Development Engineer

Job Purpose

Executes tests and validates concepts and component designs, relative to project goals and schedule milestones. 

Key Accountabilities

Test Execution & Troubleshooting: Execute development tests safely and effectively to achieve test objectives while minimizing risk to test hardware and equipment. Troubleshoot issues during testing, make informed decisions, and document root causes and corrective actions.

Data Acquisition & Analysis: Set up, calibrate, and manage test instrumentation and data acquisition systems, including analog sensors and CAN communication networks. Monitor data quality during testing and perform post-processing analysis to generate insights, conclusions, and recommended next steps.

Test Planning & Procedure Development: Create comprehensive development test requests with clear objectives, expected outcomes, and test procedures. Develop, update, and release standardized test procedures to ensure efficient, repeatable, and high-quality testing.

Reporting & Technical Documentation: Prepare clear, concise, and timely test reports that summarize results, conclusions, and recommendations. Incorporate findings from previous tests and simulations to support continuous development and informed decision-making.

Presentation & Cross-Functional Communication: Develop and deliver test result presentations tailored to technical and non-technical audiences. Effectively communicate key findings, recommendations, and project impacts while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive development activities forward.

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on fluid dynamics and thermodynamics.

1-3 years of experience in powertrain, engine, or related hardware development and testing.

Experience with test planning, setup, instrumentation, data acquisition, data analysis, and technical report writing.

Knowledge of engine systems, failure mode testing, root cause analysis, and specialized engine measurement equipment.

Proficiency with MS Office, MS Project, Pi, Atlas, or similar data acquisition and analysis software.

Strong project planning, organization, and time management skills with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Effective verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate technical data and collaborate across teams.

Hands-on mechanical aptitude and proven problem-solving skills for identifying and resolving technical issues.

Self-motivated, detail-oriented, dependable team player who performs well under pressure and adapts to changing priorities.

Decisions Expected

Effectively prioritize daily activities and resources to ensure project milestones, test schedules, and deliverables are achieved on time.

Assess engine health throughout testing and make sound technical decisions to protect equipment, prevent failures, and mitigate potential damage to test assets.

Select and implement the most appropriate test methods and procedures to accurately evaluate assigned development objectives and generate meaningful, reliable results.

Working Conditions

Physical Demands Requirements:

• Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist while working.
• Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees to work on close to the groundwork.
• Crawling.
• Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet to work underneath suspended vehicles/engines/equipment to diagnosis problems and or remove replace parts.
• Standing for sustained periods during work or events.
• Sitting. Extensive travel and long travels.
• Walking. Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks (particularly walking long distances at the track to pit lane and around shop) 
• Lifting. Raising objects of 25 pounds from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position.
• Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers while servicing / maintaining a race engine, vehicles and equipment.
• The worker is subject to hazards. Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, exposure to high heat and exposure to chemicals.

Emotional Requirements:

• Make quick decisions
• Hazard awareness, aware of surroundings
• Planning and problem-solving
• Coping with change and other people