Senior Test Engineer (Vibration)

Element Materials Technology; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Element Materials Technology in Huntsville, AL seeks a Senior Test Engineer (Vibration) to take technical ownership of dynamics testing programs, lead facility standardization, and drive efficiency. You will mentor junior engineers, oversee PM, and coordinate with sales, scheduling, and management to align technical execution with revenue goals.

The role requires 5+ years in dynamics testing, strong proficiency with VibrationVIEW and SolidWorks, and a background in aerospace/industrial testing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of hands-on dynamics testing or related lab operations.
• Proficiency with VibrationVIEW, SolidWorks, and reading mechanical drawings; knowledge of shakers, controllers, sensors; familiarity with MIL-STD-810 / DO-160.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end dynamics test programs and ensure technical ownership of vibration testing.
• Model test setups and fixtures in SolidWorks; review schematics and ensure proper interfacing with shakers.
• Oversee PM and maintenance; manage data, reporting, and lab workflows to meet 10-day lead times.
• Collaborate with sales, scheduling, and management to align technical execution with revenue goals.

Skills

Vibration testing

Dynamics testing

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

VibrationVIEW

SolidWorks

P&IDs

Accelerometers

Strain gauges

Pressure transducers

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Test Engineer (Vibration) to take technical ownership of our dynamics testing programs, lead facility standardization, and drive operational efficiency. In this role, you will lead high-expertise test programs (e.g., basic and advanced vibration, shock, sine sweeps), mentor junior engineering staff, oversee preventative maintenance, and collaborate cross-functionally with sales, scheduling, and management to align technical execution with strategic revenue goals.

Salary: $110,000- $130,000/yr DOE

Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Program Ownership

• Test Program Execution & Control: Assume end-to-end technical leadership for high-complexity dynamics test programs using Vibration Research (VR) control software and systems (e.g., basic and advanced sine sweeps, random vibration, shock testing) against strict customer requirements and industry standards.
• CAD & Fixture Design: Utilize SolidWorks to model test setups, review fixture designs, interpret schematics, and ensure proper mechanical interfacing between test articles and shaker systems.
• Pressurization Systems & Schematics: Oversee test setups involving pressurized systems, pneumatics, or fluid loops; interpret, review, and author complex piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) and fluid/pressurization schematics for dynamic testing environments.
• Test Setup & Data Management: Oversee instrumentation design (accelerometers, strain gauges, pressure transducers, controllers), data acquisition setups, and standard server folder structures for secure document control.
• Data & Reporting Efficiency: Streamline data handoffs between lab technicians and the reporting team, maintaining a target 10-day report delivery lead time post-testing. Coordinate operations and admin workflows via laboratory management software (VLAB).
• CapEx & Facility Optimization: Work with facilities and management to evaluate, finalize, and execute Capital Expenditure (CapEx) plans, lab layout improvements, pressurized system upgrades, and equipment capital projects.

Mentorship & Team Delegation

• Junior Engineer Development: Establish structured mentoring, deliver core training (lab safety, Vibration Research software/shaker fundamentals, instrumentation, pressure safety protocols, administrative processes), and systematically delegate routine test campaigns and customer communications.
• Technician Guidance: Oversee technician workflows, file compliance, safety procedures, and standard operating procedures across the dynamics lab.

Operations, Scheduling & Strategic Alignment

• Preventative Maintenance (PM): Finalize, implement, and maintain comprehensive PM plans and daily checkout procedures for all dynamics shakers, controllers, pressure control hardware, and instrumentation.
• Lab Scheduling: Partner with scheduling and department leadership to develop weekly and monthly lab schedules to optimize testing throughput.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Department Managers, Sales, and Quoting teams to evaluate the incoming dynamics pipeline, support proposal development, and align operational goals with quarterly revenue targets.

Skills / Qualifications

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience: 5+ years of hands‑on experience in dynamics testing, environmental simulation, structural dynamics, or vibration lab operations.
• Software Proficiency: Hands‑on proficiency with Vibration Research (VibrationVIEW) controller software for vibration and shock profile generation, setup, and control; proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D CAD modeling, fixture evaluation, and reading/creating mechanical drawings; technical skills: in-depth knowledge of shaker systems, digital vibration controllers, standard accelerometer types, strain gauge installations, and pressure transducers/sensors; strong technical proficiency in pressurization systems, fluid/pneumatic test setups, pressure safety standards, and reading/drafting system schematics (P&IDs); proficiency in testing standards (e.g., MIL-STD-810, RTCA DO-160, launch vehicle/aerospace acceptance and qualification standards); demonstrated track record in technical report writing, data review, and data auditing; leadership skills: proven experience mentoring junior engineers or technical staff, delegating workflows, and leading cross-functional process improvements; communication: strong technical communication and presentation skills for interfacing with customers, sales teams, and senior management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with aerospace hardware qualification programs (e.g., commercial space / launch vehicle programs requiring high-pressure pneumatic/hydraulic testing during dynamic exposure).
• Advanced experience designing test fixtures and tooling in SolidWorks.
• Advanced experience working in a dynamics test lab.
• Experience performing vibration and shock testing on a dual shaker system.

Company Overview

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

Diversity Statement

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.