Dynamometer Test Engineer

Sterling Engineering; Maxton (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Annual bonus eligibility

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Sterling Engineering in Maxton, NC seeks a Dynamometer Test Engineer to develop and execute testing procedures for railway braking products. You will troubleshoot test equipment and control systems and improve laboratory safety, reliability, and efficiency.

Responsibilities include coordinating test setup, developing automation programs, analyzing results, and preparing detailed test reports while ensuring data quality and compliance with quality standards.

Qualifications

• Hands-on engineering experience in testing, controls, or a similar environment.
• Strong understanding of data acquisition and closed-loop control systems.
• Experience with test instrumentation (thermocouples, encoders, load cells, transducers).
• Knowledge of PID control and tuning.
• Basic programming for test automation (BASIC, C++, or similar).

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine dynamometer test plans with Engineering, R&D, and customers.
• Coordinate test setup, instrumentation, equipment, materials, and procedures for safe testing.
• Work with Technicians to develop, validate, and optimize control and data acquisition programs.
• Monitor tests to ensure data quality, objectives, and schedules are met.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control system issues.
• Prepare, review, and approve detailed test reports documenting procedures and results.
• Schedule and coordinate dynamometer testing based on project priorities and deadlines.
• Oversee test equipment maintenance, calibration, and inventory.
• Identify and implement new test equipment to improve laboratory capabilities.
• Develop test automation programs using iTest or similar platforms and BASIC or comparable languages.
• Apply control systems knowledge, including PID tuning, to maintain stable test performance.
• Maintain accurate test data and documentation in accordance with quality standards.
• Support root cause analysis and failure investigations with data-driven recommendations.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

iTest

BASIC

C++

AutoCAD

ANSYS

Abaqus

Thermocouples

Speed encoders

Load cells

Pressure transducers

Job description

Sterling Engineering is looking for a Dynamometer Test Engineer in Maxton, NC. This opportunity is with a global manufacturer supporting the freight and transit rail industries. This role will focus on developing and executing dynamometer testing procedures for railway braking products, troubleshooting test equipment and control systems, analyzing results, and improving laboratory safety, reliability, and efficiency.

Location: Maxton, NC 28364

Benefits: Health, welfare, and retirement benefits; annual bonus may be available for eligible employees

Job Duties:

• Develop and refine dynamometer test plans in collaboration with Engineering, R&D, and external customers.
• Coordinate test setup, instrumentation, equipment, materials, and procedures to ensure testing is completed accurately and safely.
• Work with Dynamometer Technicians to develop, validate, and optimize control and data acquisition programs.
• Monitor tests to ensure data quality, testing objectives, and project schedules are met.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control system issues during testing.
• Prepare, review, and approve detailed test reports documenting procedures, results, and conclusions.
• Schedule and coordinate dynamometer testing based on project priorities and customer deadlines.
• Oversee test equipment maintenance, calibration, preventive maintenance, repairs, and inventory.
• Identify and implement new test equipment to improve laboratory capabilities and reliability.
• Develop and maintain test automation programs using iTest or similar platforms and BASIC or comparable programming languages.
• Apply control systems knowledge, including PID tuning, to maintain stable and accurate test performance.
• Maintain accurate test data and documentation in accordance with quality and compliance requirements.
• Support root cause analysis and failure investigations, providing data-driven recommendations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on engineering experience in testing, controls, or a similar environment.
• Strong understanding of data acquisition systems and closed-loop control systems, including integration and troubleshooting.
• Experience with test instrumentation such as thermocouples, speed encoders, load cells, and pressure transducers.
• Knowledge of control system fundamentals, including PID control loops and tuning.
• Basic programming experience with BASIC, C++, or similar languages for test automation and control applications.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop technical documentation and communicate test results and recommendations effectively.
• Experience with iTest or equivalent test automation platforms preferred.
• Experience with AutoCAD or similar CAD software preferred.
• Familiarity with FEA software such as ANSYS or Abaqus is a plus.