Field Data Collection Specialist

Sage Ag Inc.; Urbandale (IA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

PTO

401k with company match

Job summary

Sage Ag Inc. is seeking a Field Data Collection Specialist to work in the field, collecting image data and supporting prototype CVML obstacle detection systems for construction and roadbuilding equipment.

The role involves setting up test platforms, driving to sites, and interacting with operators and customers. You will operate independently in outdoor environments, troubleshoot basic issues, and coordinate with engineering and project teams to ensure data quality and timely feedback.

Qualifications

• Requires field data collection experience and ability to work independently in outdoor environments.
• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Agriculture, Engineering Technology, Construction Technology, Automotive Technology, or related field preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to document test data clearly.

Responsibilities

• Set up, inspect, and maintain test platforms per engineering specs.
• Plan and execute field image data collection for CVML obstacle detection systems.
• Coordinate data collection with prototype evaluations and customer interactions.
• Drive to data sites and maintain vehicles and equipment.
• Provide basic training on prototype system functionality to customers.

Skills

Independent work

Detail-oriented

Field data collection

Travel readiness

Communication

Driver's license

Microsoft Office

Mechanical troubleshooting

Proactive planning

Education

Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Agriculture/Engineering/Construction

Tools

Cameras

Sensors

Prototype systems

Job description

Sage Ag Inc. is currently seeking a hardworking, self-motivated, and detail-oriented individual who is interested in Construction/ Agricultural equipment, emerging technology, and field testing. Through this position, you will be working with a major equipment manufacturer supporting the development and evaluation of advanced Computer Vision-Machine Learning (CVML) obstacle detection systems for construction and roadbuilding equipment.As a Field Data Collection Specialist, you will spend the majority of your time working independently in the field collecting image data, setting up and maintaining test platforms, supporting prototype machine evaluations, and interacting directly with equipment operators and customers. This is a hands-on, field-based position that requires regular driving and travel, working outdoors and around heavy equipment, basic technical troubleshooting, and the ability to independently plan and execute daily field activities.

Responsibilities

• Set up, inspect, and maintain test platforms according to engineering specifications
• Research and identify potential image data collection sites based on project and testing requirements
• Plan and execute field image data collection to support the development, training, and validation of CVML obstacle detection systems for construction and roadbuilding applications
• Collect image data across a variety of operating conditions and defined Operational Design Domain (ODD) use cases to support model training and testing requirements
• Review planned data collection requirements and organize daily field activities based on project priorities, environmental conditions, and use-case needs
• Coordinate data collection activities with prototype system evaluations and engineering priorities
• Support customer evaluations of prototype obstacle detection systems installed on Skid Steers (SS), Compact Track Loaders (CTL), and other applicable equipment
• Coordinate the timely delivery and pickup of prototype-equipped machines for customer evaluations
• Provide evaluation customers with basic training on prototype system functionality and operation
• Perform basic field troubleshooting, inspections, and routine maintenance of prototype systems and supporting equipment
• Coordinate major machine maintenance and repair activities with equipment dealers as needed
• Work directly with evaluation customers to capture clear and accurate feedback regarding prototype system performance, functionality, and usability
• Maintain accurate records of data collection activities, operating conditions, prototype evaluations, customer feedback, and field issues
• Work independently in field environments while maintaining regular communication with engineering and project teams
• Drive company or project vehicles to data collection sites, customer locations, dealers, and other field-testing locations
• Maintain assigned vehicles, equipment, and data collection tools in clean, safe, organized, and working condition
• Follow established safety procedures while working around construction equipment, customer sites, roadbuilding environments, and other active work areas

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Engineering Technology, Construction Technology, Automotive Technology, or a related field preferred
• Strong ability to work independently, manage daily responsibilities, and adapt to changing field conditions with limited supervision
• Dependable, self-motivated, and able to manage travel schedules and field assignments responsibly
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly when collecting and documenting test data
• Ability to follow engineering instructions, test procedures, safety requirements, and defined data collection plans
• Comfortable working with technology and learning new equipment, software, cameras, sensors, and prototype systems
• Comfortable working around construction machinery and heavy equipment in active field environments
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with customers, equipment operators, engineers, dealers, and other project personnel
• Basic mechanical and technical troubleshooting abilities
• Valid U.S. Driver's License with a clean driving record
• Ability and willingness to drive regularly and travel to data collection and customer evaluation locations
• Positive attitude and ability to work effectively independently or as part of a team
• Proficient in Microsoft Office for documentation and reporting purposes

Physical & Field Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Ability to safely enter and exit construction equipment, trucks, and other project vehicles
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and perform hands-on tasks for extended periods during field activities
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather, temperature, terrain, dust, and jobsite conditions
• Comfortable working in and around active construction, roadbuilding, and equipment-testing environments
• Ability to spend extended periods driving and traveling between data collection sites, customer locations, and other project locations
• Ability to safely handle, transport, set up, and maintain cameras, data collection equipment, tools, and related test hardware
• Ability to maintain assigned vehicles and equipment in a clean, safe, and operational condition
• Flexibility to adjust work schedules when field conditions, customer availability, or data collection requirements dictate

Preferred Skills

• Experience with construction, agricultural, automotive, or off-highway equipment
• Experience operating or working around Skid Steers, Compact Track Loaders, or similar construction equipment
• Experience with field testing, product development, prototype systems, or customer evaluation programs
• Familiarity with cameras, sensors, computer vision, machine learning data collection, or obstacle detection technologies
• Experience collecting, organizing, or managing image and test data
• Experience troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, or technology systems in field environments
• Experience working independently in a field service, testing, data collection, equipment support, or similar role

Details

• Job Duration: Full-Time
• Job Location: Based out of Urbandale, Iowa (Nationwide Travel)
• Compensation: Salary range: starting at $70,000/ yearly. All approved travel expenses paid by Sage Ag Inc.
• Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, 401k with company match

Contact: Kassi Dunlap | [phone] | [e-mail]