Field Tester

About Us

As a family-owned company, it’s the people who continue to make STIHL a successful, world-class brand.  Since revolutionizing the forestry industry in Germany with the first electric chainsaw in 1926, the STIHL name has remained synonymous with outstanding innovations, high-quality products and comprehensive service.

STIHL is seeking a highly motivated, passionate Field Tester to join our team at our corporate headquarters in Virginia Beach, VA! With competitive compensation, excellent benefits and exciting growth potential, it's a great time to join the STIHL team.

Position highlights include:

• Competitive Compensation with multiple bonus opportunities.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability
• Pension Plan & 401k with employer match
• Vacation, Sick, & Paid Holidays

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Coordinates placement of prototype products per direction and guidelines from the Test Department of Andreas STIHL A.G. & Co. and Mgr. Product Service.
• Obtains, delivers, tracks and monitors the use and application of test products following project deadlines.
• Coordinates with Branch/Distributor personnel and the STIHL Inc. Sales Dept. to identify potential test users and to request assistance as needed.
• Prepares products for implementation of field tests.
• Maintains spare parts supply for test products.
• Maintains and updates field testing database.
• Sources test users and coordinates implementation of field testing with these users.
• Provides information and training to test users regarding safe and proper operation of test products.
• Maintains and updates an inventory list of products that are in testing including product model, serial number or identification number, users’ names, addresses and phone numbers.
• Modifies, updates and repairs test products as required.
• Disassembles test products as requested to provide measurements and data per project guidelines.
• Regularly communicates with Mgr Product Service and STIHL Inc. Product Managers to inform them of products that are being tested and keeps them updated on any failure issues or market acceptance issues that would have an effect on the market release or customer acceptance of the products.
• Maintains necessary records and analyzes test data using appropriate statistics.
• Prepares and submits regular field test reports to STIHL DE & US. 
• Maintains an MS Outlook calendar for travel scheduling and test user visits.
• Assists STIHL Inc. Technical Services Specialists to provide information that would be helpful in resolving product failures with series production products.

Specifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of related technical experience preferred.
• Basic to intermediate Microsoft software knowledge, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Office.
• Intermediate to advanced understanding in the repair, operation and troubleshooting of small 2-cycle and 4-cycle internal combustion engines and hand held portable power equipment is preferred.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of small electric and battery powered hand tools is preferred.
• Ability to properly use technical measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, and measuring gauges.
• Broad experience in repair and operation of outdoor power equipment (STIHL experience a plus).
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to rent/drive automobiles.
• German and/or Spanish proficiency preferred.
• Must be able to travel up to 150 days per year by road and/or air.