Dyno Technician — Test Assistant through Dyno Lead / Test Engineer-Technician (Levels 1–4)

Riggs Cat•Little Rock, AR

19d

About The Position

Riggs Cat Power & Energy is hiring Dyno Technicians across four levels, from Test Assistant to Lead / Test Engineer-Technician. Dyno Technicians test rebuilt and serviced engines before they return to service, validating horsepower, torque, and break-in against OEM specifications and identifying units that need rework. The dyno is the final quality checkpoint after rebuild, and the role works closely with Engine Rebuild and Transmission teams. Senior technicians conduct client witness tests. The position emphasizes accurate, evidence-based testing, safety, integrity, and clear communication. At least two years of commercial diesel or large-bore engine experience is required to start. Responsibilities and scope vary by level. Level 1 Test Assistants mount and hook up engines, install sensors, complete pre-start checklists, monitor gauges, and log data under supervision. Level 2 Technicians independently set up and run tests, perform break-in, capture horsepower and torque curves, conduct basic exhaust and emissions measurements, and prepare test reports. Level 3 Senior Technicians diagnose below-spec performance, conduct gas engine targeting, sign off individual engines for return to service, check sensor and load cell calibration, lead client witness tests, and provide rework feedback to rebuild technicians. Level 4 Leads / Test Engineer-Technicians own shop-wide test standards and performance data, decide which engines return to service or go for rework, establish procedures and acceptance criteria for engine families, manage dyno calibration and maintenance and instrumentation, handle escalated client witness tests, track failure trends and communicate them to rebuild lines, train dyno staff, and present results to non-technical clients. All levels require engine mechanical fundamentals, test-cell safety, comfort working around running engines for a full shift, and disciplined use of written test procedures, guarding, and emergency stops. Candidates must be able to meet the stated physical demands, with reasonable accommodations available. The job may require extended periods of driving. It is a non-exempt, hourly position. The job description may change as employer needs and job requirements change.

Requirements

At least 2 years of commercial diesel or large-bore engine experience to start.
Engine mechanical fundamentals.
Test-cell safety around rotating equipment, heat, exhaust, and noise.
Comfort working around running engines for a full shift.
Disciplined use of written test procedures, guarding, and emergency stops.
Experience with Cat ET and SIS 2.0, or a comparable service information system such as Cummins QuickServe/INSITE, Detroit DiagnosticLink, or Jaltest.
Ability to pass work-related pre-employment physical demands; reasonable accommodations may be made.
Ability to drive for extended periods.
Level 1: Typically an internal Level 2 rebuild technician or an outside hire with 2–6 years of relevant experience.
Level 2: Typically 3–5 years of diesel or gas engine work, including dyno or test-cell experience; data acquisition software and sensor and load cell calibration checks.
Level 3: Typically 5–10 years of experience, strong diagnostics, and deep diesel and gas test-cell experience; 7-Step Diagnostic Process, GERP for gas engine targets, and AFA I & II.
Level 4: Typically 10+ years of engine testing and diagnostic work; same training as Senior.

Responsibilities

Test rebuilt and serviced engines before return to service, validating horsepower, torque, and break-in against OEM specifications and identifying units for rework.
Work with Engine Rebuild and Transmission teams as part of the post-rebuild quality checkpoint.
Mount and hook up engines, install sensors, complete pre-start checklists, monitor gauges, and perform supervised data logging (Level 1).
Independently set up and run tests, perform break-in, capture horsepower and torque curves, measure basic exhaust and emissions, and prepare test reports (Level 2).
Diagnose below-spec performance, conduct gas engine targeting, sign off individual engines for return to service, and check sensor and load cell calibration (Level 3).
Conduct client witness tests face to face and communicate results clearly.
Provide rework feedback to rebuild technicians and raise issues with supporting evidence.
Set shop test standards, procedures, and acceptance criteria, including for new engine families (Level 4).
Decide which engines return to service and which go back for rework across the shop (Level 4).
Own dyno calibration and maintenance and manage instrumentation and calibration (Level 4).
Handle escalated client witness tests, including tests where an engine misses specification in front of the client (Level 4).
Track failure trends, relay findings to rebuild lines, and coordinate the rebuild lines with the test team (Level 4).
Train dyno staff and present results to non-technical clients (Level 4).
Verify instrumentation before relying on test data and do not sign off marginal results under schedule pressure.