Test & Automation Engineer

University of Dayton; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Dayton invites qualified applicants for a Test & Automation Engineer as part of the Thermal Management team. The role focuses on designing, constructing, and operating advanced thermal management experiments for aircraft, and requires collaboration with engineers and computer scientists to build control software for these tests.

Ideal candidates will oversee technicians, perform sizing calculations for test rigs, and communicate findings to project engineers and management.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering Technology is required for the role.
• Five years of experience in fabrication and installation of lab/experimental apparatus.
• Proficient in machining and shop processes.
• Proficient in CAD software for generating electrical and mechanical drawings.
• Common sense fundamentals of machine design.

Responsibilities

• Design, construct and operate novel thermal management experiments for aircraft.
• Coordinate with research engineers and computer scientists to develop control software for the experiments.
• Direct and oversee work of technicians in the lab.
• Perform calculations for sizing and selection of test rig components.
• Communicate results to engineers and management.

Skills

Machining and shop processes

Instrumentation and controls

CAD software

Machine design fundamentals

Education

BS in Engineering

BS in Engineering Technology

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Job No: 503893
Work Type: Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater)
Location: Dayton, OH
Category: Research Institute Staff
Department: Thermal Management - 250513
Pay Grade: R2 - Exempt
Advertised: September 22, 2026
Applications close: October 07, 2026

Position Summary:

UDRI, a national leader in scientific and engineering research, serving government, industry and nonprofit customers, invites qualified applicants to apply for our Test & Automation Engineer opening!

In this position, you will be responsible for design, construction and operation of novel thermal management experiments for aircraft, coordinate with research engineers and computer scientists to develop control software for the experiments, direct and oversee work of technicians, perform calculations that support the sizing and selection of test rig components. Communicate results to engineers and management.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS in Engineering Technology.
• Five years of experience in fabrication and installation of laboratory and experimental apparatus. Instrumentation and controls fundamentals.
• Proficient in machining and shop processes.
• Proficient in CAD software for generating electrical and mechanical drawings.
• Common sense fundamentals of machine design.
• Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen.

Preferred Qualifications:

While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

• BS in Engineering.
• Ten years experience in fabrication and installation of laboratory and experimental apparatus.
• Extensive knowledge of instrumentation and controls.
• Experience sizing, designing, constructing and operating two-phase thermal management systems. Journeyman HVAC or electrician certification.
• Strong common sense fundamentals of machine design.

Closing Statement:

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the dignity of every human being. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity in all of its forms, achieve fair outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. The University is committed to policies of affirmative action designed to increase the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1973.

• Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater) 1