Sr. Test Engineer, Powertrain
$107,800–$134,800 year
On-siteTustin, California, United States
Job Summary
Own the end-to-end test strategy for significant powertrain domains, translating high-level attributes into concrete test methods, profiles, and acceptance criteria. Define standards, templates, and playbooks for instrumentation and reporting, while identifying capability gaps to lead roadmaps for new rigs and process improvements. Lead test planning for complex campaigns, providing hands-on support for bring-ups, debugs, and fault triage, then synthesize results to drive engineering conclusions and trade-offs. Act as the primary technical counterpart to Design Engineering, Attributes, and Manufacturing partners to solve high-impact issues and champion data quality and traceability. Set the bar for structured problem definition and evidence-based decisions, mentoring the team while ensuring lab operations meet safety and quality standards.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience
- 5+ years of relevant experience in test engineering for powertrain, drivetrain, propulsion, or similar complex electro-mechanical systems, including significant rig-based or lab-based testing
- Demonstrated track record operating at a Staff level (or equivalent) in: Designing and executing complex test campaigns
- Demonstrated track record operating at a Staff level (or equivalent) in: Leading resolution of difficult cross-system issues
- Demonstrated track record operating at a Staff level (or equivalent) in: Influencing designs and requirements based on test insight
- Deep understanding of test methods, measurement systems, and data analysis for at least one of: Durability / life testing
- Deep understanding of test methods, measurement systems, and data analysis for at least one of: Thermal & environmental testing
- Deep understanding of test methods, measurement systems, and data analysis for at least one of: NVH / vibration / shaker testing
- Deep understanding of test methods, measurement systems, and data analysis for at least one of: Powertrain system performance and efficiency
- Proven ability to lead without authority: align cross-functional stakeholders, challenge assumptions constructively, and drive decisions in ambiguous situations
- Strong communication skills, including clear technical writing (procedures, reports) and concise, executive-appropriate summaries for leadership
Desired Qualifications
- Hands-on experience with testbed control and data systems (e.g., dyno controllers, HIL, PLCs, DAQ, automation frameworks, or similar)
- Experience with NI Veristand/Labview or equivalent tools needed for developing test control/automation systems
- Familiarity with statistical methods and data analysis tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar) for test planning and results interpretation
- Experience mentoring and developing senior individual contributors and lead technicians
- Prior experience working across multiple sites or labs, harmonizing methods and standards
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