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Engine Test Cell Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Engine Test Cell information

What is an Engine Test Cell job?

An Engine Test Cell job involves testing and evaluating the performance, efficiency, and durability of engines in a controlled environment. Technicians and engineers in this role operate test equipment, monitor data, and analyze engine behavior under various conditions. They ensure engines meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards before production or deployment. This role requires technical knowledge, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills to diagnose and address engine performance issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Engine Test Cell position, and why are they important?

To excel in an Engine Test Cell role, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of internal combustion engines, and experience with diagnostic and testing procedures, often supported by a technical degree or vocational training. Familiarity with data acquisition systems, engine dynamometers, and relevant safety certifications is frequently required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and clear communication help you effectively identify issues and work collaboratively with engineering teams. These skills are crucial to maintain safety, ensure engine performance, and deliver accurate test results that support development and quality assurance.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for someone working in an Engine Test Cell position?

Engine Test Cell professionals are responsible for setting up and running engine tests, monitoring data from test equipment, recording results, and troubleshooting any issues that arise during testing cycles. They frequently calibrate instruments, maintain test cell equipment, and ensure all procedures adhere to strict safety standards. Collaboration with engineers and technicians is common, as results often need to be communicated and analyzed to support product development and quality improvements. This hands-on role provides valuable experience with advanced testing technology and a clear pathway for growth into more senior technical or supervisory positions.
What are popular job titles related to Engine Test Cell jobs in Washington? For Engine Test Cell jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Infographic showing various Engine Test Cell job openings in Washington as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
AIRCRAFT ENGINE MECHANIC

AIRCRAFT ENGINE MECHANIC

Air National Guard Units

Andrews, MD • On-site, Remote

$42.17 - $49.19/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Air National Guard rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
District of Columbia Air National Guard
Joint Base Andrews, MD
AIRCRAFT ENGINE MECHANIC
WG-8602-10
Group 3- Current or former uniformed service members (Active, Reserve, Guard) nationwide who are
eligible for military membership in the (DCANG)/(DCARNG)
**THIS IS NOT A CIVILIAN POSITION. MILITARY MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED**
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the DC Air National Guard.
MILITARY REQUIREMENTS: You must meet the minimum military rank as specified in this announcement. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a DC Air National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position. Applicants applying to this position who exceed the maximum military grade listed on this job announcement MUST submit a statement in writing that they are willing to take an administrative reduction in grade to the advertised military grade on the job announcement for which applying. Applicants who exceed the military grade will NOT be placed into the technician position until they have been administratively reduced to the military grade on the job announcement. Please note that exceeding the maximum rank does not automatically qualify you for consideration. Compatible military grade and assignment required prior to the effective date of placement.
The National Guard's full-time support program requires that all military technicians are members of the National Guard and are appointed to full-time positions which correspond to their military assignments. Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership.
Minimum Military Rank: A1C/E-3
Maximum Military Rank: SSgt/E-5
Other requirements: For positions requiring the operation of motor vehicles, candidates must have a valid state driver's license for the state in which they live or are principally employed. For positions requiring a security clearance (Secret or Top Secret) the applicant must possess or be able to obtain a clearance within One (1) year of appointment.
This position is located in an Air National Guard Aviation Wing, Maintenance Group, Maintenance Squadron, Propulsion Element, (Jet Engine Intermediate Maintenance, (JEIM) and the Hush House). The primary purpose of this position is to certify acceptable performance, test, repair, trouble-shoot, operationally check and modify aircraft turbine and auxiliary power units, and associated propulsion system components.
Duties:
  • Troubleshoots malfunctioning engines and interrelated propulsion system components, determines degree of disassembly or certification required, repairs or replaces defective components, diagnostic computers and associated hardware.
  • Performs test cell operation of engine and aircraft run up, analyzes operating parameters, makes final adjustments and verifies that engine is operating within acceptable parameters for safe operation in the aircraft.
  • Interprets Engine Management trend data and investigates trend anomalies to eliminate catastrophic engine failure or damage by the prediction and detection of adverse trends towards known failure modes before they occur
  • Performs command directed and locally established in-progress inspections (IPI) (certifying acceptable performance of all conventional or modified aircraft engines prior to their being installed in the aircraft or placed in inventory) of propulsion system components and associated equipment to determine adequacy of workmanship, materials and maintenance.
  • Performs computer data entry of engine and component information such as component location, status and tracking information into the Core Automated Maintenance System (CAMS) for fighter aircraft, and G081, (CAMS for Mobility) for multi-engine transport aircraft.
  • Provides technical advice and troubleshooting expertise to other work centers when propulsion systems affect or are affected by interrelated aircraft systems, such as: electro-environmental, pneudraulic, fuel and avionics systems
  • Trains lower graded employees on proper certification techniques of installed engine components.
  • Devises repair procedures based on findings and recommends program changes or data corrections to correct software or technical data deficiencies.
  • Interprets and follows state and federal regulations regarding the reclamation, storage and transportation of hazardous materials.
  • Prepares for and participates in various types of readiness evaluations such as Operational Readiness Inspections (ORI), Inspector General (IG) Inspections, Unit Effectiveness Inspections and mobility and command support exercises.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Note: This is not a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities for this PD Number NGD1635000 as released in FASCLASS.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • National Guard Membership is required. If you are not sure if you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position.
  • Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform.
  • Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • Minimum Rank: A1C
  • Maximum Rank: SSgt
  • Permanent Change of Station (PCS): PCS not authorized
  • Must hold the 2A6X1 AFSC skill set

Qualifications
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): PCS not authorized
Relocation Incentive: Incentive may be authorized
Selected Reserve Incentive Program: Acceptance of this position will cause termination of Federal bonuses pursuant to respective Selected Reserve Incentive Programs (SRIP). This termination may be with or without recoupment of payments already made.
NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED: This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military rank and assignment in the District of Columbia Air National Guard. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform. Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment. Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership and employment in the National Guard in the military grade listed in this announcement.
THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS MUST BE REPRESENTED BY THE CONTENTS OF YOUR RESUME.
To ensure full credit is given for the qualification requirements listed below please use the USAJobs resume builder.
IF YOU USE YOUR OWN RESUME PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU INCLUDE THE BEGINNING AND ENDING DATES (MONTH AND YEAR) FOR ALL JOBS LISTED IN YOUR RESUME.

Resumes limited to two pages
**Starting on September 27, 2025, federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length.**
Applicants who exceed the maximum military grade listed above must submit a statement in writing that they are willing to take an administrative reduction in grade to the advertised military grade on the job announcement for which applying. Applicants who exceed the military grade will not be placed into the technician position until they have been administratively reduced to the military grade on the job announcement. Please note that exceeding the maximum rank does not automatically disqualify you for consideration.
GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Experience or training that has provided the ability to perform assembly and disassembly operations and make prescribed modifications to aircraft engines, engine assemblies, and accessories in accordance with technical specifications, procedures, and requirements. Experience using hand and power tools common to the trade.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: - Experience or training performing standard, routine assembly and disassembly operations and making prescribed modifications to aircraft engines, engine assemblies, and accessories. Experience or training performing maintenance overhaul, troubleshooting, testing, and repair of aircraft engines, engine components, and powertrains for fixed and/or rotary wing aircraft. Experience determining maintenance needed from work orders, inspection reports, historical records, and diagnosis.
Please be advised:
1. Specialized experience will be used to determine qualifications for the announced position.
2. An applicant's RESUME must provide, in detail, how they meet the specialized experience listed.
3. It must be documented with "from (mm/yy)" and "to (mm/yy)" dates and description of the specialized experience.
4. If education or a degree is required as part of the "Specialized Experience", you must include transcripts.
Do not copy the specialized experience qualifications word for word and place into your resume; you must describe your personal experience as it pertains to each statement. Plagiarizing from this announcement will immediately disqualify you as an applicant.
Resumes limited to two pages
Starting on September 27, 2025, federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length.
Education
There are no specific educational requirements for this position.
However, substitution of Education for Specialized Experience is allowed.
Additional information
If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
https://www.abc.army.mil/
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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