Operator Station & Control Design Engineer

Job purpose

Work with the Turf Engineering North America (TENA) New Product Development team to deliver high-quality designs for the operator stations and control system ergonomics of new turf products that meet Kubota standards, domestic and international standards, and the requirements of all markets served by these products. Additionally, collaborate with external suppliers to develop high-quality fenders and cosmetic plastic parts for our products. Responsible for designing related sheet metal components, such as brackets, and contributing to the development of new ergonomic systems for operators.

Duties and responsibilities

• Produce high-quality engineering work that meets project deadlines and goals.
• Generate new and creative designs for the operators station and control system ergonomics of Kubota turf products that meet requirements of quality, cost manufacturability and safety.
• Collaborate closely with the design team, test and evaluation, manufacturing, purchasing, quality control, etc., throughout the entire design process, from prototyping to production.
• Work with external suppliers to develop seat, fenders, and other cosmetic plastics for the turf products.
• Create comprehensive design reports, 3D models, and drawings based on Kubota standards, engineering research, and advanced calculations.
• Resolve complex technical challenges related to new product design. Work in various environments, including the office, test field, and manufacturing facilities.
• Demonstrate flexibility with extended work hours to collaborate with international business units. Must also be physically capable of domestic and international travel (up to 20% of the time).

Essential Skills and Experience

• Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar engineering-related field.
• 2 to 3 years of experience in New Product Development.
• Proven track record of successful work in a cross-cultural environment.
• Experience in engineering mechanics and vehicle systems, including operator station ergonomics, statics, dynamics, kinematics, etc.
• Familiarity with manufacturing and fabrication processes such as cutting, drilling, welding, forming, and machining.
• Proficient in using engineering tools such as Failure Modes Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Root Cause Analysis.
• Experience interpreting Finite Element Analysis (FEA) reports and developing design solutions for material fatigue.
• Strong organizational and motivational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Outstanding problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• CATIA V5 Experience 3 years
• Advanced 3D surface modeling with Computer Aided Design (CAD)
• Experience with outdoor power equipment
• Experience leading technical projects for 3 or more years
• Experience programming Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling machines using Computer Aided Machining (CAM) or writing G-Code instructions
• Experience with 3D printing / additive manufacturing
• Familiarity with finite element analysis or structural validation
• Familiarity with the design and application of injection & blow molded polymers
• Experience with Design for Manufacturability and ASME Y 14.5 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Bilingual: Japanese Preferred

Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical Requirements

Team member uses hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, reach with hands and arms; ascend stairs; balance; stoop, kneel or crouch; talk and hear. It may be necessary to travel between offices in our facilities and it could be in hot, cold, or inclement weather conditions. The team member must occasionally lift up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus.

Direct reports

None