Equipment engineers develop blueprints and models to upgrade or create new models of farm machinery or livestock equipment based on current research findings and feedback from buyers and users.
Primary Duties:
- Prepare layouts and design agricultural equipment and machinery to specifications, aesthetics, and for mechanical components and operation and efficient systems.
- Develop technologies and practices to improve the sustainability of livestock production or safe handling of livestock.
- Inspect the construction of mechanical installations of machinery or equipment
- Analyze cost efficiency of projects, including development and installation of components and systems
- Conduct and inspect performance tests on a variety of equipment, products or components
Skills and Qualifications:
- Strong attention to detail with a high level of creative thinking
- Proficient mechanical and mathematical problem solving skills
- Ability to visualize three-dimensional objects from drawings that are often in two-dimensional format
- Excellent sketching and drawing skills
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work well in a team-based environment
Working Environment:
Work in offices but sometimes travel to production or processing sites, research laboratories or other locations to do field tests or study equipment and processes. Work demanding and time consuming.
Education and Qualification:
A bachelor’s degree in agricultural or bio-resource engineering is required. Certain types of agricultural engineering positions require degrees in civil, mechanical or other branches of engineering. A farm background can be helpful but it is not essential.
Salary and Wages:
Average wage: $52.73 per hour
Average salary (Alberta): $103,915.00 per annum