Crash Test Technician-ATD

Optimal; Superior (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Optimal is seeking a Crash Test Technician-ATD to join the Vehicle Safety Test Team in Superior Township, Michigan. You will prepare and assemble ATD crash dummies, position them per test protocols, verify sensor polarity and data integrity, and maintain the dummy fleet and related instrumentation.

The role involves post-test teardown, data review, continuous equipment maintenance, and documentation in a lab/database environment. Onsite work with a collaborative team of engineers is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum: High School Diploma.
• Preferred: Associate Degree in Automotive Technology and/or experience in a crash/safety test facility.
• Experience with ATD/Crash Dummy construction, assembly, disassembly, and seating procedures - H3-50M, H3-5F, SID-IIs, ES-2re, THOR-50M/5F, WorldSID-50M, Q-series.
• Experience with Data Acquisition Systems and ATD/Dummy Instrumentation - DTS DataPRO and various sensors.

Responsibilities

• Prepare/assemble ATD/Dummy per test plan and instrumentation requests.
• Perform post-test operations: disassemble, clean, and inspect.
• Document ATD/Dummy instruments and modifications in a database.
• Maintain calibration schedules and keep inventory records.
• OrderATD/Dummy parts, equipment, and instrumentation.
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized shop and support daily crash test schedules.

Skills

Automotive R&D testing

Mechanical aptitude

Electrical aptitude

Documentation

Troubleshooting

MS365 familiarity

Strong communication

Instructions following

Education

High School Diploma

Associate Degree in Automotive Technology

Tools

DTS DataPRO

ATD/Dummy instrumentation

3D measurement tools

CMM

Job description

Job Title: Crash Test Technician-ATD

Job Description:

Client is looking for a Build/Strip Crash Test Technician to join our Vehicle Safety Test Team and Crash Test Laboratory located in Superior Township, Michigan. The Vehicle Safety Test Team is part of the Vehicle Safety Integration Department which focuses on the physical crash testing and passive safety for all Motor Group products. We are currently looking for an automotive crash test technician to support and maintain our ATD/Crash Dummy fleet testing operations. We are looking for a hard-working automotive engineering test technician who is eager to use their skills to prepare, maintain, and seat our crash test dummies.

• Prepare/Assemble ATD/Dummy (Pre-test Operations)
  • Review test plan with engineers to understand ATD/Dummy load case preparation and post-test action
  • Assemble crash test dummies to meet custom build level and instrumentation requests
  • Confirm sensor polarity and joint stiffness
  • Dummy Positioning within vehicle to various test protocols (FMVSS, US-NCAP, IIHS, Latin NCAP, etc)
  • Record final ATD/Dummy test position; Conduct 3D and Hand measurements of dummy
    • 3D Measurements taken by CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine or 3D Scanner)
  • Paint / Target ATD/Dummy body parts
• Build-down/Disassemble ATD/Dummy (Post-test Operations):
  • Remove ATD/Dummy from crashed vehicle
  • Clean and initial inspection
  • Review post-test data anomalies and investigate/trouble shoot root cause of the problem
  • Disassemble dummies after testing is complete to perform post-test assessment
• Continuous Monitoring and Maintenance of ATD/Dummy & Instrumentation
  • Inventory
  • Calibration schedule and records
  • Repair/Replacement status and records
• Perform ATD/Dummy Part as well as Instrumentation repairs and replacements as necessary
• Develop daily, weekly, and monthly work plans to achieve overall crash test schedule
• Meet or exceed test demands of ATD/Dummy requests (dynamic environment)
• Work cooperatively in a team environment with other technicians and engineers.
• Other Responsibilities:
  • Fully document ATD/Dummy instruments and modifications in a database environment.
  • ATD/Dummy Parts, Equipment, and Instrumentation ordering
  • Maintain shop equipment and tools.
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and organized shop environment

What You Will Bring to the Role

• Educational Requirements:
  • Minimum: High School Diploma
  • Preferred: Associate Degree in Automotive Technology field and/or experience in a crash/safety test facility
• Related Industry Experience Requirements:
  • Technician I Level with 0 to 3 years of experience
• Required Skills and Knowledge:
  • Preferred:
    • Experience working in automotive R&D testing environments
    • Strong Mechanical Aptitude. Comfortable in assembly/disassembly using basic hand tools
    • Strong Electrical Aptitude. Knowledge of basic DC electric properties, proficient with a DMM, and electrical repair skills such as soldering, desoldering, splicing, and schematic reading.
    • Diligent in documenting processes and procedures
    • Proficient troubleshooting skills
    • Proficient PC skills (MS365 Suite: Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
    • Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior
    • Effectively manage multiple priorities, organize workload, and meet deadlines
    • Strong ability to follow oral and written instructions
    • Excellent communication and writing skills.
  • Ideal/Specialized:
    • Experience with ATD/Crash Dummy construction, assembly, disassembly, and seating procedures - H3-50M, H3-5F, SID-IIs, ES-2re, THOR-50M/5F, WorldSID-50M, Q-series
    • Experience with Data Acquisition Systems and ATD/Dummy Instrumentation - Data Acquisition Systems: DTS DataPRO (DTS: Diversified Technical Systems) - Instrumentation: Accelerometer, Load Cells (single & multi-axis), Potentiometers, etc
    • Experience troubleshooting and repairing ATD/Dummy & Instrumentation

* Fully Onsite