Department Lead, Engineering, Field Validation

AGCO; Minnesota; On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care and wellness plans

Dental and vision plans

Flexible and virtual work options

401(k) savings plan with company match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Paid holidays and time off

Job summary

AGCO in Jackson, MN is seeking a Department Lead for Engineering, Field Validation. This role focuses on coordinating field validation activities across North America for various agricultural machines. The ideal candidate will manage a team, ensure project success, and engage with cross-functional departments.

The position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Ag, or Mechatronic Engineering and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. AGCO offers a collaborative environment and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of engineering experience in a product development/validation environment.
• Desirable knowledge in agricultural products, particularly tractors and tillage equipment.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean record.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate field validation activities in North America for the product portfolio.
• Supervise field validation professionals based in Jackson, MN and Beloit, KS.
• Provide estimates for project expenses and capital budget items.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Ag Engineering

Mechatronic Engineering

Problem-solving techniques

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Ag, or Mechatronic Engineering

Job description

Department Lead, Engineering, Field Validation

Location: Jackson, MN, US

Workplace Type: Onsite

Department Lead, Engineering, Field Validation will be responsible for coordinating field validation activities in North America for sprayers & applicators, planters, and wheeled & tracked tractors, ranging in maturity from early prototypes to series production machines. The role has a Farmer First mindset, focusing on exceeding farmer expectations. The Lead manages a team responsible for supporting new product testing and validation while collaborating with cross‑functional teams from Design Engineering and Validation departments at other sites. They build and maintain relationships with current and new field test partners to put hours and acres on our products in real field conditions and provide important feedback on features, likes, and dislikes. Domestic travel to sites, dealers, and customers for design problem solving and product evaluation is required. Participation in global teams focused on validation processes, tools, and improvements may also be required. The Lead uses technical expertise and product knowledge to play a leadership role in problem resolution when interfacing with engineering, design, and validation staff. The position reports to the Director, Engineering, Jackson and is part of a strong and collaborative team focused on delivering the best products for farmers.

Your Impact

Lead and coordinate field validation activities in North America for the tractor and crop care product portfolio.

Directly supervise field validation professionals based in Jackson, MN and Beloit, KS.

Coordinate field validation activities for responsible products and projects as required in South America and Europe with local validation colleagues.

Provide estimates for project expenses and capital budget items for the field validation function.

Use technical expertise and product knowledge to support the problem resolution process when interfacing with design and validation staff from other engineering sites.

Your Experience and Qualifications

Mechanical, Ag, or Mechatronic Engineering Bachelor’s Degree, or a technical degree in a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.

5+ years engineering experience in a product development/validation environment.

Desirable knowledge in agricultural products, particularly tractors, seeding & tillage equipment, and spraying & application equipment.

Desirable knowledge in effective problem‑solving techniques and root‑cause identification.

Valid driver’s license with a clean record and ability to be approved to drive company vehicles.

Benefits

Health care and wellness plans

Dental and vision plans

Flexible and virtual work options (where available)

401(k) savings plan with company match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan offering eligible employees the ability to purchase AGCO stock at a discounted price

Paid holidays and paid time off

Health savings and flexible spending accounts

Reimbursement for continuing education

Life insurance and other supplemental insurance plans

Your Workplace

This role follows AGCO’s on‑site work model, with employees primarily working from an AGCO location (USA Jackson) with a minimum of 5 days per week to support collaboration and teamwork.

AGCO is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment substance abuse testing.