Field Tester

STIHL•Virginia Beach, VA

1d•$83,000 - $102,000•Hybrid

About The Position

This role coordinates product field tests throughout the United States and U.S. territories. The Field Tester identifies and recruits qualified end-users, provides test products, and monitors product performance throughout established testing schedules. This position involves collecting and analyzing field test data, investigating and reporting product failures, and collaborating closely with STIHL research and development engineers. The goal is to ensure accurate, comprehensive field testing and failure analysis information is collected, prioritized, and communicated to support new product development, product enhancements, and continuous improvement efforts.

Requirements

Thorough understanding in the repair, operation, and troubleshooting of small 2-cycle and 4-cycle internal combustion engines and hand held portable power equipment is required.
Valid Driver’s license is required and clean driving record.
Ability to properly use technical measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, and other gauges.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, Power Point and PowerBI.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or related discipline preferred.
3-5 years of experience in the outdoor power equipment field with strong mechanical ability.
Professional outdoor power equipment user (landscaper, arborist, etc.) experience preferred.
Basic knowledge and understanding of small electric and battery powered hand tools is preferred.
STIHL experience a plus.

Responsibilities

Coordinates prototype product field testing within the United States and U.S. territories under direction of the Field Testing Manager and the testing department of Andreas Stihl A.G. & Co. or other STIHL affiliates.
Places, tracks and monitors the use and application of field test products. Qualifies potential test sites and coordinates the implementation of field tests. Maintains spare parts supply for test products. Provides information and training to test users regarding safe and proper operation of test products. Effectively and transparently plans and schedules all aspects of tests including travel, test site visits and major deliverables for project timelines with the help of the Field Testing Manager or a senior Field Tester.
Assembles and prepares products for field tests which includes assembling and activating components and field test data acquisition instruments that will be used with the products. Utilizes electronic systems and software for data acquisition from test products. Proposes software changes and features to improve data acquisition from test products.
Gathers information on product run time, product failures and product acceptance issues. Supports failure analysis and user acceptance of test products. Supply field test database with up to date information on current projects. Prepares and submits regular field test reports to Andreas Stihl A.G. & Co. or other STIHL affiliates and STIHL Incorporated management.
Collaborates with testing engineers of Andreas Stihl A.G. & Co. or other STIHL affiliates to develop procedures and criteria for data acquisition. Proposes test design changes to using good engineering principles. Modifies, updates and repairs test products as directed by development test engineers of Andreas Stihl A.G. & Co. or other STIHL affiliates. Disassembles test products as requested to provide measurements and data per project guidelines.
Communicates regularly with Product Service Manager and STIHL Inc. Product Managers. Keeps relevant parties informed of products currently undergoing testing. Keeps the Field Testing Team informed of failures or market acceptance issues that could have an effect on market release timelines or customer acceptance.
Maintains regular communication with STIHL Inc. Product Service Specialists and Service Support Supervisor. If requested, provides information that would be helpful in understanding the operation and design of new products and new product features.
Maintains STIHL Inc. confidentiality regarding test products, product designs and product developments.
All other duties and responsibilities as assigned.