John Deere Research & Development Center - Silvis: Engineering Technician

 At John Deere, we run so life can leap forward. This powerful purpose is our promise to humankind that we will dream, design, and deliver breakthrough products that sustain our world for generations to come. The world is counting on us to feed billions of people and build vital infrastructures in villages, towns and megacities. And we live up to the legacy our founder forged in a one-room blacksmith's shop nearly two centuries ago by creating a culture that brings out the best in all of us. A culture where great ideas thrive because every voice is heard.

Primary Location: United States (US) - Illinois  - East Moline   

As an Engineering Technician with John Deere Reseach & Development Center (Silvis, IL), you will: 

Set up, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and operate hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation equipment to conduct laboratory and field tests of agricultural implements and components to obtain engineering data for product development and improvement. 

Job details are dependent on duties assigned but in general consist of the following: 

• Travel for field testing and reporting – up to 40 percent of the year. 

• Effectively work with engineers and customers in planning, developing, implementing, and analyzing the results of laboratory and field test processes. 

• Perform work required for product development, testing and evaluation at the John Deere Research & Development Center (Silvis, IL) and other locations in North America and worldwide. 

• Set up and conduct laboratory tests on experimental equipment and components using electronic, hydraulic, and mechanical instrumentation to determine performance, power, efficiency, environmental impact, vibration, fatigue, durability, and operational characteristics. 

• Develop, build, calibrate, install, maintain, and operate electronic, electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical instrumentation and test equipment in the experimental test laboratory and instrumentation vehicles. 

• Conduct tests to obtain engineering data for evaluation and design of agricultural equipment and components. 

• Perform full vehicle and subsystem software testing utilizing computers and computer tools. 

• Assemble, disassemble, diagnose problems, overhaul, repair, adjust, and test experimental agricultural equipment and components, performing major mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic work to determine the accuracy of specifications, part dimensions, adjustments, functional performance, stability, durability, and field service feasibility characteristics. 

• Set up and maintain test fixtures and stands, associated controls, and instrumentation. 

• Check, service, and calibrate test equipment to keep it in satisfactory working condition. 

• Communicate progress through daily and weekly test reports, communicate issues found using John Deere Tools, assist engineering in problem resolution. 

• Assist and support other team members and work with minimal supervision. 

• Clean work area and perform other miscellaneous duties inherent to the job. 

• Work shift flexibility if needed, typically 1st shift position. 

Starting Pay:  $39.24 / hour

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Must be at least 18 years of age. 
• Must have at least one of the following:
  • High School Diploma or G.E.D.
  • National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)
  • At least 3 years of manufacturing work experience

• At least 2 years of hands-on mechanical and/or electrical aptitude gained through post-secondary education and/or equivalent work experience.

• Ability and willingness to travel (up to 40% of the time). 

• Must have valid driver’s license and ability and willingness to obtain CDL (if don’t have one already). 

• Experience with computers and electronic devices; including proficiency with Microsoft Office. 

• Ability to perform manual tasks related to described job duties for duration of work shift; including but not limited to frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting. 

• Ability and willingness to work potential overtime (including weekends). 

What Makes You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications):  

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in technology-related field (Electronic Engineering Technology, Agricultural or Mechanical Engineering Technology, etc.). 

• Experience working with electronic instrumentation and test equipment. 
• Prior experience in similar role as an intern or part-time student at John Deere Silvis, demonstrating strong performance and attendance.

Why Work at John Deere? Why Work anywhere else?  

If you strive to do great work, excel in creative environments, thrive in teams, and live for problem solving – this is the place for you.   

At John Deere, your ideas, experiences, and values matter.  

Please see below for a summary of the value of your John Deere career and total rewards available to you to support you and your well-being.   

• Highly competitive base pay and performance bonuses  

• Savings & Retirement benefits  

• Wellbeing – Physical and Mental Healthcare  

• Paid Holidays & Competitive Vacation Packages  

• Employee Assistance Programs  

• Tuition Assistance  

• Fitness subsidies and on-site gyms at specific Deere locations  

• Charitable contribution match  

• Rebate Program & numerous discount programs for personal use  

John Deere is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.