Drive Test Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Test Engineer is responsible for the planning, execution, analysis, and reporting of propulsion system testing across development, acceptance, qualification, and customer-driven test programs. This role owns test activities end-to-end—from test concept and planning through execution and final reporting ensuring data integrity, safety, compliance, and customer confidence.

The Test Engineer provides technical leadership and coordination across R&D, Design and Product Engineering, Senior Performance Engineering, engine testing, diagnostics, and production build activities. This role works closely with Engineering Technicians and Manufacturing personnel to ensure engineering intent, test execution, and shop-floor realities are tightly aligned to deliver reliable, repeatable, and customer-ready results.

Test Planning, Strategy & Documentation

• Develop and approve test plans, procedures, and reports for development, acceptance, and qualification testing
• Define test objectives, success criteria, instrumentation requirements, and data acquisition needs
• Ensure test documentation aligns with customer requirements, AS9100D, and internal standards
• Lead and support Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs) and technical reviews

Test Execution & Technical Oversight

• Lead and execute test events in ground test cells, development rigs, and customer environments
• Provide real-time technical oversight during test execution, including anomaly assessment and decision-making
• Coordinate test schedules, facilities, and cross-functional resources
• Serve as the final technical authority during test execution

Engineering Technician Leadership & Task Direction

• Provide day-to-day technical direction and prioritization for Engineering Technicians reporting into Test
• Assign and coordinate technician activities across:
• Test setup, instrumentation, and teardown
• Diagnostics and troubleshooting
• Engine balancing and vibration-related work
• Test data collection and configuration verification
• Ensure technicians are executing work in accordance with released engineering definitions and safety standards
• Mentor and develop Engineering Technicians in test methods, diagnostics, and disciplined execution

Data Acquisition, Analysis & Reporting

• Define data acquisition strategies and ensure proper instrumentation configuration
• Review and validate test data, trends, and anomalies
• Oversee development of engine test summary reports and historical performance reports
• Ensure test results are traceable, accurate, and customer-ready

Diagnostics, Troubleshooting & Root Cause

• Lead system-level diagnostics and troubleshooting efforts for test and integration issues
• Partner with Engineering Technicians on hands-on problem solving
• Support root cause analysis, corrective actions, and recovery plans
• Ensure lessons learned are captured and fed back into design and production

Cross-Functional & Customer Interface

• Interface with Design, Product, Systems, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program Management
• Serve as a technical point of contact for customers and test facilities
• Communicate test status, risks, and outcomes to leadership and program teams

Safety, Risk & Compliance

• Own test safety posture including hazard identification and mitigation
• Ensure test activities comply with safety, facility, and regulatory requirements
• Support audits, customer reviews, and compliance activities

Continuous Improvement & Standards

• Develop and improve test standards, methods, and best practices
• Drive improvements in test efficiency, data quality, and execution discipline
• Ensure technician feedback and operational insights are captured into standard work

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• No direct supervisory or HR management responsibility
• Provides technical guidance and coordination to Engineering Technicians within the scope of test activities
• Accountable for technical integrity, safety, and quality of test execution and results

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of propulsion systems, gas turbine engines, or complex mechanical systems
• Experience leading engine testing and test teams
• Proficiency in instrumentation, DAQ systems, and test data analysis
• Ability to lead hands-on diagnostics and technically guide cross-functional teams through complex test-related problems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage ITAR-controlled and confidential information

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or Systems Engineering
• 5+ years of experience in engine testing, propulsion testing, or similar environments

Preferred

• Advanced engineering degree
• Experience with LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, or similar tools
• Experience in aerospace/defense or regulated testing environments

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Office, laboratory, test cell, and manufacturing environments
• Extended hours during test campaigns may be required
• Exposure to noise, energized systems, and test equipment

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• 0-25% travel required

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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