Field Tester (Virginia Beach, VA, US, 23452) chez STIHL International Website - Your manufacturer for power garden tools | STIHL

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. 

We are seeking a Field Tester to join the team. With competitive compensation, excellent benefits and exciting growth potential, it is a great time to join the STIHL team! 

Why You’ll Love Working at STIHL: 

• Competitive pay with multiple bonus opportunities and potential for annual merit increases 
• Excellent health benefits including Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance 
• Onsite Health & Wellness Center for employees and eligible family members 
• Company-paid Life Insurance and Short & Long-Term Disability 
• Robust retirement offerings including: 
• A fully vested Pension Plan after 5 years 
• A 401(k) with generous employer match 
• Paid time off including Vacation, Sick Time, and 11 Paid Holidays 
• A strong culture of stability, community, and innovation 

About You

As the Field Tester, you will lead product testing efforts across the U.S. and its territories by identifying qualified end-users, distributing test products, and monitoring their use. You’ll collect and analyze performance data, report failures, and collaborate with STIHL R&D engineers to ensure accurate, actionable insights that support new product development and continuous improvement. 

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Coordinates prototype product field testing within the United States and U.S. territories under direction of the Field Testing Manager and the testing department of Andreas Stihl A.G. & Co. or other STIHL affiliates
• Places, tracks and monitors the use and application of field test products. Qualifies potential test sites and coordinates the implementation of field tests. Maintains spare parts supply for test products. Provides information and training to test users regarding safe and proper operation of test products. Effectively and transparently plans and schedules all aspects of tests including travel, test site visits and major deliverables for project timelines with the help of the Field Testing Manager or a senior Field Tester
• Assembles and prepares products for field tests which includes assembling and activating components and field test data acquisition instruments that will be used with the products. Utilizes electronic systems and software for data acquisition from test products. Proposes software changes and features to improve data acquisition from test products
• Gathers information on product run time, product failures and product acceptance issues. Supports failure analysis and user acceptance of test products. Supply field test database with up to date information on current projects. Prepares and submits regular field test reports to Andreas Stihl A.G. & Co. or other STIHL affiliates and STIHL Incorporated management
• Collaborates with testing engineers of Andreas Stihl A.G. & Co. or other STIHL affiliates to develop procedures and criteria for data acquisition. Proposes test design changes to using good engineering principles. Modifies, updates and repairs test products as directed by development test engineers of Andreas Stihl A.G. & Co. or other STIHL affiliates. Disassembles test products as requested to provide measurements and data per project guidelines
• Communicates regularly with Product Service Manager and STIHL Inc. Product Managers. Keeps relevant parties informed of products currently undergoing testing. Keeps the Field Testing Team informed of failures or market acceptance issues that could have an effect on market release timelines or customer acceptance
• Maintains regular communication with STIHL Inc. Product Service Specialists and Service Support Supervisor.  If requested, provides information that would be helpful in understanding the operation and design of new products and new product features
• Maintains STIHL Inc. confidentiality regarding test products, product designs and product developments
• All other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Specifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or related discipline preferred
• Valid Driver’s license is required
• Work experience 1-3 years
• Average travel requirements 25% to 50%
• Professional outdoor power equipment user (landscaper, arborist, etc.) experience preferred
• Thorough understanding in the repair, operation, and troubleshooting of small 2-cycle and 4-cycle internal combustion engines and hand held portable power equipment is required (STIHL experience a plus)
• Basic knowledge and understanding of small electric and battery powered hand tools is preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, Power Point and PowerBI
• Ability to properly use technical measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, and other gauges