Job Title: System Test Technician – StarFire GNSS
Job Type: W2, Contract
Location: Torrance, CA
Assignment Length: 24 Months
Pay Rate: $38.00-40.00ph
Summary:
The System Test Technician will travel extensively across California to test and validate John Deere’s StarFire GNSS receivers and Precision Ag technologies in real-world farm environments. This role involves hands-on equipment setup, software testing, and collaboration with engineering and farm teams to ensure system performance and readiness.
Key Responsibilities:
• Travel – Up to 90% field-based, including travel to Riverdale, CA and Irvine, CA
• Serve as the primary liaison with UC ANR South Coast Farm to coordinate all StarFire GNSS test activities.
• Collaborate with engineering teams across ISG-T and John Deere to align test operations at the Irvine site.
• Train and support UC ANR staff on John Deere Precision Ag technologies, when needed.
• Oversee maintenance and readiness of John Deere equipment; coordinate repairs with local dealers as needed.
• Manage on-site storage and upkeep of test equipment and vehicles.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with the farm management team.
• Travel to Riverdale, CA to conduct additional testing and support TDP validation in orchard environments.
• Execute software verification and validation for StarFire GNSS receivers.
• Develop and apply knowledge of GPS fundamentals through hands-on assignments and training.
• Perform field testing, including equipment setup, data logging/export, and analysis.
• Operate and test agricultural machinery in experimental field environments.
• Work independently and collaboratively with engineers to validate GNSS receiver performance.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Systems Technology, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field.
• 1+ years of experience operating precision agriculture equipment.
• Familiarity with John Deere machinery.
• Experience in system validation, verification testing, and regression testing.
• Strong analytical, communication, and reporting skills.
• Hands-on experience with equipment setup and infrastructure installation.
Preferred:
• In-depth knowledge of Precision Ag systems.
• Experience testing GNSS receivers.
• Familiarity with CAN bus communication protocols.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for hardware-related issues.