Vortech

Description:

Position Summary

Vortech Engineering is seeking a hands-on, technically rigorous Test Engineer to lead the build, operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of its test infrastructure. This role combines mechanical systems, controls, instrumentation, data acquisition, and disciplined test execution. The Test Engineer will serve as the subject-matter expert for the supercharger test cell, including SAE J1723 standardized compressor testing, as well as chassis and engine dynamometers and related systems

Requirements:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Test Cell and Dynamometer Operations

•Operate, maintain, and continuously improve the supercharger test cell used for SAE J1723 testing and related development activities.

•Plan and execute qualification, validation, durability, and performance test programs.

•Operate chassis and engine dynamometers in accordance with approved procedures and safe operating practices.

•Configure test cells for specific protocols, including hardware changeovers, fixture modifications, instrumentation, and safety interlocks.

•Develop and refine test procedures and run sheets; maintain accurate test-cell logs, calibration records, and equipment histories.

System Build, Restoration, and Maintenance

•Lead the mechanical and controls restoration of existing test infrastructure, including oiling systems, instrumentation loops, servo-drive systems, and fluid-conditioning circuits.

•Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, instrumentation, and controls issues, tracing signal paths from sensors through data-acquisition and control systems as needed.

•Coordinate with internal and external subject-matter experts to capture institutional knowledge and document system architecture, known failure modes, and maintenance procedures.

•Develop preventive-maintenance schedules and manage critical spare-parts inventory to maximize test-cell reliability and availability.

•Set up, tune, and diagnose servo-drive and motion-control systems; interpret drive parameters and understand the application of velocity, current, and torque control modes.

Data Acquisition and Instrumentation

•Configure, operate, and maintain multi-channel data-acquisition systems and associated software.

•Select appropriate sensors and define signal-conditioning, sampling, scaling, and calibration requirements.

•Monitor data quality in real time, identify anomalies, and take appropriate corrective action during testing.

•Maintain configuration control and traceability for instrumentation, calibration, test setups, and acquired data.

Test Planning, Analysis, and Reporting

•Prepare formal test plans that define objectives, methods, instrumentation, acceptance criteria, safety considerations, and deliverables.

•Reduce and analyze raw test data to generate meaningful performance metrics, trends, and conclusions.

•Prepare clear, accurate technical reports and maintain complete, traceable test records and logs.

•Support correlation of physical test results with analytical predictions and engineering models.

Collaboration and Process Improvement

•Partner with design engineers, program managers, manufacturing, and quality personnel to align test scope with program milestones and business priorities.

•Contribute to capital-equipment planning, test-cell upgrade roadmaps, and capacity forecasting.

•Maintain organized digital and physical records and support customer, quality, or source inspections as required.

•Provide technical direction and coaching to technicians and test-support personnel, with a strong emphasis on safe test-cell practices.

•Identify and implement improvements to test methods, equipment reliability, data quality, efficiency, and repeatability.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

•Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline; equivalent directly relevant experience may be considered.

•Three to six years of hands-on experience in test engineering or a closely related test role within an OEM, Tier 1 supplier, motorsports, aerospace, or similar technical environment.

•Demonstrated experience operating chassis dynamometers, engine dynamometers, compressor or turbomachinery test rigs, or comparable test systems.

•Proficiency with data-acquisition platforms such as National Instruments, HBK, AIM, or equivalent, including the ability to configure and troubleshoot systems independently.

•Working knowledge of sensor selection, installation, signal conditioning, and calibration for temperature, pressure, flow, strain, speed, and related measurements.

•Ability to read and interpret bills of material, technical data sheets, mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, interface-control documents, and 3D CAD parts and assemblies.

•Strong technical-writing and communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear test plans, procedures, and formal reports.

•Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple concurrent test programs with limited supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

•Familiarity with SAE J1723 compressor testing or comparable industry performance-test standards.

•Experience with servo-drive and motion-control systems such as AMC, Kollmorgen, Yaskawa, or similar, including drive commissioning and velocity or torque control modes.

•Background in superchargers, turbochargers, compressors, turbomachinery, or other rotating-equipment applications.

•Experience with bearing-test programs or tribology-related durability testing.

•Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for data reduction, analysis, and automation.

•Experience with high-altitude or thermal-vacuum test environments.

•Familiarity with Smartsheet, Confluence, or similar project-tracking and documentation tools.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This position works in both office and engineering test environments and may involve exposure to operating machinery, noise, fluids, pressurized systems, elevated temperatures, and other conditions typical of a test laboratory or automotive development facility. The employee must be able to move safely throughout the facility, perform hands-on equipment setup and troubleshooting, and use appropriate personal protective equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Additional Information

This job description summarizes the primary duties and qualifications of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Responsibilities may change based on business needs.

Vortech Engineering is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.