Test & Validation Engineer

Construction Equipment Test & Validation Engineer

Kubota North America, Salina, KS

 Kubota North America Construction Equipment R&D office (CERDNA) in Salina, KS is seeking a Test & Validation Engineer to join their team! The Test & Validation Engineer will be accountable for testing, analyzing, validating & providing important design feedback for the latest & greatest CE products. This will be done in collaboration with test & design departments while supporting the continuous improvement of the CTL products for North America.  The position will have the responsibility for understanding & implementing modern test techniques, data analysis, data acquisition equipment, test standards and customer applications while working within a cross functional and global team environment.  Our facility is new and our team is growing with the support from a well-established Kubota R&D department!

This position works on-site from the Kubota North American Construction Equipment R&D office (CERDNA) in Salina, KS & reports directly to a Lead Test Engineer and does not have any direct reports.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Assure CE products meet the safety, quality, robustness and performance customers expect for Kubota products
• Assist with the development of new and creative test and validation methods with sound technical ability and leadership in order to rapidly optimize the launch of new products while maintaining safety, quality, durability and reliability
• Ability to work in a cross-functional and cross-cultural environment
• Attend & contribute to design review meetings 
• Perform lab tests, analyze test data and provide engineering reports on prototype machines and components
• Recognize and document problems in issue reports
• Oversee lab tests to ensure they align with test request, internal & external test standards and customer application requirements
• Coordinate & oversee accurate test setup and data collection with the Shop Foreman and Technicians
• Using proper engineering practices & principles; analyze/interpret test data and prepare and present technical reports that will be used by engineering and management personnel
• Use computer software and hardware to conduct tests on construction machinery and equipment according to industry standards
• Adhere to procedures, test methods, validation master plans and other validation and test related documentation
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment
• Other duties may be assigned that require other qualifications, physical demands, and/or work environment 

Preferred Skills and Qualifications: 

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field of study
• Experience with construction equipment is preferred 
• Experience in defense, heavy duty, or earthmoving product development is a plus 
• Understanding of hydraulic and electrical control systems.
• Knowledge of modern test equipment, methods of test, data collection & data analysis.
• Demonstrated growth mindset with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
• Work cross functionally with various teams to gather key inputs, and be able to work well with diverse opinions and competing priorities. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Computer skills including MS Office and Google-based programs 
• Ability to work independently; ability to prioritize multiple tasks, meet deadlines, communicate task status, oversee others work and seek assistance/direction when necessary.
• Experience and demonstrated success working in a cross-functional and cross-cultural environment.

Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. This role will be primarily based in an office environment and will occasionally provide insight to employees in the manufacturing and research and development areas.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the team member must have the ability to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, reach with hands and arms, ascend stairs, balance, stoop, kneel or crouch, talk and hear.  In addition, the team member must occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.  Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus.