Dynamometer Test Engineer

Wabtec; Maxton (NC); On-site; USD 62,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and welfare benefits

Annual bonus

Retirement plan

Job summary

Wabtec is seeking a Dynamometer Test Engineer to lead the planning, setup, and execution of advanced dynamometer tests. You will coordinate equipment, instrumentation, and data acquisition, while developing robust test procedures and reports.

The role emphasizes PID tuning, automation, and cross-team collaboration in a fast-paced lab environment. Ideal candidates have a mechanical engineering background, 3+ years of testing experience, and hands-on familiarity with data acquisition, control

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred.
• Minimum of three years of hands-on engineering experience in testing, controls, or a similar environment.
• Strong knowledge of data acquisition and closed-loop control systems.
• Experience with thermocouples, speed encoders, load cells, and pressure transducers.
• Understanding PID control loops and tuning.
• Basic programming for test automation (BASIC, C++) or similar environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine comprehensive dynamometer test plans with equipment and data needs.
• Collaborate with technicians to develop and validate control and data acquisition programs.
• Coordinate test setup and ensure proper instrumentation and readiness.
• Monitor tests to ensure data quality and schedule adherence.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control issues during tests.
• Prepare detailed dynamometer test reports with methodologies and results.
• Plan and manage dynamometer scheduling to meet project deadlines.
• Maintain dynamometers, calibration, preventive maintenance, and inventory.
• Identify and lead procurement of new test equipment to enhance lab capabilities.
• Improve procedures to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Develop test automation scripts using iTest or similar tools.
• Apply PID tuning to achieve stable test performance.
• Ensure data traceability and compliance.
• Support root cause analysis and failure investigations with data-driven insights.
• Contribute to mechanical design and fixture development (AutoCAD preferred).
• Experience with FEA tools like ANSYS or Abaqus is a plus.
• Strong communication and teamwork in a fast-paced environment.
• Maintain on-site presence to support lab operations.

Skills

Data acquisition systems

Closed-loop control systems

Test instrumentation

PID control

Programming (BASIC/C++)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

The Friction Product Linedesigns and manufactures high-friction and low-friction composition, sintered brake shoes, specialty shoes, and disc brake linings for freight, locomotive and transit vehicles.

How will you make a difference?

The Dynamometer Test Engineer is responsible for reviewing and refining dynamometer test plans, coordinating equipment, instrumentation, and procedures required to effectively set up and execute tests, and preparing comprehensive test reports. This role also includes specifying and procuring necessary equipment, materials, and supplies to support testing operations. The Test Engineer holds primary responsibility for developing, implementing, and maintaining technical procedures to ensure the safe, accurate, and efficient operation of the dynamometer laboratory.

What do we want to know about you?

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university is preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant hands‑on engineering experience in testing, controls, or a similar environment.
• Strong knowledge of data acquisition systems and closed-loop control systems, including system integration and troubleshooting.
• Experience with common test instrumentation, including thermocouples, speed encoders, load cells, and pressure transducers.
• Understanding of control systems fundamentals, including PID (proportional, integral, derivative) control loops and tuning.
• Basic programming proficiency for test automation and control applications (e.g., BASIC, C++, or similar environments).

What will your typical day look like?

• Collaborate with test requestors (Engineering, R&D, or external customers) to develop comprehensive test plans, including procedures, objectives, equipment requirements, materials, and data/reporting expectations. Proactively identify gaps such as capability limitations, special setups, or resource constraints.
• Work closely with Dynamometer Technicians to develop, validate, and optimize control and data acquisition programs, ensuring all special test requirements are met.
• Coordinate and support test setup activities, ensuring proper instrumentation, configuration, and readiness prior to execution.
• Monitor ongoing tests to ensure adherence to objectives, data quality standards, and schedule commitments; take corrective action when needed.
• Partner with Dynamometer Technicians to troubleshoot and resolve mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control system issues during test execution.
• Develop, review, and approve detailed dynamometer test reports documenting test plans, methodologies, results, and conclusions.
• Plan and manage dynamometer scheduling to optimize utilization, align with project priorities, and meet customer deadlines.
• Oversee maintenance of dynamometers and related test equipment, including calibration, preventive maintenance, repairs, and inventory management (test samples, wheels, discs, and instrumentation).
• Identify, justify, and lead the procurement and implementation of new test equipment to enhance lab capabilities and reliability. Coordinate with technicians, maintenance teams, and external contractors for installation and repairs.
• Continuously review and improve departmental procedures, work instructions, and best practices to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Develop and maintain test automation programs (iTest or equivalent), including scripting and customization using BASIC or similar programming languages.
• Apply control systems knowledge, including PID tuning (proportional, integral, derivative), to achieve stable and accurate test performance.
• Ensure accurate recording, traceability, and management of all test data in accordance with quality and compliance requirements.
• Highly self‑motivated individual with a strong sense of ownership, capable of independently identifying priorities, solving problems, and driving continuous improvement in a fast‑paced test environment.
• Support root cause analysis and failure investigations, providing data‑driven insights and recommendations.
• Contribute to mechanical design and fixture development (AutoCAD or similar CAD tools preferred).
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) software such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or similar engineering simulation tools is considered a plus.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate test results, insights, and recommendations to support data‑driven decision‑making.
• Promote and enforce a safe working environment, ensuring compliance with all safety and environmental standards.
• Maintain regular on‑site attendance to support lab operations and collaboration.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by supervision.
• Demonstrate strong teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills while supporting a high‑performance engineering environment.
• Other duties as assigned by supervision.

What about the Work Environment and Physical Demands of the job?
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. You may also be asked to perform other duties outside of your function or trade, for which adequate training will be provided if necessary.

• Regularly lift a minimum of fifty pounds (50lbs).
• Frequently stand, walk, bend, crouch, push and pull.
• Regularly exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and extreme heat (non‑weather).

Wabtec will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable) and fitness for duty test (as applicable).

• Occasionally exposed to airborne particles.

Additional Information

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $62100-85300 The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.

What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?

At Wabtec, it’s not just about a job - it’s about the impact you make. When our people come together, we’re Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.

If you’re ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.

Who are we?

Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value‑added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it’s freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together – are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.

Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We’re lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at www.WabtecCorp.com.

Culture powers us and the possibilities.

We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We’re building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.

We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.

Need accommodation? Just let us know - we’ve got you.