Test Cell Operator – Engine Testing Operations

ARi; East Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision coverage

Life insurance

Paid time off

Bereavement support

401(k) plan

Holidays

Job summary

ARi, headquartered in East Peoria, IL, USA, seeks a hands-on Test Cell Operator to support daily engine testing operations. You will receive engines, prepare them for testing, install and remove engines from test cells, repackage units, and stage engines for shipment while ensuring safe handling and accurate records.

The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, safety-minded, and ready to work in a fast-paced shop environment, with certification and experience in heavy equipment and diesel

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical/vocational training preferred.
• 15 years of experience in engine assembly, heavy equipment, manufacturing, or related fields.
• Forklift, overhead crane, or rigging certification is MUST.
• Experience handling diesel engines, powertrain components, or heavy machinery is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Unload engines from inbound trucks using appropriate lifting and handling equipment.
• Inspect incoming engines for shipping damage and verify documentation.
• Remove packaging and prepare engines for installation into test cells.
• Safely install engines into test cells and connect mechanical, electrical, fuel, cooling, and instrumentation interfaces.
• Support engine setup, preparation, and changeover to maximize test cell utilization.
• Remove engines after testing and repackage per shipping requirements.
• Stage completed engines in designated outdoor storage locations for shipment.
• Load outbound engines onto flatbed trucks using proper lifting procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of engine movement, inventory, and testing status.
• Follow safety procedures and PPE requirements in all tasks.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Forklift operation

Overhead crane operation

Rigging certification

Reading SOPs

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Manual lifting

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical/vocational training in Diesel/Automotive/Heavy Equipment

Tools

Forklift certification

Overhead crane certification

Rigging certification

Hoist operation

Job description

ARi, headquartered in East Peoria, IL, USA, is a rapidly expanding global engineering enterprise. The essence of our i symbolizes our distinctiveness from competitors an embodiment of innovation, intelligence, ingenuity, and insight. Boasting a diverse team of over 1,500 engineering experts hailing from various nations and cultures across the globe, we are excellently poised to provide intricate and personalized resolutions to our esteemed clients.

We are seeking a hands-on Test Cell Operator to support daily engine testing operations. This role is responsible for receiving engines, preparing them for testing, installing and removing engines from test cells, repackaging completed units, staging engines for shipment, and supporting the safe and efficient movement of engines throughout the testing process. The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, safety-focused, and comfortable working in a fast-paced shop environment.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Unload engines from inbound flatbed trucks using appropriate lifting and material handling equipment.
• Inspect incoming engines for shipping damage and verify documentation before processing.
• Remove packaging and prepare engines for installation into test cells.
• Safely install engines into test cells, including connecting required mechanical, electrical, fuel, cooling, and instrumentation interfaces.
• Support engine setup, preparation, and changeover activities to maximize test cell utilization.
• Remove engines from test cells following completion of testing.
• Repackage tested engines according to shipping and customer requirements.
• Stage completed engines in designated outdoor storage locations for shipment.
• Load outbound engines onto flatbed trucks using proper lifting procedures and secure them for transportation.
• Maintain accurate records of engine movement, inventory, and testing status.
• Perform basic inspections and housekeeping activities to ensure a safe and organized work environment.
• Follow all safety procedures, PPE requirements, and quality standards while handling heavy equipment and engines.
• Work closely with production, logistics, test engineers, and operations personnel to maintain daily production schedules.

Required Skills

• Mechanical aptitude with experience working around engines, heavy equipment, or industrial machinery.
• Experience using forklifts, overhead cranes, hoists, or other material handling equipment.
• Ability to safely load, unload, lift, and move heavy engine assemblies.
• Basic understanding of mechanical assembly, engine installation, or equipment maintenance.
• Ability to read work instructions and follow standard operating procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to workplace safety.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work in both indoor shop and outdoor staging environments.
• Willingness to perform physically demanding work, including lifting, bending, standing, and climbing.

Education / Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; technical or vocational training in Diesel Technology, Automotive Technology, Heavy Equipment, Industrial Maintenance, or a related field is preferred.
• 15 years of experience in engine assembly, heavy equipment, manufacturing, warehouse operations, logistics, or industrial maintenance.
• Experience handling diesel engines, powertrain components, heavy machinery, or industrial equipment is preferred.
• Forklift, overhead crane, or rigging certification is MUST
• Experience working in manufacturing, engine testing, repair facilities, or industrial operations is highly desirable.

The Benefits of Working at ARi

At ARi, our commitment to our employees goes beyond the workplace, ensuring comprehensive benefits. From day one, full‑time employees enjoy group health, dental, and life insurance coverage. Additionally, vision coverage is accessible starting the following month.

Recognizing the significance of rejuvenation, we provide paid time off, sick days, company holidays, and maternity/paternity leave to our full‑time staff. In times of loss, we also offer bereavement support. Furthermore, a

401(k) program is maintained for eligible employees.