provide hands-on field support as testing needs require.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, technically capable, comfortable working with both equipment and technology, and able to move effectively between computer-based project and data work and hands-on agricultural field environments. A strong understanding of agricultural equipment and field operations, combined with an interest in connected systems, data, and emerging technologies, will be important for success in this position.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, maintain, and support reporting and performance metrics for Harvest and Hay PV&V activities.
• Manage project creation, project tracking, work requests, and associated documentation using internal systems.
• Coordinate with PV&V Planning subject matter experts to promote consistent reporting, processes, and visibility across product lines.
• Identify and implement opportunities to utilize AI and other emerging technologies to improve reporting efficiency, consistency, and accessibility.
• Manage connected-equipment activities supporting Harvest and Hay field test operations.
• Maintain system users, members, organizations, equipment assignments, and appropriate access as required.
• Activate equipment and coordinate movement of equipment between organizations and field test locations.
• Develop a working understanding of applicable technology and connectivity license structures and assist with license administration and troubleshooting.
• Configure and support telematics, connectivity hardware, and related equipment technologies used during field testing.
• Coordinate activation and support of satellite and other connectivity solutions used in field test operations.
• Troubleshoot equipment tools, connectivity, and system issues and coordinate resolution with appropriate technical resources.
• Review Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and other equipment information to identify issues requiring investigation or corrective action.
• Work with engineering and field personnel to develop and coordinate action plans for identified equipment issues.
• Create and maintain appropriate test events, records, and supporting documentation to track issues and corrective actions through resolution.
• Identify recurring equipment, connectivity, or operational issues that may affect field testing or equipment availability.
• Support field site planning and management utilizing internal planning tools.
• Maintain visibility of field test locations, equipment, schedules, activities, and resource requirements.
• Coordinate with planning, engineering, and field teams to identify and resolve scheduling, equipment, connectivity, and resource conflicts that could affect planned testing.
• Provide hands-on field test support across Harvest and Hay product lines as required.
• Assist with execution of field test schedules and provide coverage where resource or scheduling gaps exist.
• Support field personnel with equipment setup, connectivity, troubleshooting, test execution, documentation, and related activities.
• Communicate field observations, technical issues, project status, and testing information clearly to engineering and cross-functional teams.
• Manage multiple projects, field activities, and priorities simultaneously.
• Follow established safety procedures while performing field testing and working in or around agricultural machinery.
• Travel to field test, manufacturing, and other project locations as business and seasonal testing needs require.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Agricultural Systems Technology, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Candidates with a Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or similar technology-focused background should have relevant experience with agriculture, agricultural equipment, off-highway equipment, or a closely related field.
• Experience with agricultural equipment, product testing, product verification and validation, engineering, field test operations, or a related technical environment preferred.
• Strong understanding of or demonstrated experience with agricultural machinery and field operations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate technical issues and coordinate appropriate resolution.
• Strong computer and data-management skills with the ability to learn specialized engineering, equipment, and field-test systems.
• Ability to interpret equipment diagnostic information and communicate technical findings to engineering and field teams.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to accurately maintain project, equipment, testing, and technical documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within cross-functional engineering and field teams.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, field conditions, and seasonal testing requirements.
• Valid U.S. Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
• Willingness to travel to field-testing, manufacturing, and other project locations as required.

Preferred Skills:

• Hands-on experience with agricultural, heavy, construction, or off-highway equipment.
• Experience with Harvest and/or Hay equipment and associated agricultural production practices.
• Experience with product verification and validation, field testing, prototype equipment, or machine development.

• Farm, equipment dealership, manufacturing, field test, engineering, technician, or similar agricultural equipment experience.
• Experience with connected equipment, telematics, equipment connectivity, or remote machine-management technologies.
• Experience reviewing equipment diagnostics or Diagnostic Trouble Codes and coordinating technical issue resolution.
• Experience with project tracking, technical reporting, data analysis, or performance metrics.
• Experience with field test planning, resource coordination, or multi-site testing activities.
• Familiarity with satellite or remote connectivity technologies used with mobile equipment.
• Experience utilizing AI, automation, data-analysis, or other emerging technologies to improve reporting or technical workflows.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and general understanding of mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and electronic machine systems.

Physical & Field Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely enter and exit large agricultural equipment, trucks, forklifts, and other machinery.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and perform hands-on field and equipment-related work for extended periods.
• Ability to work in office, shop, manufacturing, outdoor, and field-testing environments.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather, temperature, terrain, dust, and operating conditions.
• Comfortable working in and around operating agricultural and industrial machinery.
• Ability to safely handle and transport tools, connectivity hardware, test equipment, and related components as required.
• Flexibility to adjust work schedules when testing requirements, crop conditions, equipment availability, or field conditions dictate.

Details:

• Job Duration: Full-Time
• Job Location: Silvis, Illinois
• Travel: Seasonal May-December (approximately three trips up to 2-3 weeks long)
• Compensation: Salary $65,000 - $75,000 yearly, DOE (possibility to do a 4/10 schedule, limited overtime available)
• Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, 401k with company match

Contact:

Kassi Dunlap | (707) 249-1603 | dunlapkassi@sageag.net

Job Category: production agriculture Agricultural Engineering Product Testing Product Verification

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Silvis