Dynamometer Technician (Powertrain)

Prospance Inc; Plymouth (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Prospance Inc in Michigan is seeking a Dyno Test Technician to operate and maintain large dynamometer test systems for electrified powertrain development and validation. You will install instrumentation, run tests, and deliver high-quality data in an OEM-like environment.

The role requires hands-on experience with dynamometer test-cell operations, electrical and mechanical troubleshooting, and close collaboration with powertrain engineers.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on technician experience in test cells or dynamometer labs.
• 2+ years experience with electrified vehicles or EV powertrain systems.
• Experience in OEM/automotive engineering environments.
• Strong hands-on dynamometer testing and test-cell operations.
• Instrumentation experience: thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, etc.
• Experience with electric drive units, motors, inverters, gearboxes, propulsion systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain dynamometer test systems for vehicle/powertrain testing.
• Support testing of electric drive units, motors, gearboxes, inverters, and other components.
• Build, configure, and set up test rigs and dynamometer systems.
• Collaborate with multiple engineering teams on test plans and upgrades.
• Perform dyno durability testing to assess reliability and performance.
• Install, configure, and troubleshoot test instrumentation.

Skills

Dynamometer testing

High-voltage EV systems

Instrumentation and data acquisition

Powertrain diagnostics

Mechanical test setup

Troubleshooting

Tools

Dynamometer equipment

Test instrumentation

Job description

Job Type: Contract

Contract Duration: 1-6 months, with potential for extension

Work Mode: Onsite

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8 hours/day, starting at 8:00 AM

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Dyno Test Technician to support the operation, maintenance, and development of dynamometer test systems used for the development and validation of electrified powertrain systems, including electric drive units, motors, inverters, and gearboxes.

The technician will work closely with Powertrain Test and Validation Engineers to install, configure, operate, and maintain complex mechanical and electrical test equipment. This role will also be responsible for instrumentation installation, first-line troubleshooting, test setup, equipment maintenance, and ensuring the delivery of accurate, high-quality test data.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience working in an OEM-style engineering or manufacturing environment, preferably within an automotive or electrified vehicle testing facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain large dynamometer (Dyno) test systems for vehicle and powertrain-level testing.
• Support development and validation testing of electric drive units, motors, gearboxes, inverters, and other electrified powertrain components.
• Build, configure, and set up test rigs and dynamometer systems for mechanical and electrical testing.
• Work closely with Powertrain, NVH, Thermal, Test, and Validation Engineering teams to execute test plans and equipment upgrade projects.
• Perform dyno durability testing to evaluate component reliability, wear, failure modes, and performance under simulated real-world conditions.
• Select, install, configure, and troubleshoot instrumentation required for test data collection.
• Work with instrumentation such as:
• Thermocouples
• RTDs/thermistors
• Accelerometers
• Flow meters
• Hygrometers
• Voltage-drop sense leads
• Perform routine preventative maintenance and mechanical/electrical repairs on test equipment.
• Perform first-line fault finding and troubleshooting of operational issues during testing.
• Diagnose and repair prototype vehicle electrical, mechanical, and software-related issues.
• Support Validation Engineers with modifications, upgrades, and improvements to systems under test.
• Apply strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve powertrain system issues.
• Operate scan tools, diagnostic equipment, and common automotive test equipment.
• Generate, maintain, and improve process documentation for test rigs and associated equipment.
• Document test findings, communicate issues across engineering teams, and escalation problems appropriately.
• Participate in Environmental, Health & Safety activities within the laboratory environment.
• Contribute to risk assessments and maintain safe laboratory and workshop practices.
• Provide feedback and implement improvements to workshop standards, processes, protocols, and test procedures.
• Maintain a high standard of workmanship, organization, and workshop etiquette.
• Collaborate effectively with technicians, engineers, and cross-functional teams.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on Technician experience working directly in test cells, dynamometer laboratories, or large dynamometer systems.
• 2+ years of experience working with electrified vehicles or EV powertrain systems.
• Experience working in an OEM, automotive engineering, vehicle development, or equivalent laboratory environment.
• Strong hands-on experience with dynamometer testing and test-cell operations.
• Strong instrumentation experience, including thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, pressure gauges, flow meters, and hygrometers.
• Experience with electric drive units, motors, inverters, gearboxes, and propulsion systems.
• Strong mechanical background with experience in mechanical tooling, fixtures, test rigs, and equipment setup.
• Experience with high-voltage systems and EV safety procedures.
• Experience with powertrain test setup, instrumentation, and test error-proofing.
• Knowledge of propulsion systems and thermal systems, including coolant and refrigerant systems.
• Strong electrical and mechanical diagnostic and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Ability to read and understand technical documentation, schematics, and test procedures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in an automotive OEM or vehicle development environment.
• Experience testing electric drive units, gearboxes, motors, and inverters.
• Experience with dyno durability and reliability testing.
• Experience troubleshooting high-voltage EV systems.
• Experience building and modifying test fixtures and dynamometer setups.
• Experience supporting Powertrain, NVH, Thermal, or Validation Engineering teams.
• Experience working with prototype vehicles and pre-production systems.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a highly hands-on technician who is comfortable working in a real-world dynamometer/test-cell environment rather than solely performing laboratory or bench‑level testing.

Candidates should demonstrate strong experience in:

• Dynamometer Testing
• High-Voltage / EV Systems
• Electric Drive Units
• Instrumentation and Data Acquisition
• Mechanical Test Setup and Tooling
• Powertrain Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

The candidate should be comfortable working in strenuous or awkward physical positions throughout the workday and should take ownership of equipment, test quality, documentation, and troubleshooting activities.

• Fully onsite, Monday through Friday.
• 8-hour workdays beginning at 8:00 AM.
• Hands-on work within a dynamometer/test-cell and laboratory environment.
• Requires the ability to work around complex mechanical, electrical, and high-voltage equipment.
• Requires adherence to strict safety, workshop, and laboratory procedures.