Overview
You will be working within a team responsible for the support of all CLAAS Agricultural machinery and will be providing advanced technical support and guidance to the retail dealer network across the UK and Ireland, while reporting directly to the engineering teams in our factories in Germany and France.
Responsibilities
- Prepare machines for field testing and perform tests and validation of software and hardware.
- Create detailed technical reports on machines in the field, from initial customer feedback to the documentation required by our factory engineering teams.
- Perform a mix of practical tasks in the field, workshop, and office-based IT activities.
- Diagnose and repair complex faults in advanced electrical and hydraulic systems, interpreting technical data, documentation, schematic diagrams, and wiring diagrams.
- Work in accordance with Safe Systems of Work, applying control measures such as the Health and Safety at Work Act, lone working, working at height, and risk assessments.
- Use digital equipment to interrogate land‑based machinery performance, extract data, and communicate findings to stakeholders.
- Obtain information from colleagues and stakeholders using a range of techniques, and establish the information required for efficient and effective diagnosis.
- Communicate technical matters to technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
- Perform repairs of technologically advanced land‑based machinery, equipment, and prime movers following manufacturer guidelines and industry standards.
- Measure and assess wear tolerances and deformation in line with manufacturer instructions or guidance.
- Identify components that require repair or replacement, providing alternative solutions where appropriate.
- Reproduce circumstances that give rise to reported faults, and determine whether reported symptoms are a characteristic or a fault.
- Diagnose faults and under‑performance of land‑based machinery using approved diagnostic procedures, equipment, and logical problem‑solving techniques.
- Maintain, interrogate, calibrate, and repair electronic equipment and systems, including precision technology and telemetry for autonomous and automated operations.
- Differentiated root cause from symptom of machinery failures, and identify crop, soil, climatic, and environmental factors that impact performance.
- Select appropriate equipment settings for working conditions, considering crop, soil, weather, and climatic conditions.
- Perform verification tests to confirm performance against manufacturer specifications.
- Provide tailored advice to stakeholders to inform their selection and operation of machinery meeting environmental conditions.
- Apply supervision and mentoring techniques to support the development of junior colleagues.
- Plan and prepare maintenance or repair work schedules, managing task allocation, sequencing, workflow, and time.
- Compile technical reports and statements, and provide input for repair schedules, action plans, quotations, and estimates.
- Identify parts and services required to facilitate the reinstatement of land‑based machinery for estimates and quotations.
- Perform installation and handover of machinery, explaining safe operation, settings for environmental conditions, and maintenance and warranty requirements.
- Determine the level of customer understanding following installation and handover.
- Use predictive and preventative maintenance to minimise downtime of land‑based machinery.
- Identify toxic and hazardous substances and environments, and apply suitable control measures.
- Dispose of equipment, components, and substances in accordance with environmental regulations and company policy.
- Keep up to date with advances in land‑based working practices and engineering technologies, sharing best practice.
Qualifications and Requirements
- GCSE in English (grade 4) and Maths (grade 4).
- Communication skills.
- IT skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Organizational skills.
- Customer‑care skills.
- Problem‑solving skills.
- Analytical skills.
- Logical reasoning.
- Team‑working ability.
- Initiative and a strong interest in agricultural machinery and the wider field of agriculture.
- Mechanical aptitude and engineering knowledge (helpful).
- Excellent communication, both face‑to‑face and over the telephone.
- Basic French or German language skills would be an advantage but are not essential.
- Willingness to travel within the UK and Ireland (and, upon completion of the apprenticeship, to France and Germany).
- Availability for an apprenticeship lasting 4 years, starting Monday 6 July 2026.
Training and Apprenticeship Schedule
- Level 2 apprenticeship standard in Land‑Based Service Engineering (completion required before progressing).
- Level 3 apprenticeship standard in Land‑Based Service Engineering Technician.
- Block Release Training with the CLAAS Academy at Saxham: 3 weekly blocks, 3 times per year.
- Support from CLAAS UK for Sales, Service, Parts, IT, Marketing, and Accounts across the UK and Ireland.
- Future roles after completion may include Field Service Engineer, Technical Training Instructor, Technical Support – Parts Specialist, Technical Product Specialist, or Aftersales Business Advisor.
Compensation and Hours
- £14,918.80 for the first year, with potential increases depending on age.
- Annual wage review with an increase of £200–£300 per annum.
- 38 hours per week (shifts to be confirmed).
- Start date: Monday 6 July 2026.
- Duration: 4 years.
