Field Test Engineer-Madison Boston (CNH) Mgr

Job Description

The Field Test Engineer performs hands-on field validation of agricultural and crop harvesting equipment under real-world and simulated operating conditions. This role is ideal for individuals with experience in field testing or operating outdoor equipment who enjoy working with machinery in farm and agricultural environments while collaborating closely with engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Execute validation plans, machine evaluations, and functional and safety tests on agricultural and crop harvesting equipment in the field or at designated test facilities.

• Set up, operate, and monitor test equipment and prototypes to ensure accurate and reliable test execution.

• Collect and analyze test data using instrumentation and data acquisition tools to measure noise, vibration, speed, torque, hydraulic pressure and flow, and electronic sensor outputs.

• Use diagnostic tools and measurement methods to interpret test results and identify performance trends or anomalies.

• Troubleshoot equipment issues by diagnosing component and system problems during and after tests.

• Document machine performance and test outcomes clearly and accurately in concise test reports.

• Support root-cause investigations by providing detailed data, observations, and technical input to engineering teams.

• Inspect, repair, and update pre-production or prototype machinery to maintain test readiness and ensure equipment is safe and functional.

• Prepare machinery and test setups before field trials, including configuration, calibration, and verification of test instrumentation.

• Collaborate with design, software, and manufacturing engineering teams to provide feedback on equipment performance and test findings.

• Interact professionally with dealers, farmers, and other external stakeholders during field tests while maintaining confidentiality of prototype equipment and test results.

• Follow established safety procedures and best practices when working with heavy machinery and in outdoor agricultural environments.

• Maintain accurate records of test activities, equipment configurations, and maintenance performed on test assets.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and comfort working hands-on with machinery and tools.

• Experience operating or testing outdoor equipment, particularly in agricultural or similar environments.

• Basic knowledge of vehicle systems such as powertrain, hydraulics, electronics, or embedded software.

• Ability to use hand tools for inspection, repair, and maintenance of test equipment and machinery.

• Ability to work independently at remote test locations and manage field test activities with minimal supervision.

• Strong verbal communication skills for interacting with engineering teams, dealers, and farmers.

• Strong written communication skills for preparing clear and concise test reports and documentation.

• Ability to use instrumentation and data acquisition tools to collect and interpret measurements such as noise, vibration, speed, torque, hydraulic pressure and flow, and sensor data.

• Interest in agricultural machinery and field-based engineering work.

• Professionalism and discretion in protecting prototype confidentiality when working with external stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Candidates without a degree may also be considered based on relevant experience and technical capability.

• Familiarity with data acquisition and measurement methods used in vehicle and machinery testing.

• Preferred experience with CAN bus communication systems for vehicle diagnostics and data logging.

• Preferred familiarity with Python or MATLAB for data analysis and processing of test results.

• Preferred experience using diagnostic tools for troubleshooting vehicle systems and embedded electronics.

• Experience using tools such as Jira or similar platforms for tracking issues, test tasks, and documentation.

Work Environment

This role is primarily field-based and involves working outdoors in farm fields and agricultural test sites. The Field Test Engineer spends significant time around heavy agricultural and crop harvesting equipment in real operating conditions, including varying weather and terrain. Work is hands-on and may require frequent travel to remote test locations and test facilities. The environment emphasizes safety, practical problem-solving, and close collaboration with engineering teams and farming operations, with a focus on maintaining confidentiality of prototype equipment and test activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Lancaster, PA.

Pay and Benefits

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Lancaster,PA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 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 without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

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

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

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall 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 applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.