Machine Specialist

About Us 
We invite you to help us shape the future of agriculture. At Syngenta, we believe every employee has a role to play in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. To support that challenge, the Seeds Development Operations team is currently seeking a Machine Specialist in Clinton, IL. 

Responsibilities cover maintenance, fabrication, and improvements related to mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electronic equipment.  Assisting team installing current designs and improvements on past or developing new designs will be necessary. Work as a member of the Operations Team to meet stakeholder needs.  All duties to be performed with indirect supervision of the Operations Manager and direct supervision from the Station Manager. All duties to be performed in a safe manner and understanding of required PPE when working on or with power tools & equipment.  
  
Accountabilities  

• Provide mechanical and fabrication expertise to research activities involving seed processing equipment and field equipment
• Take lead on all upgrades, re-engineering, and improvement of equipment and technology related to Operations activities at Clinton 
• Create and implement maintenance schedule for applicable equipment 
• Install, train, and support GPS navigation systems in tractors
• Install and support harvest data collection systems in research plot combines
• Install, train, and support electronic systems on seeding/sowing related plot research equipment
• Act as a liaison within North America Seeds Development R&D to data analytics and equipment teams as well as third party equipment companies 
• Be available to support and assist Clinton Operations personnel in troubleshooting and problem solving of mechanical or electrical systems
• Participate in all equipment related Continuous Improvement or Six Sigma projects 
• Provide training and education to various size groups about the use of our equipment and each specific machine.
• Assist Engineering and Quality departments in the testing and development of new and modified research equipment
• May perform general assembly of farm equipment, outdoor power equipment, etc.
• Proficient knowledge of the mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems on agriculture equipment.
   

Requirements 

• Must have a Bachelor’s Degree
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Possess excellent troubleshooting and diagnostic skills in the area of agriculture equipment repair.
• Ability to set priorities, estimate input and timeline requirements, and organize personal work schedule to meet project deadlines
• Ability to perform advanced repairs and maintenance using special tools and equipment
• Innovative: Seek new and unique opportunities to improve product quality and stakeholder satisfaction
• Ability to adapt to changing environmental/situational needs
• Ability to apply knowledge and skills to a creative, agricultural research-oriented environment
• Experience and understanding of agriculture research are desirable
• Maintains and documents time spent repairing equipment, parts used, and condition of machines and equipment.
• Performs preventative maintenance to agriculture machines.
• May be required to work in uncomfortable position periodically and stand for extended periods of time.
• Must follow all Health, Safety, and Environmental rules and regulations.
• Experience with high-throughput automated systems and relevant information technology
• Hands on experience with essential tools while working on fabrication projects involving, but not limited to, welding, torching, shaping, cutting, and drilling of metal, plastics, etc.
• A working knowledge of Ag electronics & mechanics including precision farming
• Valid driver’s license
• Understand the importance of safety and shop environment
• All applicants must be eligible to work in the US without visa support
• Ability to work days, evenings, and weekends
• Ability to lift 65 pounds

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  
Capable of working in high or low temperature conditions in field or greenhouse.  Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.  Capable of working long hours during time-critical periods of the growing season

WORKING CONDITIONS WHILE PERFORMING ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Field, laboratory, office.  Domestic and international travel required with occasional overnight stays. Stays at off-season production/nursery locations may extend to two to three weeks.  Potential allergens pollen, fungal spores, chemical pesticides in the field or greenhouse.

Seasonal travel to off station testing locations, project meetings.  Domestic and international travel required with seasonal overnight stays.

Preferred Requirements

• Pneumatic, mechanical, fluid control, and electronic abilities a plus
• Proven record of meeting deadlines in peak seasons.
• Ability to use and support proprietary IT systems.
• Experience with Power BI, SmartSheets is a plus
• Experience with precision agriculture equipment and software systems
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to use MS Office, especially Word, Excel, Power Point and other standard office software.
• Ability to use and support proprietary IT systems for data collection/analysis, tracking agronomic practices, and metric and KPI tracking.
• Experience in the operation, adjustment, maintenance of and ability to do minor repairs on various plot equipment, including a planter, tractor, cultivator, sprayer, combine, truck and trailer is desirable.
• Ability to learn and use proprietary systems for label printing and inventory management.
• Ability and motivation to learn new technologies.
   

What We Offer: 

• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts the same day you do 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution 
• Open Vacation Policy with a minimum of 15 days of vacation and up to 30 days with manager approval, 9 Paid Holidays 
• Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts among others 
• A culture that promotes work/life balance, celebrates diversity, and offers numerous family-oriented events throughout the year 

 
  
Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. 
 
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)  
(http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmla.htm) 
 
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC) 
(http://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/firststep/poster_direct.htm) 
 
Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) 
(http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppa.htm) 
 
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About Syngenta 
Syngenta is a global leader in agriculture; rooted in science and dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 28,000 employees in more than 90 countries work together to solve one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: growing more food with fewer resources. A diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace environment are enablers of our ambition to be the most collaborative and trusted team in agriculture. Our employees reflect the diversity of our customers, the markets where we operate and the communities which we serve. No matter what your position, you will have a vital role in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.