ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIST - SR. ENGINTEERING TECHNOLOGIST - Control Systems - Ann Arbor, MI

Southwest Research Institute; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute is seeking a candidate in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to design and maintain automotive test instrumentation. The role involves overseeing engineering efforts and ensuring lab functionality while promoting safety standards in all test operations. The ideal candidate will hold a relevant bachelor's degree and have significant experience in mechanical fabrication and electrical troubleshooting. This position requires a clear driver's license and U.S. person status due to ITAR work.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology or related field.
• 3 years of mechanical fabrication and welding experience.
• 3 years of electrical and electronic troubleshooting experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and calibrate high-quality instrumentation for vehicle systems.
• Lead lab testing and validation through custom wiring and integration.
• Maintain functionality of laboratory test cells and equipment.

Skills

Mechanical Fabrication

Welding

Electrical Troubleshooting

Test Equipment Operation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology or related field

Tools

Dynamometers

Data acquisition systems

Job description

03-01576

Who We Are:

The Control Systems Department supports a wide variety of Sustainable Energy, Mobility, Powertrain, Aerospace and Defense projects across SwRI. We develop practical solutions by combining off-the-shelf and custom electronics, embedded systems and algorithms. System-level thinking is essential to support design and troubleshooting. Ideal candidates are insatiably curious to understand how things work, and how we can manipulate them. They are exceptionally high aptitude individuals who collaborate well with others.

Objectives of this Role:

• Design Accurate Automotive Test Instrumentation. Design, install and calibrate high-quality instrumentation for both low- and high-voltage vehicle systems, ensuring reliable data collection for vehicle and component control and testing.
• Support Engineering and R&D Efforts. Lead lab testing and validation by designing and executing custom wiring, electronic integration, and mechanical fabrication that align with engineering requirements.
• Maintain Test Lab and Dyno Functionality. Schedule and perform regular maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory test cells, dynamometers, and related equipment to ensure minimal downtime.
• Promote a Safe and Compliant Work Environment. Adhere to and advocate for safety procedures, proper PPE use, and clean work practices in all lab and shop activities involving high voltage, welding, and mechanical operations.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Weld and Fabricate Custom Components. Design fixtures, execute welding and fabrication tasks to build or modify brackets, mounts, enclosures, or test rigs necessary for specific vehicle and component testing.
• Perform Routine Equipment Maintenance. Inspect, calibrate, and maintain test cell systems, including dynamometers, data acquisition hardware, and control systems to support uninterrupted testing operations.
• Read and Interpret Electrical Schematics. Use detailed wiring diagrams and technical documentation to install, test, and modify automotive electrical systems and instrumentation accurately.
• Wire and Integrate Low/High Voltage Systems. Perform hands-on wiring, harness assembly, sensor installation, and signal routing for a variety of automotive test setups involving both conventional and EV platforms.

Requirements:

• Requires a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Automotive Engineering Technology or Electronics Engineering Technology, or an Associates in a related field, or a High School diploma or equivalent with continued education, certifications, and 25 years of related professional level experience.
• ASE certified mechanic preferred, but not required.
• 3 years: Mechanical Fabrication and Welding. Proficient in MIG/TIG welding and basic fabrication techniques, including cutting, drilling, and assembly of test fixtures or mounting hardware.
• 3 years: Electrical and Electronic Troubleshooting. Strong ability to diagnose and resolve issues in low- and high-voltage automotive systems using schematics, meters, and diagnostic tools.
• 3 years: Test Equipment Operation and Maintenance. Hands-on experience with dynamometers, data acquisition systems, and routine maintenance of test cell components.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements:

Work assignment is in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Must be a U.S. person (i.e., U.S. citizen, non-U.S. citizen national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) due to ITAR work in section.

For benefits information at our San Antonio location, click here .
For benefits information at all other locations, click here .

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