Engine Test Technician

Actalent; Pontiac (MI); On-site; USD 33,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Engine Development Technician in Pontiac, MI to support the development and testing of prototype engines. The role blends hands-on engine building, modification, dyno testing, and calibration in a laboratory environment.

You will work with engineers to troubleshoot issues, perform root cause analysis, and document test data using Excel and data acquisition systems. This contract position is onsite in Pontiac with a competitive hourly pay range of $24.00–$35.00.

Qualifications

• Hands-on engine building and modification for prototype testing.
• Experience with engine dynos and data collection.
• Familiarity with engine tuning and calibration processes.
• Proficiency with Excel for test data recording.

Responsibilities

• Build, assemble, and modify prototype engines for testing.
• Perform engine component changes including cylinder heads, camshafts, oil pumps, fuel injectors, spark plugs, and related systems.
• Operate engine dynamometers (dynos) and execute manual engine testing procedures.
• Support engine tuning and calibration activities, including adjusting fuel, spark, airflow, and exhaust parameters.
• Utilize AVL, PUMA, and emissions testing equipment to collect and analyze engine performance data.
• Install instrumentation and sensors on engines and dyno systems.
• Fabricate and modify test components, fixtures, and engine hardware.
• Work closely with engineers to troubleshoot issues, perform root cause analysis, and optimize engine performance.
• Record and document test data using Excel and other data acquisition systems.

Skills

Engine assembly

Dyno testing

Engine calibration

Data analysis

Tools

AVL

PUMA

Engine dynamometer

Data acquisition systems

Job description

Engine Development Technician Test Technician role supporting the development and testing of prototype engines. This hands‑on role combines engine building, mechanical modification, dynamometer (dyno) testing, and engine calibration in a laboratory environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, assemble, and modify prototype engines for testing.
• Perform engine component changes including cylinder heads, camshafts, oil pumps, fuel injectors, spark plugs, and related systems.
• Operate engine dynamometers (dynos) and execute manual engine testing procedures.
• Support engine tuning and calibration activities, including adjusting fuel, spark, airflow, and exhaust parameters.
• Utilize AVL, PUMA, and emissions testing equipment to collect and analyze engine performance data.
• Install instrumentation and sensors on engines and dyno systems.
• Fabricate and modify test components, fixtures, and engine hardware.
• Work closely with engineers to troubleshoot issues, perform root cause analysis, and optimize engine performance.
• Record and document test data using Excel and other data acquisition systems.

Work Environment

• Engine development laboratory and dyno test cells.
• Combination of hands‑on mechanical work and computer‑based data analysis.
• Frequent engine tear‑downs, rebuilds, testing, and performance optimization activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of PONTIAC, MI.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $35.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in PONTIAC,MI. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 7, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.