Vibration Test Engineer

Hartzell Propeller•Piqua, OH

54d

About The Position

Hartzell Propeller LLC designs, develops, tests, manufactures, and supports propeller systems for aircraft ranging from general aviation to military applications. The Vibration Test Engineer conducts propeller vibration testing to determine compatible propeller and engine combinations for aircraft. The role includes defining test and instrumentation requirements, coordinating test activities and asset logistics, analyzing and interpreting data, and communicating results. The position may lead to FAA ODA Unit Member status. Vibration test campaigns often take place at customer sites, requiring up to 25% travel. Most trips are domestic, with occasional international trips lasting up to two to three weeks; most domestic flight tests require one to two weeks of travel. Daily work takes place in an office, test lab, or hangar, including installing propellers and vibration test equipment. The engineer is also required to fly in the test vehicle to gather data. During the first year, the engineer is expected to learn Hartzell’s product line and technical data systems, vibration theory, test equipment operation, and strain-gauge installation on aluminum and carbon-fiber components. The engineer will assist with tests, manage concurrent project assignments, and become capable of conducting tests independently by the end of the year.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering Technology with an A&P certificate.
At least 5 years of engineering experience.
Knowledge of flight testing, including test plans, techniques, data acquisition and reduction, and test-report preparation.
Knowledge of vibration and fatigue.
Knowledge of aircraft performance.
Proficient computer skills, with at least MS Office.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to travel up to 25%, including domestic travel and occasional international trips of up to two to three weeks.
Ability to fly in the test vehicle to gather test data.

Nice To Haves

Flight test experience.
Airplane pilot experience.
Knowledge of General Aviation aircraft.
Experience with or knowledge of electronic equipment.

Responsibilities

Conduct propeller vibration tests to determine propeller and engine compatibility.
Manage project assignments, including planning and conducting propeller vibration tests.
Analyze test data and prepare technical reports documenting propeller, engine, and aircraft testing and compatibility.
Communicate with coworkers, customers, and outside consultants about design, configuration, and installation issues.
Define test and instrumentation requirements and coordinate test activities and test-asset logistics.
Install propellers and vibration test equipment, including installing strain gauges on aluminum and carbon-fiber components.
Fly in the test vehicle to gather test data.
Learn to operate Hartzell Propeller vibration test equipment and develop the ability to conduct tests independently.