Job at a glance
Job Title: Engine Technician Job Description The Engine Technician supports advanced engine development and validation activities in a state-of-the-art propulsion laboratory. This role focuses on engine calibration, dynamometer operation, mechanical assembly and modification, and hands-on testing to optimize engine performance and durability. The technician works closely with engineers to prepare, instrument, and operate engines on test stands and dynos, contributing to future production powertrains and high-performance applications.
Responsibilities Collaborate with engineers in a propulsion laboratory to support engine development and validation programs. Perform engine development activities, including calibration development, mechanical experiments, fabrication, and manual test point setup to bring engines to approximately 60% calibration before handoff to validation teams. Operate engine dynamometers, including manual dyno testing, to run engines through test cycles and collect performance and durability data.
Work with test engineers to manipulate fuel tables, air intake, spark, and exhaust parameters using software tools to find optimum performance on test engines. Perform engine tuning and calibration using software such as HP Tuners or standalone systems, adjusting engine tables and variables to meet test objectives. Conduct mechanical swapping of engine components and work hand in hand with engineers to test different combinations of components for optimum performance.
Perform component-level work on engines, including replacing or modifying oil pumps, cylinder heads, camshafts, fuel injectors, spark plugs, and other engine components. Assemble, modify, and fabricate components on engines to prepare them for testing, including adding oil pans, pumps, exhaust components, brackets, and instrumentation. Fabricate components for engines and test stands/dynamometers to support test requirements, including custom brackets, mounts, and fixtures.
Set up instrumentation between the engine and the dynamometer, ensuring accurate measurement of key parameters such as pressure, temperature, and emissions. Perform TIG welding on parts and components as needed for engine and test stand fabrication. Serve as a pallet build technician by building engines onto specialized pallet systems, adding components and instrumentation to create complete engine test assemblies.
Prepare raw engines by installing additional components, covers, heads, plugs, and instrumentation required for laboratory testing. Work in dyno cells performing parts changes, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis in collaboration with engineers. Perform general oil and thermal work, including removal and replacement of oil pumps and related components. Disassemble and reassemble engines, including removing cylinder heads and other complex components, to support test and development activities.
Enter test data and results into spreadsheets, including Excel, ensuring accurate documentation of test conditions and outcomes. Support engine validation by operating dynos, following test plans, and driving engines to defined failure or limit states under controlled conditions. Provide laboratory support for engine testing, including building engines, wiring harnesses, and test setups to support engineers who perform calibration.
Apply personal or professional experience with tuning and calibration (such as race team or performance shop work) to adjust engine tables and improve test efficiency. Follow laboratory procedures and safety practices while working on engines, dynos, and emissions equipment in a clean, organized test environment. Work across multiple shifts as required, including first, second, or third shift schedules, to support continuous test operations in the facility.
Essential Skills Associate degree or equivalent technical education. 3–5 years of engine dynamometer experience, preferably with engine-specific dyno operation. Hands-on engine experience, includ