Test Engineer A/Sr

NSK•Ann Arbor, MI

About The Position

The Test Engineer is responsible for planning, developing, and executing testing programs for industrial and automotive bearing products, including performance, durability, environmental, and application-specific evaluations. This role is primarily focused on defining test requirements, interpreting industry and customer standards, creating Design Verification Plans and Reports (DVP&Rs), developing test procedures and work instructions, and designing test fixtures and tooling to support accurate and repeatable testing. The Test Engineer analyzes test data and prepares comprehensive technical reports to evaluate product performance and support engineering decisions. The position also plays a key role in developing new testing capabilities through the design, specification, and implementation of custom test equipment and laboratory systems. Using QuickBase as a project management and workflow tool, the Test Engineer will lead and coordinate the development of new test stands and laboratory improvement projects, working closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, and within budget. Additionally, the Test Engineer provides technical expertise in troubleshooting test equipment, resolving test-related issues, and identifying practical solutions to improve test reliability, efficiency, and overall laboratory operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Minimum of six years of experience in test engineering, validation engineering, or test equipment design.
Proven track record of designing, developing, and commissioning custom test equipment.
Experience working with external suppliers, machine shops, and equipment vendors to support fabrication, assembly, and equipment build activities.
Strong project coordination skills and the ability to manage equipment development from concept through implementation.
Proficiency in CATIA and/or SolidWorks for 3D modeling and detailed design.
Strong understanding of mechanical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical systems, and instrumentation.
Experience developing DVP&Rs, test procedures, work instructions, and technical reports.
Ability to interpret engineering standards and translate requirements into effective test methods and equipment specifications.
Experience with data acquisition systems, sensors, instrumentation, and automated testing systems.
Experience using project management and workflow tools such as QuickBase.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent troubleshooting and root cause analysis abilities.
Effective project management and organizational skills.
Strong technical writing and documentation capability.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Effective communication and coordination with internal teams and external suppliers.
Hands-on approach with willingness to support test stand setup, commissioning, and laboratory operations.

Nice To Haves

Experience with industrial and/or automotive bearing systems is strongly preferred.
Familiarity with PLC-controlled equipment and industrial automation is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Develop, plan, and execute testing programs for industrial and automotive bearing products.
Interpret customer, industry, and internal engineering standards to define test requirements, acceptance criteria, and testing methodologies.
Create and maintain Design Verification Plans and Reports (DVP&Rs).
Develop engineering procedures, work instructions, and standard operating procedures for testing activities.
Review and approve test setups prior to test execution.
Coordinate testing activities to ensure efficient utilization of laboratory resources.
Support continuous improvement of testing methods and processes.
Design custom test fixtures, adapters, and tooling using CATIA and/or SolidWorks.
Create detailed 3D models, manufacturing drawings, and assembly documentation.
Develop tooling solutions that ensure repeatable, reliable, and safe testing.
Work with suppliers and fabrication vendors to support the manufacture and implementation of test tooling.
Identify requirements for new testing capabilities and laboratory improvements.
Write Statements of Requirements (SORs) for new test equipment and laboratory systems.
Design and develop custom test equipment, including mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and instrumentation systems.
Utilize QuickBase to manage project workflows, schedules, documentation, action items, and project deliverables.
Lead the development of new test stands and laboratory improvement projects from concept through commissioning.
Coordinate activities with equipment vendors, fabrication suppliers, machine shops, and integrators.
Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), installation, and commissioning activities.
Monitor project schedules, budgets, and technical deliverables to ensure successful project execution.
Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, instrumentation, and control system issues affecting test equipment.
Diagnose and resolve issues related to test setups, data collection systems, and laboratory operations.
Support installation, setup, modification, and commissioning of test stands and laboratory equipment.
Develop and implement corrective actions to improve equipment reliability and testing efficiency.
Provide hands-on technical support for laboratory operations as required.