Dyno Technician — Test Assistant through Dyno Lead / Test Engineer-Technician (Levels 1–4)

Riggs CAT; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Riggs CAT in Arkansas is hiring Dyno Technicians at every level, from Test Assistant to Lead. You will test rebuilt engines, verify horsepower, torque, and break-in against OEM specs, and flag units for rework. This is not an entry role; starting requires 2+ years of commercial diesel engine experience.

The dyno is the final quality checkpoint, working with Engine Rebuild and Transmission teams. Senior techs run client witness tests, and you will advance through the ladder to Level 4 by meeting

Qualifications

• 2+ years of diesel or large-bore engine experience required.
• Familiarity with dyno testing, data collection and analysis.
• Willingness to progress through four levels from Junior to Lead.

Responsibilities

• Engine mounting and hookup for dyno tests.
• Sensor installation and data collection during runs.
• Pre-start checklists and gauge monitoring.
• Supervised data logging and test reporting.
• Adherence to test standards and safety protocols.

Skills

Diesel engine experience

Dyno/test cell experience

Data logging & instrumentation

Safety procedures & guarding

Team collaboration

Tools

CAT ET & SIS 2.0

Cummins QuickServe/INSITE

Jaltest

Dynamometer testing equipment

Job description

Riggs CAT Description:

Riggs Cat Power & Energy is hiring Dyno Technicians at every level, from Test Assistant to Dyno Lead / Test Engineer-Technician. You will test rebuilt and serviced engines before they return to service, validating horsepower, torque, and break-in against OEM spec and flagging units for rework. This is not an entry role: at least 2 years of commercial diesel or large-bore engine experience is required to start.

The dyno is the final quality checkpoint after rebuild, working hand in hand with our Engine Rebuild and Transmission teams. Client First and Integrity lead here: the test sheet is what the client trusts, and senior techs run client witness tests face to face. Every level lives the Riggs Way: Urgent. Selfless. Excellent.

Levels and responsibilities

Level 1: Test Assistant

Typical experience: Internal Level 2 rebuild tech, or outside hire with 2+ years commercial diesel or large-bore experience (2–6 years of relevant experience expected)

• Engine mounting and hookup
• Sensor installation
• Pre‑start checklists
• Gauge monitoring
• Supervised data logging

Moves up when: Runs a standard test start to finish under observation with no safety or procedure misses

Level 2: Technician II

Typical experience: 3–5 years of diesel or gas engine work, including dyno or test cell time

• Independent setup and runs
• Break‑in
• HP/torque curve capture
• Basic exhaust/emissions measurement
• Test reports

Moves up when: Isolates test failures to setup vs. engine cause and completes 7‑Step Diagnostic Process training

Level 3: Senior

Typical experience: 5–10 years; strong diagnostics and deep test‑cell experience in diesel and gas

• Diagnoses below-spec performance
• Gas engine targeting
• Return‑to‑service sign‑off on individual engines
• Sensor and load cell calibration checks
• Client witness tests, run face to face with clear results
• Rework feedback to rebuild techs

Moves up when: Ready to own test standards and the dyno program (Level 4)

Level 4: Lead / Test Engineer‑Technician

Typical experience: 10+ years of engine test and diagnostic work

The shop's authority on test standards and performance data. Here's what changes from Senior:

• Scope: Decides what returns to service and what goes back for rework across the shop
• Standards: Sets test procedures and acceptance criteria per engine family, including new families the shop takes on, instead of working to written procedures
• Equipment: Owns dyno calibration and maintenance, plus instrumentation and calibration management
• Client witness tests: Sets witness test procedures and handles escalated tests, including when an engine misses spec in front of the client
• Rebuild lines: Tracks failure trends, feeds them back to the rebuild lines, and keeps the lines working with the test team
• People: Trains dyno staff
• Client role: Presents results clearly to non‑technical clients

Level 4 is the top of the ladder.

Requirements

What you bring

All levels:

• Engine mechanical fundamentals and test‑cell safety around rotating equipment, heat, exhaust, and noise
• Comfort working around running engines for a full shift
• Disciplined use of written test procedures, guarding, and e‑stops
• Cat ET and SIS 2.0, or a comparable service information system (e.g., Cummins QuickServe/INSITE, Detroit DiagnosticLink, Jaltest)

By level:

• Level 2+: Data acquisition software and sensor and load cell calibration checks
• Level 3: 7‑Step Diagnostic Process, GERP for gas engine targets, AFA I & II
• Level 4: Same training as Senior

How you work:

• Verifies instrumentation before trusting data
• Raises rework issues with evidence and keeps working relationships intact
• Will not sign off marginal results under schedule pressure

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Must be able to pass work related pre‑employment physical demands. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles; outside weather conditions and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Will be required to drive for extended periods of time.

The job description is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

EEO/AA

Non-Exempt; Hourly

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60‑1.35(c)

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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