Test Engineer I - Mechanical

BISSELL Homecare•Grand Rapids, MI

18h

About The Position

The Test Engineer I - Mechanical supports mechanical product testing and development across BISSELL products and is accountable to the Sr. Manager - Product Testing. The role works with Mechanical Test Technicians and project team members to define, oversee, and interpret tests evaluating the mechanical design, performance, and reliability of products, systems, and components. With the manager’s support, the engineer is expected to understand the science behind test methods, communicate their intent, and analyze results, while developing broad technical experience with electronics and electrical controls used alongside mechanical systems. The position provides engineering support to the Test Laboratory and leads planning, development, and execution of Mechanical Design Validation and Verification Test Plans. It contributes to technology research, customized test equipment and methods, proprietary protocols, advanced development research, controlled experiments, data analysis, and laboratory improvements. The role also reviews engineering changes and test reports, supports FMEA activities, oversees contracted laboratory work, and works with product development leaders to align laboratory research and capabilities with future needs.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related Engineering or Physical Science field.
At least 1 year of experience in the consumer products industry.
Ability to interpret engineering design documents, including schematics, drawings, and software code.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to manage data flow, perform analysis, generate summary reports, and communicate by voice or data using a laptop or mobile device while in the office, at home, or traveling, regardless of time zone or day of the week.
Ability to interact with global BISSELL offices and/or suppliers in other time zones during non-standard BHI hours.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated proficiency using oscilloscopes, DMMs, spectrum analyzers, data acquisition systems, software analysis tools, CAD software, and other laboratory instrumentation, equipment, and software.
Proficiency in statistical analysis of raw data sets using systematic problem-solving tools.

Responsibilities

Provide engineering expertise and support to the Test Laboratory, and lead planning, development, and execution of Mechanical Design Validation and Verification Test Plans supporting Global Product Development processes.
Participate in design, development, and implementation of technology research projects supporting World Class Laboratory Initiatives, integrating mechanical design, reliability, and performance.
Support development and implementation of customized test equipment, fixturing, methodologies, and instrumentation to improve testing accuracy and efficiency.
Research the applicability of industry test standards to product design, development, and advertising claims.
Participate in developing and documenting proprietary test protocols and standards for product performance, reliability, and durability, from system-level output to component selection and validation.
Plan and execute approved research programs supporting Advance Development activities.
Develop and evaluate test plans during critical Product Development Process phases to verify design and product integrity.
Support planning, development, and analysis of controlled experiments (DOE) and systematic data-analysis and problem-solving tools for Global Product Development activities.
Investigate the feasibility of applying data acquisition and automation to manual laboratory processes.
Attend Engineering Change meetings and review and approve changes, ensuring necessary testing and evaluation have been performed.
Participate in and ensure FMEA meetings concerning product durability, performance, and reliability are performed during the Design Phase.
Maintain and secure laboratory archives, reports, test standards, and the technical library.
Review and disposition test reports; compare and interpret test results against standards or comparative data; ensure results and reporting are accurate and complete; draw conclusions and resolve testing problems.
Oversee contracted outside laboratory services and ensure proper execution of test procedures and protocols.
Build relationships and communication channels with product development category leaders so laboratory research supports future product roadmaps.
Evaluate and recommend changes to Engineering Lab technical capabilities in response to organizational needs.
Establish continuous-improvement processes following lean principles to increase laboratory efficiency and output.