Research and Development Technician

The Research and Development Technician performs product installations and administers testing of materials, devices, and concepts on new and existing products as well as test fixturing and general test equipment maintenance.

• Assist Engineering with setting up, initiating, coordinating, testing, and evaluating design projects.
• Record, review, and document testing data for analysis.
• Examine, troubleshoot, and diagnose hydraulic and 12-volt electrical systems and components.
• Use conventional and precision measuring instruments to collect data.
• Consult and provide project status updates to Engineering Management.
• Estimate required effort and materials required for assigned tasks.
• Fabricate custom components for test and evaluation.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out written or verbal instructions.
• Ability to effectively communicate with people from production levels to management levels. 
• Responsible for complying with safety and quality systems procedures as required; follow all company safety rules as laid out in the company safety manual and all other company policies.
• Perform miscellaneous duties and projects as assigned and required.
• Perform basic preventative maintenance on testing and facility equipment
• Reading and understanding blueprints and other technical documents required to perform equipment installation, testing, troubleshooting, and repair.  The ability to collaborate with engineering and other technical resources as needed.
• Works to minimize or eliminate scrap and rework within area and works to continually improve quality level within that area.
• Maintain company equipment and work areas in a clean and orderly manner.
• Continually strive to improve in all aspects of job requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment according to department standards.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
• Punctuality and regular attendance is required.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Ability to properly install and operate measuring & testing equipment such as tape measure, multi-meter, caliper, weld gauges, flow meters, etc.
• Must have general knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
• Must be capable of reading and interpreting technical material including manuals, blueprints, electrical and hydraulic schematics.
• Basic Knowledge and understanding of MRP software.
• Must be willing to learn to obtain drawings and view models in 3D software.
• Must have or be willing to attain a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), be able to pass a DOT physical, and be willing to submit to random drug tests.
• Welding experience (steel and aluminum) with ability to obtain A.W.S. D14.3 welding certification.
• Knowledge of hydraulic, 12-volt electrical, and CAN systems.
• Ability to use applicable measurement and data collection instrumentation for mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical diagnosis.
• Ability to communicate with co-workers, management, and various business contacts in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings and schematics.

Technical Skills

• Have a good working knowledge of hydraulics, electrical wiring, welding and metal fabrication.
• Ability to read blueprints and perform or instruct work to conform to print.
• Understanding of shop tools and functions and the ability to instruct employees on safe and proper use.
• Familiar with the use of volt ohmmeter, high voltage tester, tachometer, heat sensors, pneumatic, and hydraulic flow and pressure meters.
• Ability to instruct and advise on basic hydraulic truck equipment troubleshooting, repair, and installation.  Training on specific equipment may be needed and made available.
• Basic math including fundamental algebra knowledge required.

Reasoning Ability

• Able to follow established procedures
• Able to make exceptions to procedures with supporting documentation or reasoning
• Good problem-solving ability
• Able to work independently as well as with a team

Education and/or Experience     

• High School diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
• 2-year Technical/Associate’s degree or 2 years of related product/mechanical experience (Mechanical, Electrical, Hydraulic) preferred.
• Experience working with product development and testing is preferred.
• Experience with heavy equipment, construction or agricultural, preferred.
• CAD and 3D modeling experience is a plus

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this position the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk and hear, and frequently required to reach, stoop, kneel, and crouch. The employee will also be required to lay under equipment to visually and physically check the installation of wiring and hydraulic systems. Employee will be required to work indoors in a shop environment and outside in all weather conditions.  Employee must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. 

Additional Requirements:

• Company sponsored continuing education may be required.
• Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected.