Dynamometer Test Engineer: Data-Driven Lab Lead

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

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