The Design Engineer is responsible for design and development of innovative products that provide high quality and reliable performance to our customers at a competitive cost. The Design Engineer also serves as a technical resource for design engineering, sales, marketing, and manufacturing by participating in design reviews and providing input and review of projects as directed.
 

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESinclude the following. Others duties may be assigned.

• Design major components and/or subsystems for Kuhn and Kuhn Knight branded equipment.
• Develop and evaluate product designs based on customer needs, manufacturability, cost, and safety.
• Develop design specifications in collaboration with product management, sales and marketing, manufacturing, product development teams, product/applications testing, and customers for projects assigned
• Develop test plans and direct testing of the design with test personnel.
• Set product quality and tolerance specifications for designs.
• Design and/or select hydraulic, power transmission, and structural components.
• Perform engineering design calculations pertinent to the design of Kuhn Knight products.
• Operate CAD design software to design, layout, produce drawings and develop bills of materials.
• Work with manufacturing to develop tooling and new manufacturing processes as assigned.
• Develop a high level of knowledge of Kuhn and Kuhn Knight branded products by attending trade shows, initiating customer contacts, understanding customer service requirements, and monitoring competitors.
• Keep abreast of new products, technologies, and competitive equipment in the industry and communicate information to Company personnel.
• Maintain work area in a clean and orderly fashion and conform to quality and safety procedures.
• Participate in all product design review and provide input on designs based on experience and knowledge of design and manufacturing.
• Provide technical support to purchasing and suppliers as assigned.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing on processes and equipment as assigned.
• Keep up-to-date on technologies that apply to Kuhn and Kuhn Knight branded equipment.
• Provide technical support to service and assist dealers and customers as assigned to solve equipment performance and reliability issues.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience A bachelor s degree in agricultural or mechanical engineering and related agricultural or industrial equipment design experience is required. Knowledge and experience in the areas of machining, steel fabrication, and welding are essential. A farming background with knowledge of hay tools,  spreaders and mixers also required.

Language Skills Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, blue prints, technical manuals/procedures, and sales and engineering documentation. Ability to write standard service documentation. Ability to effectively present information, respond to questions, and solve problems with teams and/or individual employees at all levels in the organization.

Mathematical Skills Ability to perform design calculations for mechanical structures, drive components, and hydraulic systems.

Reasoning Ability Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret a variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form, and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to assume responsibility for the results of decisions made.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Requires a valid driver s license issued in the state of the employee s permanent residence.

Skills/Abilities Ability to operate a variety of office equipment, including computer and telephone/voice mail systems, fax machine, and copier. Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks to meet required deadlines. Ability to accept constructive criticism and work well under pressure. Requires a comprehensive understanding of Company products and the ability to operate a variety of farm equipment, including tractors, spreaders, mixers, etc. Ability to design using CAD systems (ProE preferred).