ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIST - Engine & Aftertreatment Evaluation

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas, seeks an engineering-technology professional to drive testing and development of diesel aftertreatment systems and engines. You will translate engineering requirements into build specifications, oversee installation and calibration, and ensure data quality for benchmark programs.

The role emphasizes hands-on lab work, procedure documentation, and continuous improvement of fixtures and facilities, with collaboration across engineering teams to

Qualifications

• Hands-on field/lab experience with complex machinery, automotive tools, and/or engines.
• Familiarity with project management, basic business accounting concepts, systems design, and problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Optimize test cells used to evaluate diesel aftertreatment system performance.
• Establish, refine, and document procedures for repeatable, precise measurements; advise process improvements.
• Review and oversee calibration procedures across lab measurement systems (temp, pressure, flow, speed, emissions).
• Identify opportunities to improve accuracy and maintain test analysis documentation.
• Serve as liaison between technicians and engineering staff during engine and equipment install/remove; verify specs.

Skills

Hands-on experience

Problem-solving

Project management familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology

25+ years experience alternative with high school education

Job description

Who We Are

The Aftertreatment Technologies group performs a wide array of evaluation and development programs utilizing engines, fuel burners, aftertreatment systems and components, fuels, lubricants and sensors to support our customers, which include OEMs, suppliers, government regulatory bodies and industry groups. This work supports a wide range of products, from proof of concept to development to in-field support and evaluation. The products developed and tested typically result in reduced environmental impacts (i.e. cleaner air), improved efficiency and/or increased end user satisfaction.

Objectives of this Role

Drive section, department, and division technical objectives by delivering continuous (24/7) project support across the development, evaluation, and demonstration of technologies advancing emissions reduction, fuel economy, and durability performance. Advance the testing and development of engines and pollution control systems by applying technical expertise and industry standards, supporting project milestones for current and next-generation power generation applications. Ensure the integrity and readiness of test systems by translating engineering requirements into build specifications, and by documenting and providing oversight of the mechanical assembly, disassembly, and integration performed by technical staff. Safeguard data quality and measurement accuracy across the laboratory by establishing calibration and maintenance requirements for high-precision instrumentation, applying industry standards, and identifying opportunities for process improvement. Work with engineering team to design test fixtures and translate designs into build and implementation instructions for technical staff. Drive continuous improvement of existing fixtures and facilities.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities

• Optimize test cells used to evaluate diesel aftertreatment system performance.


• Establish, refine, and document procedures ensuring repeatable, precise measurements, and work with Engineers to recommend process improvements.


• Review and oversee calibration procedures across laboratory measurement systems (temperature, pressure, flow, speed, concentration, emissions).


• Identify and develop opportunities to improve accuracy and methodology, and maintain test analysis documentation for consistency.


• Serve as technical liaison between technicians and engineering staff during engine and manage equipment installation and removal, translating engineering requirements into installation specifications and verifying work against those specifications.


• Identify recurring issues in engine and burner test cells and building support systems and strategize to recommend best maintenance and modification approaches for technical staff to execute.


• Document trends and propose changes that improve reliability and/or reduce downtime.


• Interface with test software platforms to verify parameters and troubleshoot abnormal operation, escalating and documenting non-standard issues, and contribute to development of troubleshooting guides and best practices.

Requirements

• Requires a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Automotive Engineering Technology, Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, or other related Technology degree.


• In Lieu of Bachelors degree, 25+ years of related work experience and a high school education or equivalent and continued education/certifications will be considered.


• 0-10 years: Hands-on experience through field/lab work, academic clubs (ie. SAE), or personal projects, and/or internships gaining knowledge of complex machinery, automotive tools, and/or engines.


• Familiarity with project management, basic business accounting principals, systems design, and applied problem-solving.


• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements

Job Locations: San Antonio, Texas

For more information about this division, visit the Powertrain Engineering home page.

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.