R&D Construction Equipment Test & Validation Tech

Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.; Salina (KS); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. in Salina, KS, hosts Kubota’s CERDNA Center and seeks a Test & Validation Technician to join the CE Engineering team.

You will assemble, test, and validate prototype Kubota construction equipment, collaborating across design and test engineering to drive product improvements in North America. The role involves lab and field testing, inventory management, safety compliance, and hands-on operation of sensors, data acquisition, and prototype machinery, with

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or minimum one-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Ability to read and interpret prints and assembly instructions
• Ability to use basic hand & power tools.
• Ability to operate construction equipment, turret style forklift, medium duty truck/trailer & utility vehicles.
• English language competency including demonstrated verbal and written communication skills
• Must obtain (within 60 days) and maintain a valid DOT license (DOT medical certificate)
• Intermediate to high level of proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, workflow management software and inventory control programs
• Comfortable working at elevated heights with safety harness
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally (up to 5% per year)
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot/perceive/diagnose problems
• Comprehensive understanding of hydraulic and electrical control systems
• Experience operating all types of modern construction equipment
• Knowledge of test equipment, methods of test and data collection
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
• Experience with Dewesoft, eDAQ or other test data collection systems
• Previous R&D test experience through multiple product cycles

Responsibilities

• Assemble/repair prototype machines while providing detailed engineering feedback
• Assists Engineers with assembly, disassembly and inspection of test machines
• Document and communicate quality of vehicle/user interaction experience to engineers
• Install, diagnose and use highly accurate sensors and data acquisition equipment
• Use computer software & hardware to conduct tests on construction machinery and equipment according to the latest industry standards
• Adhere to procedures, test methods, validation master plans and other validation and test related documentation.
• Perform lab & field tests/reporting on prototype machines and components
• Operating and assisting with prototype machines in field testing
• Assure CE products meet the safety, quality, robustness and performance customer expect for Kubota products
• Pick up/Drop off parts and supplies to and from GPM/Local Suppliers
• Using inventory software, maintain and manage inventory of storage racks & shop consumables
• Maintain and manage company vehicles and trailers per DOT regulations
• Maintain shop floor and warehouse areas to a 6S Kubota standard that provides an organized, clean and safe work environment
• Follow all Kubota and OSHA safety regulations and wear prescribed safety and protective equipment
• Operate swing reach turret style forklift at elevated heights (up to 30’) in narrow spaces to pull parts and organize inventory
• Maintain calibration records and coordinate calibration activities in support of ISO 9001 methodologies
• Provide clear & direct feedback on prototype operation feel and performance
• Document and communicate prototype assembly experiences to engineers
• Use the latest in modern online collaboration software tools to efficiently communicate, document and organize work
• Maintain an open flow of communication and collaboration with Shop Foreman as well as the various engineering departments
• Other duties may be assigned that require other qualifications, physical demands, and/or work environment

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

English communication

DOT license

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Tools

Dewesoft

eDAQ

Test data collection

Job description

Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. in Salina, KS, hosts Kubota’s CERDNA Center and seeks a Test & Validation Technician to join the CE Engineering team.

You will assemble, test, and validate prototype Kubota construction equipment, collaborating across design and test engineering to drive product improvements in North America. The role involves lab and field testing, inventory management, safety compliance, and hands-on operation of sensors, data acquisition, and prototype machinery, with