Engineering Technician

1. Product Research, Development & Design:          Approx. 40   % of the Job 

   1. Provide dryer system design and configuration including the selection of power and control components for the dryer/conditioning product lines. (Dryers, Heaters, Fans, Air-Systems)

   2. Collaborate and communicate with the plant manager and electrical department to support the product of the dryer control and power panels.

   3. Collaborates and communicates with customers and others to understand how to enhance customer experience, while attaining performance criteria (cost, reliability, productivity) for new and enhanced control features. 

   4. Research new opportunities, develop and design (or assist in the design) of embedded controls to enhance the products and provide leading edge technology to customers. 

   5. Develops project plans to identify timing, resources, and costs to achieve results with each new project. 

   6. Collaborates and communicates with third party suppliers to direct the design of logic board layouts and provides validation of the new features (sequences, gateway guideposts, human/machine interface and mechanical validation) from concept through production release.

   7. Performs systems testing and verification via onsite or in the field, to ensure compatibility, quality and performance standards of new or enhanced control features are achieved.

2. Product Support:       Approx.  40% of the job

   1. Trouble shooting and problem resolution mainly

      1.  Concentrated product support time during grain harvest season (Typically Labor Day to Thanksgiving)

         1. After Hours phone support (Evenings and Weekend rotation)

         2. Average 10 Hours per week during this period

   2. Onsite - Dealer phone support handling technical issues

   3. Remote - Field support as needed if the issue cannot be resolved from remote location

   4. Diagnostics and product support material

   5. Development of product support documents for dealers

3. Product technical training typically off site (3-4 Weeks per year) Approx.   15% of the job

   1. 2-Day training sessions

   2. 3-4 Locations for travel in Midwest area

The job criteria may include other duties, responsibilities and activities, which may change or be assigned at any item with or without notice.

Position Requirements:

1. Education: Requires a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology (EE or EET).

2. Experience: 2+ years of direct electrical design, flame/burner controls, control and power panel layout and design, motor drives (Frequency and VFD’s), creation of new technology for agriculture, auto/tractor, or other similar manufacturing product areas.  The ability to use 3-D/CAD drawing experience is also needed.

3. Certification(s):  N/A

   Functional Skills: Knowledge of electrical and mechanical controls, sensors, electric and control circuit design, electrical component selection, logic control sequences within control programming is required.  Prior experience in designing and developing electrical and control systems is preferred. Experience National Electrical Code and electrical control systems design along with component selection is desired. 

4. Understanding the sequence to operate grain conditioning, handling, and storage systems is preferred. Strong ability to listen and communicate with customers to understand needs and create solutions that will meet customer’s expectations on value and price, while maximizing profit is critical.

5. Technology Aptitude/Skills: Knowledge and understanding of Smart systems, sensor technology, and Smart controls, is also preferred. Intermediate use of Microsoft programs (such as Word, Excel and Powerpoint) and ERP systems is also required.

6. Language Skills: Able to read/write/speak English fluently.

7. Leadership/Behaviors: Ability to engage with new technology, collaborate with team members, to ensure project plan timelines, guideposts, and due dates are achieved is also important. Leadership skills with an ability to lead and influence cross functional teams through product design gates is key.  Must be innovative and possess diplomacy with a desire to develop management skills.   Passionate about making a difference. 

8. Culture Match Behaviors:  Open communication, can initiate dialog to help find solutions, team player, can respectfully share information to help develop and adhere to best practices.

Core Values that Apply to All Positions: 

• Integrity in all things

• Customers are why we exist

• Profitability is a must

• Excellence in all we do

• People make the difference

Equipment Used:

• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, wifi, phones, printers/copiers/scanners and filling systems. 

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Functions:

• Ability to sit at desk for 5+ hours per day

• Ability to operate keyboard and view computer screen for majority of day 6-7 hours

• Ability to write ideas/information in a logical flow for 5+ hours per day

• Ability to read and respond on an on-going basis daily due to nature of the work, throughout the day

• Ability to communicate with others via phone, in-person, and computer on-going 

• Ability to listen to customers, problem-solve, and respond accordingly

• Ability to instruct and/or operate basic hand or power tools 

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, kneel, squat, twist, climb, and carry and lift to 75 lbs. 

Ability to climb Grain Bins, Dryers & Catwalks with heights of up to 150 ft (with safety gear) may also be required on occasion for troubleshooting and problem solving while on-site

Environmental Conditions & Travel:

• The employee is primarily exposed to a normal office environment with moderate noise. The employee is occasionally required to wear suitable Personal Protective Equipment while visiting manufacturing departments or client locations.

• This position may face inclement weather conditions when traveling. 

• Up to 15% travel based on expected visits to prototype new designs in field, dealer training, customer site support or visit key suppliers of project​