Combustion Engine Test Development Engineer Jobs

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Test Technician is responsible for owning the daily execution of production engine testing while supporting development, qualification, troubleshooting, acceptance, and customer test activities as required. This position serves as the primary operator and owner of TDI's production engine test cells and is accountable for safely executing engine tests, maintaining test cell readiness, ensuring accurate data collection, verifying engine acceptance criteria, and supporting continuous improvement of production testing operations.

Reporting to the Manufacturing Manager, the Test Technician works under the technical direction of the Test Engineer for engineering and development testing while partnering closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Technicians, Product Engineering, Quality, and Engine Assembly Technicians to ensure engines are tested safely, consistently, and efficiently.

The Test Technician owns daily production test execution while the Test Engineer retains responsibility for test procedures, engineering analysis, acceptance criteria, diagnostics, and technical oversight.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Production Engine Testing

• Conduct daily production acceptance testing of turbojet engines.
• Perform pre-test inspections and verify engine configuration.
• Install engines into production test cells.
• Configure instrumentation and data acquisition equipment.
• Execute approved production test procedures.
• Monitor engine operating parameters throughout all phases of testing.
• Perform engine startup, operational monitoring, shutdown, and post-test inspections.
• Verify engine performance against established acceptance criteria.
• Identify nonconforming hardware and coordinate disposition.
• Prepare accepted engines for shipment or subsequent manufacturing operations.

Test Cell Ownership & Asset Management

Serve as the owner of assigned production test cell(s).

Responsibilities include:

• Maintain continuous operational readiness of production test cells.
• Maintain all fixtures, adapters, tooling, instrumentation, and support equipment.
• Verify calibration status of sensors and instrumentation.
• Coordinate calibration activities with Quality.
• Maintain spare sensors, thermocouples, pressure transducers, cables, and instrumentation hardware.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance activities.
• Monitor consumable inventory including filters, hoses, fittings, lubricants, and fuel system components.
• Maintain excellent housekeeping utilizing 5S principles.
• Identify equipment reliability issues.
• Recommend equipment upgrades and process improvements.
• Verify equipment readiness before each production shift.

 Data Collection & Documentation

• Record engine performance data accurately.
• Ensure complete traceability of all engine serial numbers.
• Document engine configuration prior to testing.
• Record all production acceptance results.
• Upload electronic test records.
• Document discrepancies and anomalies.
• Support development of production acceptance reports.
• Ensure complete and accurate test documentation before engine release.

Diagnostics & Troubleshooting

• Troubleshoot engine starting issues.
• Troubleshoot engine performance anomalies.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation failures.
• Support vibration investigations.
• Assist with engine balancing activities.
• Support root cause investigations.
• Support corrective actions and retesting.
• Escalate engineering-related issues to the Test Engineer.

 Development & Engineering Support

Support engineering testing activities including:

• Development testing
• Qualification testing
• Prototype evaluations
• Design verification testing
• Customer witness testing
• Experimental hardware evaluations
• Instrumentation installation
• Engine teardown and post-test inspections
• Test fixture validation

 Manufacturing Support

Partner with Manufacturing by:

• Providing feedback regarding assembly quality.
• Identifying recurring production issues.
• Supporting production launch activities.
• Improving first-pass yield.
• Assisting with production bottleneck reduction.
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assisting with standardized work instructions.
• Supporting training of Engine Assembly Technicians on test-related requirements.

 Continuous Improvement

• Recommend improvements to production test procedures.
• Improve test repeatability.
• Improve production throughput.
• Reduce test cycle time.
• Reduce first-pass failures.
• Improve test cell uptime.
• Support Lean Manufacturing initiatives.
• Support Kaizen events.
• Capture lessons learned.
• Improve overall production test capability.

 Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Operate all equipment safely.
• Follow all engine test safety procedures.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 requirements.
• Follow Quality Management System procedures.
• Maintain safe operating conditions.
• Utilize required PPE.
• Support customer audits.
• Support regulatory audits.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

 KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

The Test Technician is accountable for the daily performance of the production test area including:

Production Performance

• Daily production schedule attainment
• Production throughput
• On-time engine testing
• First-pass test yield
• Engine acceptance rate
• Test cycle time

Test Cell Performance

• Test cell uptime
• Equipment availability
• Preventative maintenance completion
• Calibration compliance
• Test fixture readiness
• Equipment reliability

Quality & Data Integrity

• Accurate production test documentation
• Engine traceability
• Configuration verification
• Same-shift completion of test reports
• Data accuracy
• Discrepancy reporting

Continuous Improvement

• Reduced test cycle time
• Improved first-pass acceptance
• Improved equipment uptime
• Reduced production bottlenecks
• Improved standard work
• Support of Lean and 5S initiatives

 DECISION AUTHORITY

The Test Technician has the authority to:

• Stop testing for unsafe conditions.
• Stop testing due to equipment malfunction.
• Reject engines that fail acceptance criteria.
• Escalate engineering issues to the Test Engineer.
• Request Manufacturing support.
• Recommend process improvements.
• Recommend equipment repairs.
• Delay engine release until all production acceptance requirements have been satisfied.

 CROSS-FUNCTIONAL INTERFACE

Works closely with:

• Manufacturing Manager
• Test Engineer
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Engineering Technician
• Product Engineering
• Quality Engineering
• Quality Inspectors
• Engine Assembly Technicians
• Supply Chain
• Program Management
• Facilities & Maintenance

 SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• No direct supervisory responsibility.
• Provides technical assistance to Engine Assembly Technicians.
• Assists in onboarding and training new Test Technicians.
• Supports development of standardized work.
• Serves as the production test subject matter expert for assigned test cells.

 REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Experience operating propulsion or engine test equipment.
• Understanding of gas turbine engine operation.
• Knowledge of instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical, pneumatic, fuel, lubrication, and electrical systems.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructions.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating with Engineering and Manufacturing.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment.

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 3+ years of experience in mechanical assembly or manufacturing

Preferred

• Technical certification or vocational training in manufacturing, mechanics, or aerospace
• Experience in high-mix, low-volume production environments

• Military propulsion maintenance experience.

 WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Manufacturing environment
• Engine test cells
• Laboratory
• Outdoor testing as required

Exposure to:

• High noise levels
• Rotating machinery
• High temperatures
• Pressurized systems
• Fuel and lubricants
• Electrical equipment

Must be capable of standing for extended periods, bending, climbing, lifting up to 50 pounds, and wearing required personal protective equipment.

 TRAVEL

0-10% travel as required to support customer testing, qualification programs, or other Kratos facilities.

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.

A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT ARE INCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY.   THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES.

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