Strength Test Engineer, Powersports

Job Purpose

Product Testing Engineer (Strength) is responsible for executing development projects with the viewpoint of Strength/Rigidity to test functioning prototypes that will eventually become production ATV/SxS vehicles, researching and applying new technologies to support business targets and maintaining global vehicle product quality. The Product Testing Engineer will utilize CAE, then validate those results by actual testing of a physical prototype units/parts.

Key Accountabilities

• Develop/Test basic component and system layouts for ATV/SxS prototype vehicles that achieve concept targets, function requirements, and manufacturing requisites with minimal supervision. Communicate specification requirements and manufacturing control points via prototype, production drawings, and prepare test summaries.
• Utilize data acquisition systems with precision instruments and strain gauges to confirm the strength, rigidity, and durability of ATVs/SxSs.
• Analyze, quantify, and summarize/present captured data to communicate the loading scenarios of ATVs/SxSs.
• Set basic performance targets to satisfy vehicle concept and competitiveness. Perform validations of specification targets, requirements, components, and complete vehicles through application of engineering principles, simulations, and physical testing with minimal supervision. Conduct testing encompassing customer viewpoints with drawing specifications to check for deterioration/wear. Maintain accurate technical, development, and administrative documentation as required.
• Capture real world customer usage data condition and reproduce in the laboratory setting utilizing hydraulic test actuators.
• Create and manage schedule of individual work to ensure deadlines are met, communicate resource needs with supervisor, and effectively utilize contractor resources with minimal supervision. Manage vehicle builds and post-test teardown for evaluation of test specification/requirements.Consistently communicate project status real time and participate in project meetings, discussions, and development events.
• Generate basic ideas that contribute to the evolution of new technologies. Support maturation of ideas to prepare for development applications with minimal supervision.
• Design test fixtures to be able to validate vehicle component in the test lab. Work with the Fabrication Team to produce fixtures/jigs.
• Support market quality themes. Utilize problem-solving methods to investigate root causes. Advance and implement C/M specs as necessary.

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Experience with data acquisition is strongly desirable
• Hands-on experience maintaining, repairing vehicles is strongly desirable
• Experience riding Powersports products (motorcycles, ATV, SxS) is strongly desirable
• Capable data acquisition and laboratory skills/techniques
• Capable analytical, problem solving, judgement, decision-making and prioritization
• Capable data acquisition and laboratory skills
• Capable understanding of development project cycles, milestones
• Capable in FTA, FMEA
• Competent in written and oral communication
• Competent analytical, problem solving, judgement, decision-making and prioritization
• Competent in creating a plan and schedule
• Competent time management skills
• Must be able to possess a high level of confidentiality
• Operate company vehicles and Transport Test Units

Working Conditions

• Travel: Up to 10% may be required. Amount varies based on project demands/responsibilities, conferences, etc.; includes possible overseas travel.
• Physical: Primarily at a desk, some work in a lab and/or test vehicle, frequent keyboarding. Frequent kneeling, standing, reaching, squatting, bending, pushing and lifting. Some physical effort required (pushing 50+ pounds; lifting 25–50 pounds).
• Hazards: Risks found in a typical office & shop setting. Exposure to explosives/flammables, pressurized equipment, toxic chemicals and moving parts.
• Overtime: Overtime expected based on project demands/responsibilities.
• Maintains professional conduct and follows all departmental, safety DEPARTMENT, and COMPANY policies, Procedures, AND rules.