Construction Equipment Testing Technician

Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.•Salina, KS

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Great Plains Manufacturing is seeking an experienced Construction Equipment Test & Validation Technician to join Kubota’s Construction Equipment Research & Development North America (CERDNA) Engineering team at the CERDNA Center, located at the Great Plains Manufacturing Construction Equipment site in Salina, Kansas. The technician collaborates with test and design engineering teams to assemble, operate, and test Kubota construction equipment, supporting continuous improvement of Compact Track Loader and Skid Steer Loader products for North America. The role includes assembling and repairing prototypes, conducting laboratory and field machine operations, collecting test data, and working with a cross-functional and global team. The position also provides logistical support for parts and supplies entering and leaving the facility, manages onsite inventory, and maintains the shop area to Kubota 6S and safety standards. The technician follows test procedures and validation documentation, supports ISO 9001 calibration activities, and communicates prototype assembly and operating feedback to engineers. The role requires operating construction equipment and forklifts, maintaining company vehicles and trailers in accordance with DOT regulations, and following Kubota and OSHA safety requirements. Great Plains Manufacturing is headquartered in Salina, Kansas, and is a subsidiary of Kubota. The company designs, engineers, and manufactures agricultural implements and Kubota-branded construction equipment. It operates in eight Kansas communities and employs more than 2,000 people.

Requirements

Associate degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school; alternatively, at least one year of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to read and interpret prints and assembly instructions.
Ability to use basic hand and power tools.
Ability to operate construction equipment, a turret-style forklift, a medium-duty truck and trailer, and utility vehicles.
English competency, including demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
Obtain a valid DOT license (DOT medical certificate) within 60 days and maintain it.
Intermediate to high proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, workflow management software, and inventory-control programs.
Comfort working at elevated heights while wearing a safety harness.
Ability to work cross-functionally with teams to gather key inputs.
Ability to work safely in all weather conditions.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally, up to 5% per year.
Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot, perceive, and diagnose problems.
Comprehensive understanding of hydraulic and electrical control systems.
Excellent written and verbal communication, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, including working in extreme hot or cold conditions; standing for the duration of a shift; using hands to handle tools, objects, or controls; reaching; climbing stairs; balancing; stooping, kneeling, or crouching; talking and hearing; and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds.
Vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to focus.

Nice To Haves

Experience operating all types of modern construction equipment.
Knowledge of test equipment, test methods, and data collection.
Experience with Dewesoft, eDAQ, or other test data collection systems.
Previous R&D testing experience across multiple product cycles.

Responsibilities

Assemble and repair prototype machines and provide detailed engineering feedback.
Assist engineers with assembly, disassembly, and inspection of test machines.
Document and communicate vehicle quality and user-interaction experience to engineers.
Install, diagnose, and use accurate sensors and data acquisition equipment.
Use computer software and hardware to test construction machinery and equipment according to current industry standards.
Follow procedures, test methods, validation master plans, and other test and validation documentation.
Perform laboratory and field tests and reporting on prototype machines and components.
Operate and assist with prototype machines during field testing.
Help assure construction equipment meets customer expectations for safety, quality, robustness, and performance.
Pick up and deliver parts and supplies to and from Great Plains Manufacturing and local suppliers.
Use inventory software to maintain and manage storage-rack and shop-consumable inventory.
Maintain company vehicles and trailers in accordance with DOT regulations.
Maintain shop-floor and warehouse areas to Kubota 6S standards for organization, cleanliness, and safety.
Follow Kubota and OSHA safety regulations and wear prescribed safety and protective equipment.
Operate a swing-reach turret-style forklift at elevated heights, up to 30 feet, in narrow spaces to retrieve parts and organize inventory.
Maintain calibration records and coordinate calibration activities in support of ISO 9001 methodologies.
Provide clear and direct feedback to engineers on prototype operation, feel, and performance.
Document and communicate prototype assembly experiences to engineers.
Use online collaboration software to communicate, document, and organize work.
Maintain communication and collaboration with the Shop Foreman and engineering departments.
Perform other duties as assigned that may involve additional qualifications, physical demands, or work environments.