R&D

About Company:

About Tarter Since 1945, Tarter has been building more than gates and equipment—we've been building careers, communities, and a proud legacy of American manufacturing. As the largest manufacturer of farm gates and animal management equipment in North America, our products help farmers, ranchers, hobbyist, and property owners work smarter and safer every day. Headquartered in Dunnville, Kentucky, we pair small-town values with big opportunities. At Tarter, your ideas matter, your work is valued, and what you do makes a real impact for customers across the country. Whether you're on the shop floor, supporting customers, engineering solutions, or leading teams, you'll find a workplace grounded in integrity, innovation, and teamwork. We believe in doing things the right way—and taking pride in work well done. Join us and help shape the future of American manufacturing. About the

Role:

The Research and Development (R&D) Technician II in the agriculture and forestry industry plays a critical role in innovating and improving equipment and processes that enhance productivity and sustainability. This position focuses on designing, prototyping, and testing new machinery and tools that meet the evolving needs of the sector. The successful candidate will lead efforts to translate conceptual ideas into functional prototypes using advanced CAD software and hands-on fabrication techniques. Collaboration with cross-functional teams ensures that designs are practical, cost-effective, and compliant with industry standards. Ultimately, this role drives technological advancement that supports efficient resource management and operational excellence in the agricultural and natural resource sectors.

Minimum Qualifications:

Proven experience with Creo and AutoCAD for 3D modeling and technical drafting. Expert in manual metal machining. Hands-on expertise in metal fabrication and welding techniques. Demonstrated ability to develop and assemble prototypes in a workshop environment. Strong understanding of mechanical design principles relevant to agricultural or forestry equipment. Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and communicate technical information clearly.

Preferred Qualifications:

Advanced degree or certification in machining, welding, or engineering. Experience in the agriculture, forestry, fishing, or hunting industries. Knowledge of materials science as it applies to metal durability, hardness, and machineability. Familiarity with industry safety standards and regulatory requirements. Previous involvement in product lifecycle management and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities:

Interpret detailed 3D models and technical drawings using Creo and AutoCAD to support new product designs and improvements. Fabricate metal components and assemble prototypes to validate design concepts and functionality. Conduct welding and other metalworking processes to build and refine prototype equipment. Collaborate with engineers, product managers, and field specialists to iterate designs based on testing feedback and performance data. Document all stages of the R&D process, including design changes, testing results, and material specifications to ensure reproducibility and compliance.

Skills:

The required skills such as Creo and AutoCAD are essential for creating precise and detailed design models that serve as the foundation for prototype development. Metal fabrication and welding skills enable the candidate to physically construct and modify prototypes, ensuring designs are practical and manufacturable. These skills are applied daily to translate theoretical designs into tangible products that can be tested and refined. Preferred skills like knowledge of materials science and industry standards enhance the candidate's ability to select appropriate materials and ensure compliance with safety and quality regulations. Together, these skills facilitate a seamless workflow from concept through to prototype validation, driving innovation in agricultural and natural resource equipment.