Field Test Operator- Excavator

Blue River Technology

7d • $46 - $68

About The Position

Blue River is developing smart construction equipment and seeks an experienced excavator operator to test new machine technology at a test site. The operator will run a John Deere excavator outfitted with cameras and sensors, working with field and engineering teams in real digging conditions. The role prioritizes safe, smooth, and consistent operation and clear feedback to engineers over production volume. The operator’s experience and observations will help shape equipment design; no technology background is required.

Additional duties may include serving as the in-cab safety operator during early technology testing, preparing test sites, moving machines, mentoring new operators, and providing feedback on controls, attachments, and tooling. Blue River will support the operator in earning additional certifications, such as an FAA Part 107 drone license, if needed for the work. The position reports to a Field Operations Manager or Field Test Site Manager and takes day-to-day direction from the excavator program lead and engineering team during testing. The contract term is 12 months, with the possibility of extension or transition to full-time employment. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of hands-on production experience operating excavators on real job sites.
• Experience with work beyond truck loading, including trenching, bulk excavation, benching, grading, slope work, spoil placement, and working around utilities and obstacles in different soils.
• Strong safety record and sound jobsite judgment regarding machine stability, blind spots, people on the ground, utilities, and changing ground conditions; no risky shortcuts.
• Mechanical aptitude, including a working understanding of hydraulics and machine limits, and comfort working around machine-mounted sensors, cameras, wiring, and computers.
• Comfort using a tablet or laptop for checklists, digital work instructions, and basic data entry.
• Clear verbal and written communication, a steady team-oriented approach, and professional conduct at company and customer sites.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Willingness to work outdoors and adjust schedule when testing requires it.
• Willingness to complete a hands-on operating evaluation and provide references who can speak to safety record, such as a superintendent, foreman, safety lead, or project manager.

Nice To Haves

• At least 5 years of production excavator experience across varied job types and site conditions.
• Experience operating multiple excavator brands and sizes, such as Deere, Caterpillar, Komatsu, Volvo, or Hitachi.
• Experience with other earthmoving equipment, such as dozers, wheel loaders, rollers, or skid steers.
• Experience with GPS/GNSS grade control systems, such as Trimble, Topcon, or Leica.
• Experience as a foreman, trainer, union instructor, equipment evaluator, or new-hire mentor.
• NCCER Heavy Equipment Operator credentials, IUOE journeyman status, or equivalent documented training.
• Experience with remote operation, machine automation features, prototype equipment, or field R&D testing.
• Additional safety training, such as OSHA-30 or heavy-civil safety programs.

Responsibilities

• Operate a John Deere excavator through planned tasks from startup to shutdown, including digging, swinging, dumping, loading, trenching, and grading, according to each session’s data collection plan.
• Repeat tasks smoothly and consistently to produce clean, reliable data.
• Talk through observations and operating decisions, including choices about bucket angle, approach, swing path, dig depth, and machine position.
• Follow session procedures for run naming, data logging, stop criteria, and incident reporting.
• Write brief post-session notes describing what happened, what changed, and what should happen next.
• Perform daily walkarounds, routine preventive maintenance, and basic machine troubleshooting; check before each session that cameras and sensors are clean and recording.
• Help engineers determine whether problems originated with the machine, site conditions, plan, sensors, or test setup.
• Potentially serve as an in-cab safety operator during early technology testing.
• Potentially help prepare test sites and move machines.
• Potentially mentor new operators as the team grows.
• Provide feedback on controls, attachments, and tooling.

Benefits

• Employer-provided tools, equipment, and PPE.
• Reimbursement for all job-required travel-related expenses.
• OSHA-10 training provided after hire if the employee does not already have an OSHA-10 card.
• Support in earning additional certifications, such as an FAA Part 107 drone license, if the work calls for it.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed