Contract Test Engineer Jobs in Rochester, MI (NOW HIRING)

The Test Engineer is a technical lead and validation authority responsible for defining, directing, and executing the overall testing and validation strategy for metal-based products, including automatic belt tensioners, pulleys, idler assemblies, and associated bracketry across automotive OE, aftermarket, and mobility applications.

This role owns the validation approach from early development through commercialization, ensuring testing methods generate accurate, repeatable, and defensible data to support product design decisions, risk mitigation, and customer validation requirements. The Test Engineer serves as the primary technical authority for test methodology, data integrity, and test system capability across multiple Gates facilities.

The position leads the design and optimization of advanced test systems, instrumentation, and analytical methods, including material characterization, dynamic testing, fatigue and durability analysis, and statistical data evaluation. The role is responsible for translating complex test data into clear engineering conclusions and recommendations that directly influence product design, performance, reliability, and release readiness.

This position provides technical leadership and direction to lab personnel, junior engineers, and contract resources and drives alignment across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and customer-facing teams. The Test Engineer also leads continuous improvement of lab capability, test processes, and data quality standards to ensure testing supports faster, more reliable product development cycles.

Validation Strategy Ownership
- Lead development, definition, and execution of validation strategies and DVP&R plans for new and existing products.
- Establish test methodologies, standards, and acceptance criteria to ensure robust, repeatable, and defensible validation outcomes.
- Serve as the technical authority for interpretation of test results, providing recommendations that influence design decisions, product release readiness, and customer approval.

Advanced Test Methodology and Equipment Leadership
- Lead design, development, validation, and continuous improvement of custom test equipment, fixtures, and instrumentation systems.
- Define test system requirements and drive technical solutions with internal engineering teams and external vendors.
- Develop and implement advanced test methods and analytical techniques that improve data quality, capability, and efficiency.

Technical Authority for Data Integrity and Analysis
- Own the integrity, accuracy, and interpretation of test data.
- Lead analysis of complex datasets including stress-strain behavior, material property extraction, fatigue life prediction, S-N curve development, and B10 life analysis.
- Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve system-level test anomalies including noise, drift, sensor variability, and control instability.

Cross-Functional Influence and Technical Leadership
- Lead technical discussions with product development, applications engineering, and customer teams to ensure validation approaches align with design intent and customer requirements.
- Communicate technical risks, findings, and recommendations to engineering leadership and stakeholders.
- Support customer validation, audits, and technical reviews.

Lab Capability and Resource Leadership
- Lead lab planning, prioritization, and resource management across multiple programs and locations.
- Provide technical direction to lab technicians, junior engineers, and contract test resources.
- Ensure test equipment readiness, calibration standards, and long-term capability development.

Continuous Improvement and Test Innovation
- Lead initiatives to reduce test cycle time, improve efficiency, and enhance test capability.
- Identify and implement opportunities for automation, standardization, and process optimization.
- Drive improvements in data quality, repeatability, and test system reliability.

Corrective Action and Root Cause Leadership
- Lead investigation of test-related non-conformances and drive root cause analysis efforts.
- Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions addressing systemic issues in design, process, or test systems.
- Ensure findings are incorporated into design improvements and validation standards.

APQP and Advanced Development Integration
- Lead test inputs into APQP, DFMEA, and product development processes.
- Ensure validation plans support customer requirements, program timing, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Coordinate with global teams to ensure alignment of validation strategy, execution, and deliverables.

- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline required.
- 5-8+ years of progressive engineering experience in product validation, material testing, or mechanical test environments.
- Demonstrated experience as a technical lead or owner of test programs.
- Strong knowledge of DVP&R, APQP, DFMEA, and automotive validation processes.
- Experience with metallic components and mechanically complex assemblies.
- Proven experience developing or leading test system design, instrumentation, and methodology development.
- Strong technical communication skills with ability to influence engineering decisions and cross-functional stakeholders.

REQUIRED SKILLS
- Own and lead validation strategy development and execution.
- Serve as technical authority for test methodology, data integrity, and interpretation.
- Apply advanced analytical techniques to convert test data into engineering decisions.
- Lead troubleshooting of complex test system, instrumentation, and data quality issues.
- Develop and improve test systems, methodologies, and lab capability.
- Influence product design, release decisions, and customer validation outcomes.
- Lead and coordinate multi-program, multi-site testing activities.
- Provide technical direction and coaching to others.
- Drive root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Communicate technical insights and recommendations clearly to stakeholders.