Product Evaluation Technician

The Production Evaluation Technician performs various product performance evaluation and testing activities, including Kuhn/Kuhn Knight products, competitive product benchmarking and new R& D projects.   ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned. Set up, adjust and operate test equipment to accurately evaluate Kuhn Knight and Kuhn product performance utilizing prepared test plans.  Document test results and other significant data.Produce and distribute test reports to proper engineering, product support and sales and marketing team members, including relevant statistical data, as well as, commentary describing the nature of the problem and potential solutions.Investigate/test solutions to improve current products and document field fix instructions.Test or solicit performance information on competitive equipment and document results for engineering and sales and marketing personnel.Coordinate testing activities with customer locations, considering customer needs and accommodations.Assist the customer service and manufacturing departments with investigation of product problems.Participate in the product evaluation team process to continually improve the quality of our testing and product development processes.  Continually strive to find better ways to complete tasks and be the best in the industry.Maintain work area in a clean and orderly fashion and conform to quality and safety procedures. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTSTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education and/or Experience A bachelor s degree in Agricultural Engineering Technology is preferred and a related two or four-year degree program is required.Extensive knowledge of spreading, mixing and hay tool technology is preferred. Knowledge and experience in the areas of farm equipment engineering, testing, mechanics/repair, electricity, hydraulics, and welding is also preferred. Language Skills - Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, product and component drawings, technical manuals/procedures, and engineering documentation.  Ability to write standard service documentation.  Ability to effectively present information, respond to questions, and solve problems with teams and/or individual employees at all levels of the organization. Mathematical Skills - Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of English and metric measure using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, ratios, percentages, and proportions to practical situations. Reasoning Ability Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.  Ability to interpret a variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.  Ability to take responsibility for the result of the decision. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Requires a valid driver s license issued in the state of the employee s permanent residence. Skills/Abilities - Ability to operate a variety of office equipment including computer and telephone/voice mail systems, photocopier, and fax machine.  Ability to perform basic engineering drawings on CAD software. Ability to work independently and to organize and prioritize tasks to meet required deadlines.  Ability to accept constructive criticism and work well under pressure.  Requires a comprehensive understanding of company products and the ability to operate a variety of farm equipment including tractors, spreaders, mixers, etc. PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or touch objects, tools or controls; sit; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk; reach above shoulders; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENTThe work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and in outdoor weather conditions. Job related travel will be required on a regular basis and may require extended stays away from home. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  While working in plant production areas (fabrication, welding, warehouse & paint departments) for extended periods of time, hearing protection is required. The employee is required to wear leather work boots/shoes and safety glasses with side shields while working in posted productions areas and when operating hand and power tools. The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principle functions of the occupation described and shall not be construed as a detaile