Senior Test Lab Engineer

TITLE

Senior Test Engineer

COMPANY

JTEKT Bearings North America

DEPARTMENT

Test Lab

LOCATION

Greenville, S.C.

CLASSIFICATION

Exempt

REPORTS TO

Powertrain Test Lab Manager

GRADE

106 (based on exp)

Summary/Purpose:

This position is responsible for preparing, conducting, documenting, and analyzing tests and test components.  Also, to ensure test equipment runs properly, on schedule, and develop new test equipment, processes, and standards for testing bearings/systems.

Essential Duties and Accountabilities:

• Support test lab management and equipment maintenance by supporting instrumentation calibration and other duties as assigned.
• To own the test instrumentation design, development, process for application, and test data collection troubleshooting as required
• To assist with assembly technique and test stand installation processes for proper instrumentation routing and signal identification
• Work with design and application engineering to develop test methods for specific test conditions

• Prepare test plans and make preparations for testing to meet requester/customer timing
• Work with existing machinery and tooling designs to improve repeatability and accuracy of test results
• Assist Tool Designer with the design of precision test tooling. 
• Function as the first contact for troubleshooting undesirable test results. Coordinate with Warranty, Metallurgy, Metrology, Applications Engineering, Product Development Engineering, to rapidly determine root cause.
• Develop and implement troubleshooting test procedures to act as a standard guide during root cause discovery.
• Determine machine variables and new operating techniques or sensors to eliminate test-to-test variation and train technicians in these procedures.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of test documentation. 
• Ensure proper operation of test machines by maintaining instrumentation and adjusting control hardware as needed.
• Assist in teardown and evaluation test samples; perform visual inspection, gage measurements, and data analysis.
• Prepare technical reports from test results including analysis, measurements, and judgment of results.
• Significant amount of hands-on work with mechanical systems, hydraulics, electronic controls, and lubrication systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of mechanical and electrical test equipment and programs to include: oscilloscopes, multi-meters, power analyzers, pressure and flow gauges and other bench-top equipment, DAQ hardware and programming knowledge highly desirable
• Experience with hardware, sensors,  interfacing test instrumentation with computers is a plus
• Experience with data acquisition and ability to utilize data processing and visualization tools
• Familiarity with principles of design of experiment and engineering statistics is a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; working knowledge of Solidworks a plus.

• Ability to communicate detailed results and provide training to other associates
• Work with minimum supervision, self-starter with focus on detail, tracking, and documentation

• Strong technical writing abilities
• Positive approach; team player; strong work ethic; high integrity.

 Education and Experience:

• Required
  • BS in Engineering or equivalent
  • Five (5) plus years engineering experience, or advanced degree.  Design or testing experience a plus.
  • Proven experience managing multiple tasks/projects simultaneously
  • Understanding of vibration analysis
  • Data acquisition and instrumentation experience

• Desired
  • Bearing test experience
  • Experience with powertrain and axle automotive components
  • Experience with 3D CAD Software (Solidworks, Pro-e, etc.)

 Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• The performance of this position requires exposure to manufacturing areas which require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields and mandatory hearing protection.
• Working with components up to 50 lbs
• Hot oils, parts/slippery floors/varying low & high frequency noise levels. Occasional fumes/odors when working with oils
• PPE required - safety glasses, steel toe shoes, ear plugs, and requirements to follow all safety guidelines
• Majority of work required to be on site in Greenville Test Lab.