Test Engineer - Mechanical

BISSELL Homecare•Grand Rapids, MI

About The Position

The Test Engineer - Mechanical is accountable to the Sr. Manager - Product Testing and helps implement common test equipment and methodologies to evaluate and approve the mechanical design, performance, and reliability of BISSELL products, systems, and components. The role works directly with Mechanical Test Technicians and collaborates with project team members to define, oversee, and interpret mechanical tests. Under the direction of the Sr. Manager - Product Testing, the engineer is expected to understand the science behind test methods, communicate their intent, analyze results, and develop broad technical experience in mechanical systems and the electronics and electrical controls used with them. The position provides engineering support to the Test Laboratory and leads planning, development, and execution of Mechanical Design Validation and Verification Test Plans within Global Product Development processes. It also contributes to laboratory technology research, customized test equipment and methods, test protocols and standards, controlled experiments, data analysis, and continuous improvement. The engineer reviews test reports and engineering changes, supports FMEA activities, oversees contracted laboratory work, and helps ensure product integrity and laboratory capabilities meet evolving organizational needs. The position may involve travel to BISSELL global locations and strategic partners, as well as communication with global offices and suppliers across time zones, sometimes outside standard office hours.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related Engineering or Physical Science field.
Entry-level experience level.
Ability to interpret engineering design documents, including schematics, drawings, and software code.
PC literacy in 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 connected in the office, at home, or while traveling, regularly without regard to time zone or day of the week.
Ability to interact with global BISSELL offices and suppliers in other time zones, including outside standard BHI hours when needed to accomplish departmental goals.
Ability to travel to other BISSELL global locations and strategic partners as required.

Nice To Haves

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 for Global Product Development.
Participate in designing, developing, and implementing technology research projects for World Class Laboratory Initiatives, integrating mechanical design, reliability, and performance.
Support the design, 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.
Research, develop, and document 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 ensure thorough proof-of-design testing and product integrity.
Support planning, development, and analysis of controlled experiments (DOE) and other systematic problem-solving tools for data analysis and application of technical knowledge in support of GPD.
Investigate whether data acquisition or automation can be applied to manual test laboratory processes.
Attend Engineering Change meetings and review and approve changes to ensure necessary testing and evaluation have been performed.
Participate in and ensure FMEA meetings concerning product durability, performance, and reliability take place during the Design Phase of Product Development.
Maintain and secure laboratory archives, including reports and test standards, and expand the usefulness of the laboratory technical library.
Review and disposition test reports; compare and interpret results against standards or comparative data; ensure results and reporting are accurate and complete; draw valid conclusions and resolve testing problems.
Oversee contracted outside laboratory services to ensure test procedures and protocols are properly executed.
Build strong relationships and open communication with product development category leaders so laboratory research supports future product roadmaps.
Proactively evaluate and recommend changes to Engineering Laboratory technical capabilities in response to organizational needs.
Establish continuous improvement processes using lean principles to increase laboratory efficiency and output.