Testing & Development Engineer I

OVERVIEW:

Entry level Test & Development Engineer I to work individually and with a small team of design engineers, test engineers, and test technicians to lead as well as support engineering related projects. This position requires applying engineering knowledge to solve real world engineering design, testing, analysis, and development problems on a wide variety of products in the automotive, defense, motorsports, aerospace, marine, and smaller niche industries. These efforts can be applied to short or long-term projects including virtual prototype development, component, system, and full vehicle testing, laboratory testing, engineering analysis, control systems, electronics, and product/system validation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & SKILLS:

• Ability to plan, execute, and deliver (lead activities) upon small laboratory testing projects with guidance from more senior test engineers while utilizing testing technicians to exceed project deliverables
• Ability to support medium to large laboratory and in-field (proving grounds (PG), desert, wind tunnel, thermal dyno chamber, racetrack, etc.) testing projects alongside more senior test engineers.
• Strong background in Windows based computers and Microsoft applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Ability to use CAD (NX, Creo, Catia, and/or SolidWorks) and PLM tools (Windchill, Teamcenter, etc.) to perform test fixture design, drawing development, and manufacturing release processes
• Basic working knowledge of data acquisition and instrumentation equipment
• Ability to collect and analyze test data into understandable results and write technical test reports and presentations under guidance of more senior engineers
• Strong engineering fundamentals in all general automotive systems with hands-on, real world vehicle experience
• Ability to communicate professionally, both verbally and in writing
• Able to perform in a dynamic and fast paced environment
• Ability to interface comfortably within a matrix organization
• Must have proven multitasking and organizational skillset
• Work safely to comply with all business expectations
• Service oriented mindset

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION/YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:

• BS in Materials Science, Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace or Automotive Engineering (or equivalent)
• Preferably 2+ years of SAE International collegiate design participation (Formula SAE, Baja SAE, SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge, Formula SAE Electric, First Robotics, SAE Solar Car, etc.)
• Highly self-motivated with the ability to manage his/her own workload to achieve important deadlines with reasonable oversight
• Mechanical skills including the ability to use all common hand tools

DESIRED SPECIALIZED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Understanding of data acquisition systems (DEWESoft, Pi, MoTeC, Vector, Somat, NI, etc.)
• Understanding of instrumentation (acceleration, pressure, temperature, strain, force, displacement, flow sensors, etc.) integration methods/best practices, CAN networks, and instrumentation construction and theory.
• Understanding of data analysis software (DEWESoft, MATLAB, DIAdem, MS Excel, NCode, database software, Python coding, etc.)
• Understanding of control system hardware and software (Motohawk, MATLAB Simulink, Delta hydraulic controls, NI LabVIEW, etc.)
• Understanding of electrical or hydraulic systems and design software (MS Visio, VeSys, etc.)
• Familiarity with the application of GD&T to CAD drawings
• Skilled trades experience including fabrication, machining, MIG/TIG welding, and assembly
• Understanding of team collaboration platforms (MS Teams, SharePoint, etc.)
• Preferred prior experience in an ISO 9001 quality environment
• Vehicle logistics competency (trucks, trailers, towing, vehicle recovery)

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Office work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements. Shop or laboratory work involves some exposure to moderate risk of accident and requires following basic safety precautions. In-field, PG, or track testing involves frequent exposure to unpleasant elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, loud noises, chemicals, etc. Stress may occur periodically. Monthly travel may be required and will vary depending on each project’s requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Position requires occasional or frequent moderate physical activity.

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

Typical work week is 40-45 hours/week. Working hours for salary employees are flexible with a typical day starting at 7am, M-F. Must be flexible with schedule to accommodate fixed customer deadlines sometimes working longer hours as well as Saturday and or Sunday during peak project deliverable durations or offsite testing trips.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Be a team player
• Have great attention to detail
• Be reliable (with reliable mode of transportation)
• Have excellent mechanical ability and likes to work with their hands
• Strong work ethic and pride in their workmanship

This position will require lawful access to ITAR/EAR controlled information and employees in this role will need to meet those requirements. Requirements include US Citizenship, US Permanent Resident or ability to meet licensure requirements. This position will require the ability to obtain PG facility licenses, state logistics licenses (CDL/chauffeur license), military vehicle operator’s license, etc. Requirement would include a personal driver’s license record to meet licensure requirements.