Gearbox Test Engineer: Dyno, Rig Dev & Data Validation

Gm Performance Power Units; Kingston upon Hull; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Private healthcare

401k with match

Life insurance

Disability coverage

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. You will run full dyno testing, develop rigs, and analyze data to drive improvements aimed at durability and performance.

Collaborating with design and simulation teams, you will create rigorous test programs, investigate failures, and push for continuous performance gains in a fast-paced, factory-based role.

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.
• KPIs: Test program delivery, correlation accuracy, reduction in gearbox failures, and performance improvements.

Skills

Gear systems

Tribology

Lubrication

Fatigue analysis

Thermal loading

Data analysis

MATLAB

Python

DAQ systems

Mechanical testing

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering

Tools

Test rigs

Instrumentation

DAW/DAQ systems

FEA software

Multibody/ drivetrain models

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. You will run full dyno testing, develop rigs, and analyze data to drive improvements aimed at durability and performance.

Collaborating with design and simulation teams, you will create rigorous test programs, investigate failures, and push for continuous performance gains in a fast-paced, factory-based role.