F1 Gearbox Test Engineer: Dyno Testing & Validation

Gm Performance Power Units; Poltimore; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Private healthcare

401(k) plan including company match

Employer-paid life insurance and/or di

Job summary

GM Performance Power Units is seeking a Gearbox Test Engineer to lead development, validation and reliability testing of Formula 1 transmission systems in a factory setting. The role emphasizes dyno testing, rig development and data-driven engineering to ensure durability and performance under extreme conditions.

Responsibilities include planning rigorous test programs, defining procedures, operating test rigs, and analyzing data to guide design improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, a related discipline or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years in mechanical testing with motorsport, automotive, or aerospace experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of: Gear systems, tribology, and lubrication.
• Fatigue, wear mechanisms, and material behavior.
• Thermal and mechanical loading in high-speed rotating systems.
• Experience with test rig operation and instrumentation including torque, speed, strain, and temperature measurements
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (MATLAB, Python, or similar).
• Familiarity with DAQ systems and automated test environments.
• Understanding of simulation correlation (FEA, multibody, or drivetrain models) is beneficial.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented with a structured engineering approach.
• Effective communicator across cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple test programs simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and execute rigorous test programs for gearbox systems, including full transmission dyno testing, sub-system and component-level validation, and endurance and accelerated life testing.
• Define test procedures, instrumentation requirements, and acceptance criteria.
• Operate and support advanced test rigs simulating real-world race duty cycles.
• Analyze high-resolution test data to assess gear durability, fatigue life, friction losses, efficiency, thermal performance, and oil system behavior.
• Correlate test data with simulation models and historical track data.
• Produce clear engineering reports with recommendations for design and performance improvements.
• Lead root cause analysis of gearbox and component failures.
• Work with materials, design, and manufacturing teams to implement corrective actions.
• Maintain failure databases and support reliability growth programs.
• Support the specification, development, and commissioning of new test rigs and instrumentation systems.
• Improve existing test capabilities, automation, and data acquisition processes.
• Ensure test systems replicate real-world operating conditions as accurately as possible.
• Work closely with design engineering teams to validate new gearbox concepts and updates.
• Provide feedback on gear design, materials, coatings, and lubrication strategies.
• Support validation of simulation tools and models used for gearbox performance prediction.

Skills

Mechanical testing

Motorsport experience

Data analysis

Instrumentation

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/Automotive Eng

Tools

MATLAB

Python

DAQ systems

Job description

GM Performance Power Units is seeking a Gearbox Test Engineer to lead development, validation and reliability testing of Formula 1 transmission systems in a factory setting. The role emphasizes dyno testing, rig development and data-driven engineering to ensure durability and performance under extreme conditions.

Responsibilities include planning rigorous test programs, defining procedures, operating test rigs, and analyzing data to guide design improvements.