About the position
As a Test Engineer / Scientist working at the Valvoline Automotive Propulsion Laboratory in Ashland, KY, your primary focus will be to conduct internal combustion engine testing as well as time-to-time other powertrain component level, vehicle level test programs for evaluation of automotive lubricant performance. Automotive engine testing at the facility includes industry-standard ASTM tests for qualification, experimental testing for research & development to support new product development / improvement in existing products, as well as validation testing for our enterprise OEM business customers.
Responsibilities
- Automotive engine test design, planning, supervise and tracking
- Oversight of engine builds and engine-on-stand installation, instrument hook-ups
- Review/perform end-of-test engine inspection and measurements
- Overseeing operation of engine dynamometer test stands and other tests such as bench rigs, chassis dyno, etc.
- Working with digital and analog electronics for process instrumentation, data acquisition units, including control systems
- Stand instrument calibrations and troubleshooting
- Test programming and modifications
- Designing new engine test cells or stand modifications
- Identifying, procuring and inventory tracking of critical test parts, hardware and equipment in collaboration with rebuild and maintenance personnel
- Providing clear instructions to operators and status update to manager or customers
- Test data and fluid chem. data analysis, post-processing and trend analysis
- Writing test reports and technical papers
- Attending meetings / calls on projects, industry panels for ASTM tests
- Providing engineering support to others
- Working in a team, have collaborative and knowledge-sharing attitude
- Interacting, collaborating with colleagues from other groups within the company
- Interacting with representatives from other laboratories and companies
- Workplace safety and complying with all the company policies and standards
- Undergoing periodic safety training and certification for compliance
- Maintaining the work area neat and tidy, free of hazards
- Other duties and responsibilities as determined by Valvoline from time to time in its sole discretion.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science (BS) minimum; in Mechanical / Automobile Engineering or similar fields.
- Experience in the mechanical testing field, specifically automotive and/or engine testing.
- Highly motivated, hands-on individual with experience working on engines and vehicles (engine rebuilding, vehicle maintenance, etc).
- Sound understanding of engine / automotive components and operations.
- Knowledge and / or past experience working with process instrumentation.
- Basic electronic controls understanding and capability.
- Experience in computer programming related to test operation and data acquisition and analysis.
- Strong background in Microsoft Excel or similar for data processing and analysis.
- Proficiency in other Office suits; Word, Access, PowerPoint.
- Sound understanding of basic statistics, statistical analysis.
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Good interpersonal skills. Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Be able to work with minimum supervision and willingness to learn are crucial.
- Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.
- Must be in good physical condition as job requires walking, climbing, lifting 25 pounds, prolonged standing and use of applicable safety equipment.
Nice-to-haves
- Master or PhD preferred
- Experience / knowledge of Automotive Lubrication.
- Experience in other programming languages for data processing / analysis will be considered a plus.
Benefits
- Health insurance plans (medical, dental, vision)
- HSA and flexible spending accounts
- 401(k)
- Incentive opportunity*
- Life insurance
- Short and long-term disability insurance
- Paid vacation and holidays*
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee discounts
- Tuition reimbursement*
- Adoption assistance*
