Dynamometer Test Engineer

About the Role

The Dynamometer Test Engineer plays a key role in the Friction Product Line, which designs and manufactures high-friction and low-friction composition, sintered brake shoes, specialty shoes, and disc brake linings for freight, locomotive, and transit vehicles. This position involves reviewing and refining dynamometer test plans, coordinating equipment and procedures, executing tests, and preparing comprehensive test reports. The role also includes specifying and procuring necessary equipment and materials, as well as developing and maintaining technical procedures for safe and efficient lab operations.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with test requestors (Engineering, R&D, or external customers) to develop comprehensive test plans, including procedures, objectives, equipment requirements, materials, and data/reporting expectations.
• Proactively identify gaps such as capability limitations, special setups, or resource constraints.
• Work closely with Dynamometer Technicians to develop, validate, and optimize control and data acquisition programs, ensuring all special test requirements are met.
• Coordinate and support test setup activities, ensuring proper instrumentation, configuration, and readiness prior to execution.
• Monitor ongoing tests to ensure adherence to objectives, data quality standards, and schedule commitments; take corrective action when needed.
• Partner with Dynamometer Technicians to troubleshoot and resolve mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control system issues during test execution.
• Develop, review, and approve detailed dynamometer test reports documenting test plans, methodologies, results, and conclusions.
• Plan and manage dynamometer scheduling to optimize utilization, align with project priorities, and meet customer deadlines.
• Oversee maintenance of dynamometers and related test equipment, including calibration, preventive maintenance, repairs, and inventory management (test samples, wheels, discs, and instrumentation).
• Identify, justify, and lead the procurement and implementation of new test equipment to enhance lab capabilities and reliability.
• Coordinate with technicians, maintenance teams, and external contractors for installation and repairs.
• Continuously review and improve departmental procedures, work instructions, and best practices to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Develop and maintain test automation programs (iTest or equivalent), including scripting and customization using BASIC or similar programming languages.
• Apply control systems knowledge, including PID tuning (proportional, integral, derivative), to achieve stable and accurate test performance.
• Ensure accurate recording, traceability, and management of all test data in accordance with quality and compliance requirements.
• Support root cause analysis and failure investigations, providing data-driven insights and recommendations.
• Contribute to mechanical design and fixture development (AutoCAD or similar CAD tools preferred).
• Promote and enforce a safe working environment, ensuring compliance with all safety and environmental standards.
• Maintain regular on-site attendance to support lab operations and collaboration.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by supervision.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university is preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant hands-on engineering experience in testing, controls, or a similar environment.
• Strong knowledge of data acquisition systems and closed-loop control systems, including system integration and troubleshooting.
• Experience with common test instrumentation, including thermocouples, speed encoders, load cells, and pressure transducers.
• Understanding of control systems fundamentals, including PID (proportional, integral, derivative) control loops and tuning.
• Basic programming proficiency for test automation and control applications (e.g., BASIC, C++, or similar environments).
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) software such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or similar engineering simulation tools is considered a plus.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate test results, insights, and recommendations.
• Highly self-motivated individual with a strong sense of ownership, capable of independently identifying priorities, solving problems, and driving continuous improvement.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Regularly lift a minimum of fifty pounds (50 lbs).
• Frequently stand, walk, bend, crouch, push, and pull.
• Regularly exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and extreme heat (non-weather).
• Occasionally exposed to airborne particles.

Pay

The salary rate for this role is currently $62,100–$85,300. The actual salary offered may be influenced by factors such as training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands, and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

Benefits

• Health, welfare, and retirement benefits (more information available at mywabtecbenefits.com).
• Eligibility for annual bonus, if applicable.