Wind Tunnel Test Technician

About the role

This onsite Engineering Technician role is based in a state-of-the-art wind tunnel complex and focuses on preparing vehicles with instrumentation, supporting aerodynamic, powertrain cooling, and fuel efficiency tests, and ensuring the facility and test systems are ready for high-quality product development testing. You will collaborate closely with engineers and customers to plan and execute tests, collect and analyze data, and maintain the reliability and safety of the wind tunnel laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Prepare vehicles for wind tunnel testing by installing and securing sensors and other test instrumentation prior to each test.
• Collaborate with engineers to run aerodynamic, powertrain cooling, and fuel efficiency tests on vehicles in the wind tunnel to collect accurate and reliable data.
• Remove vehicles and all associated instrumentation from the test area after testing is completed, ensuring proper handling and documentation.
• Support maintenance, calibration, and quality system activities to ensure the wind tunnel facility is ready for product development testing at all times.
• Interface with internal and external customers to understand test objectives, develop test strategies, and collect and analyze data to meet customer requirements.
• Contribute to efficiency improvement initiatives, including test automation and lights-out testing strategies, to optimize throughput and reduce downtime.
• Lead diagnostics and troubleshooting for test system issues, test instrumentation problems, and facility infrastructure concerns to minimize test interruptions.
• Stay current with relevant test standards and assist in developing updated or new test methods as required to improve test quality and consistency.
• Develop and enforce safe plans of action for all test and facility activities, working in alignment with Environmental, Health, and Safety representatives to ensure compliance with applicable guidelines.
• Support laboratory operations as a test technician, performing hands-on work with electrical systems, instrumentation, calibration, and prototype test setups.
• Handle and work with electrical equipment such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, dynamometers, shunts, load boxes, and flow measurement systems in support of test activities.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of experience in a wind tunnel laboratory or similar test lab environment, demonstrating technical aptitude in wind tunnel testing, electrical instrumentation, and electrical system diagnostics.
• Hands-on experience working as a technician or test technician within a lab setting, including setup and operation of test equipment and instrumentation.
• Practical knowledge of electrical instrumentation, including installation and troubleshooting of sensors such as pressure transducers and thermocouples.
• Able to work with dynamometers, flow measurement systems, shunts, load boxes, and related test hardware in a laboratory environment.
• Understanding of vehicle subsystems and their operation, including systems such as active cruise control, lane departure warning, anti-lock braking, remote keyless entry, and infotainment connected services.
• Strong diagnostic skills related to test system instrumentation and vehicle diagnostics, with the ability to identify and resolve issues quickly.
• Proficiency with computers and strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite for data analysis, documentation, and reporting.
• Ability to follow and support quality system processes and calibration procedures to maintain test accuracy and reliability.
• Commitment to safe work practices and adherence to Environmental, Health, and Safety guidelines in a laboratory setting.

Work Environment

The role is based onsite in a modern wind tunnel complex within a laboratory setting. You will work around advanced test equipment, vehicle prototypes, electrical and mechanical infrastructure, and specialized instrumentation designed for aerodynamic, powertrain cooling, and fuel efficiency testing. The environment is hands-on and technical, with a focus on precision, safety, and collaboration. Work is performed in an indoor lab facility, requiring adherence to established safety procedures and appropriate lab attire and personal protective equipment as defined by site guidelines. You will regularly interact with engineers, technicians, and Environmental, Health, and Safety representatives while supporting product development activities in a cutting-edge wind tunnel environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of DEARBORN, MI.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/hr.

Requirements

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.