Position Title: Production Systems Engineer
Location: St. Paul, MN 
Schedule: 1st shift, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Overtime: Minimal)
Assignment Lenght: 24 Months

Pay Rate: $32/hr (W2 through KellyOCG for John Deere)
Visa Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available now or in the future for this position.

Position Summary

The Production Systems Engineer will support the assembly, integration, testing, and production of electromechanical assemblies used in drone-based agricultural sensors, including cameras and stabilizing gimbals.

This role requires hands-on experience with electromechanical component builds, system integration, testing, troubleshooting, and production support. The engineer will help plan production schedules, ensure timely completion of customer orders, eliminate production defects, and collaborate with engineering teams to improve products and manufacturing processes.

The position will also support design documentation, transition mature designs into factory production, maintain existing designs, and serve as a technical liaison between engineering teams and contract manufacturers.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform technical assembly and electromechanical component builds.
• Integrate wired assemblies and complete box builds.
• Support production design updates and design-for-manufacturing activities.
• Develop and provide technical documentation to third-party manufacturers.
• Collaborate with electrical hardware designers to define:
  • Size and shape requirements
  • Connectorization
  • Indicators
  • User inputs for circuit card assemblies
• Program circuit card assemblies (CCAs).
• Perform system checkout, functional testing, and validation.
• Conduct optical assembly, alignment, and focusing.
• Support production schedule planning and execution.
• Support flight-testing activities.
• Document checkout and test results.
• Ensure delivery of defect-free products.
• Monitor material availability to support production requirements.
• Perform diagnostic analysis and repair damaged equipment.
• Investigate and resolve product faults and failures.
• Support customer-order assembly builds as the highest production priority.
• Facilitate change management between production and engineering teams, including:
  • Drawings
  • Design updates
  • Technical data
  • Internal and external documentation
• Serve as a liaison between engineering staff and production teams regarding product questions and recommendations.
• Act as the technical point of contact for contract manufacturers.
• Manage technical data package documentation for assemblies.
• Facilitate, review, and implement quality-assurance processes with contract manufacturers.
• Maintain and update existing product designs and production documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, or a related field.
• At least one year of experience using PTC Creo.
• Ability to independently interpret technical requirements.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work constructively within a team environment.
• Highly motivated and self-directed.
• Ability to scope work, prioritize efforts, and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• FAA Part 107 certification must be obtained within three months of employment.
• Ability to work onsite immediately.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in assembly or production environments.
• Experience with electromechanical assembly, integration, or testing.
• Experience supporting design transfers into factory production.
• Experience with contract manufacturing and technical data packages.
• Experience with quality-assurance processes.
• Experience with drone or UAS platforms.
• Experience with optical assemblies, cameras, gimbals, or agricultural sensors.
• Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Approximately 75% of the workday will be spent on your feet.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Hands-on work with electromechanical assemblies, production equipment, and test systems is required.
• Business casual dress code.
• Position begins onsite immediately.

Travel Requirements

• Travel using a personal vehicle may be required.
• Travel will generally be within a 30-mile radius of the St. Paul facility.