Gearbox Test Technician

GM Performance Power Units; Concord (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Private healthcare

401(k) plan with company match

Life insurance and disability coverage

32 days annual leave

Financial advisor access

Employee Assistance Programs

On-site dining

On-site gym

GM vehicle purchase/lease program

Free on-site EV charging

Job summary

GM Performance Power Units is seeking a Gearbox Test Technician to support hands-on preparation, operation, and maintenance of transmission test rigs within a high‑performance Formula 1 environment. You will work closely with test engineers and design teams to ensure accurate installation, instrumentation, and testing to meet performance targets.

The role requires a technical diploma or apprenticeship in mechanical engineering, plus 2+ years in a hands-on mechanical or test environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on mechanical role requiring precise assembly and inspection.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings and specifications.
• Knowledge of instrumentation, data acquisition, hydraulic and lubrication basics.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a methodical, hands-on approach.
• Good communication and teamwork within cross-functional teams.
• Able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain gearbox test rigs to defined procedures.
• Assemble and disassemble gearboxes, subsystems, and test assemblies.
• Install and verify instrumentation and sensors; assist with wiring and validation.
• Maintain test rigs and tooling in good working order; support diagnostics.
• Record data and observations; assist engineers with reports and build sheets.
• Collaborate with test engineers, design teams, and maintenance staff.

Skills

Mechanical assembly

Disassembly

Reading engineering drawings

Instrumentation & data acquisition

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Technical diploma / apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Job Summary

The Gearbox Test Technician is responsible for the hands‑on preparation, operation, and maintenance of transmission test rigs within a high‑performance Formula 1 environment. Working closely with test engineers and design teams, this role ensures gearbox systems are installed, instrumented, and tested accurately and efficiently to meet demanding performance and reliability targets. This position is critical to delivering high‑quality test data and maintaining the safe, reliable operation of advanced test facilities.

Key Responsibilities

Test Rig Operation

• Operate gearbox and driveline test rigs in accordance with defined test procedures.
• Monitor test parameters including torque, speed, temperature, and pressure.
• Support execution of durability, performance, and validation test programs.
• Identify and escalation abnormal behavior or test issues.

Build, Strip & Preparation

• Assemble and disassemble gearboxes, sub‑systems, and test assemblies.
• Prepare units for testing including cleaning, inspection, and measurement.
• Install and remove components safely and to precise specifications.
• Ensure all builds meet engineering drawings, specifications, and torque settings.

Instrumentation & Setup

• Install and verify instrumentation such as thermocouples, pressure sensors, and strain gauges (basic support).
• Assist with wiring, routing, and validation of test measurements.
• Support calibration and validation of sensors and data acquisition systems.

Maintenance & Facility Support

• Maintain test rigs, tooling, and equipment in operational condition.
• Perform routine maintenance and inspections.
• Support troubleshooting of mechanical and basic electrical issues.
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures and best practices.

Data & Documentation

• Record test data, observations, and issues during test runs.
• Support engineers in logging results and maintaining accurate records.
• Assist with test reports, build sheets, and inspection documentation.

Collaboration

• Work closely with test engineers, design engineers, operations, and maintenance teams.
• Provide feedback on build quality, recurring issues, and test rig improvements.

Required Qualifications

• Technical diploma, apprenticeship, or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Technology, or Motorsport Engineering.
• 2+ years in a hands‑on mechanical or test environment (motorsport preferred).
• Strong mechanical assembly and disassembly skills.
• Knowledge of mechanical systems, components, and precision measurement tools (micrometers, gauges, torque wrenches).
• Basic understanding of instrumentation, data acquisition, hydraulic and lubrication systems.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• High attention to detail and quality workmanship.
• Strong problem‑solving ability in a hands‑on environment.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and tight deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with gearboxes, engines, or rotating machinery.
• Experience in dyno or test cell environments.

Working Conditions

• Factory‑based, workshop and test cell environment.
• Hands‑on role with exposure to mechanical systems, noise, and machinery.
• Shift work, evening, or weekend hours may be required during peak testing periods.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Test rig uptime and reliability.
• Accuracy and quality of build/assembly work.
• Efficiency of test setup and turnaround times.
• Compliance with safety and operational procedures.
• Contribution to successful test execution.

Benefits

• Bonus scheme
• Private healthcare
• 401(k) plan including company match
• Employer‑paid life insurance and disability coverage
• 32 days annual leave (including holidays)
• Free financial advisor access
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Subsidized on‑site dining
• On‑site gym
• Discounted GM vehicle purchase/lease program
• Free on‑site EV charging for personal GM vehicles

Why Join Us

You’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability and performance of a next‑generation Formula 1 power unit. Our culture rewards precision, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of performance.

Equal Opportunity Statement

GM Performance Power Units and all affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity employer(s). Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

For more information regarding the EEOC, please visit https://www.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf.

We are not accepting calls, resumes or applications from recruiting firms at this time.