Field Test Engineer

Job Title: Field Test Engineer

Job Description

The Field Test Engineer works hands-on with prototype Hay and Forage equipment to evaluate and improve functional performance, reliability, durability, and cost efficiency. This role combines mechanical and electrical troubleshooting, field testing, and detailed reporting to help bring innovative agricultural machinery from concept to production. The engineer frequently travels to remote test locations, operates and services test equipment, and collaborates closely with design and engineering teams to validate and refine new product designs.

Responsibilities

• Work with prototype product designs and provide clear recommendations to enhance functional performance, reliability, durability, and cost efficiency.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair issues related to crop gathering, cutting, feeding, drivetrain, electrical and electronic systems, and fluid power systems on agriculture vehixles.
• Operate and evaluate prototype machinery in field conditions to assess machine performance, reliability, durability, serviceability, customer appeal, and safety.
• Communicate test results by preparing and submitting timely, concise, and well-structured reports that summarize findings and recommendations.
• Maintain accurate, comprehensive, and organized test records for future reference, analysis, and design feedback.
• Assist with the build and assembly of prototype machinery to gain detailed familiarity with product design, components, and systems.
• Travel to remote test locations for extended periods, typically 40% to 60% of the time in 4-week intervals, to conduct field testing with limited direct supervision.
• Maintain the assigned service truck, test equipment, and tools in safe, clean, and reliable working condition to support field test activities.
• Assist with the acquisition of field and laboratory mission data, including measurements of noise, vibration, speed, mechanical torque, hydraulic pressure, hydraulic flow, and electrical or electronic sensor outputs.
• Interpret collected data to identify performance trends, diagnose issues, and support engineering decisions on design changes or improvements.
• Collaborate with engineering and technical staff to review test outcomes and contribute to problem-solving and continuous improvement efforts.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience working with mechanical systems such as drivetrains, crop gathering, cutting, and feeding mechanisms.
• Ability to diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair agricultural, mechanical, or automotive systems, including fluid power and hydraulic systems.
• Knowledge of mechanical engineering concepts related to machinery performance, reliability, and durability.
• Ability to work with electrical and electronic systems, including sensors and control components, on complex machinery.
• Proficiency in collecting and interpreting test data, including noise, vibration, speed, torque, hydraulic pressure, hydraulic flow, and sensor outputs.
• Strong written communication skills to produce clear, concise test reports and documentation.
• Organizational skills to maintain accurate and comprehensive test records.
• Capability to work independently with little or no direct supervision, especially in remote field environments.
• Willingness and ability to travel 40% to 60% of the time in multi-week intervals to remote test locations.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with tools, equipment, and prototype machinery.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience or interest in agriculture and agricultural machinery.
• Experience in mechanical engineering, automotive mechanics, or related technical fields.
• Familiarity with Hay and Forage equipment or similar off-highway machinery.
• Comfort working with data acquisition tools and instrumentation used for measuring noise, vibration, speed, torque, hydraulic parameters, and sensor signals.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, technicians, and other field personnel.
• Adaptability to changing test conditions and evolving prototype designs.

Work Environment

This role is highly field-oriented and involves frequent travel to remote test locations, typically 40% to 60% of the time in 4-week intervals. The Field Test Engineer works around agricultural machinery and prototype Hay and Forage equipment, often in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions. The position requires operating, testing, and servicing machinery in the field, as well as working in workshop or lab settings for assembly, maintenance, and data collection. The engineer uses a service truck, specialized test equipment, tools, and data acquisition instruments to measure noise, vibration, speed, torque, hydraulic pressure, hydraulic flow, and electrical or electronic sensor outputs. The work environment emphasizes safety, independence, and hands-on problem-solving, with significant time spent working with limited direct supervision.

This is a Contract position based out of Goodfield, IL.

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Goodfield,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 5, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.