Test Engineer II - Electrical & Automation Focus

SAF-HOLLAND, Inc.; Platte Gardens (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

SAF-HOLLAND, Inc. is seeking a Test Engineer II to design and implement automated test systems for product validation and durability testing. You will develop control solutions, program test equipment, and turn data into engineering insights.

The role emphasizes hands-on troubleshooting of electrical and automated systems, with collaboration across engineering teams to improve testing efficiency and data quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field.
• 3+ years in testing, automation, controls, or lab environments.
• Experience with electrical control systems and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and improve automated test equipment for product validation and durability testing.
• Develop control systems using PLCs, industrial controllers, servo-hydraulic systems, and automation software.
• Program and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLCs, Beckhoff controllers, and other platforms.
• Design electrical schematics, control panels, wiring layouts, and instrumentation for test apps.
• Support hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical system integration.

Skills

Electrical systems

Automation controls

Instrumentation

Data acquisition

Troubleshooting

Control programming

PLC programming

LabVIEW

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MTS Testing Systems

HBM QuantumX

SomatXR

SOMAT eDAQ

DATAQ

SolidWorks

ANSYS

nCode

Origin

Microsoft Excel

Job description

SAF-HOLLAND is seeking a highly skilled Test Engineer II with a strong background in electrical systems, automation controls, instrumentation, and data acquisition to support product validation and durability testing activities. This position is responsible for designing, developing, and executing advanced test systems that evaluate the performance, reliability, and durability of commercial vehicle components.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer who enjoys troubleshooting complex electrical and automated systems, developing control solutions, programming test equipment, and turning test data into actionable engineering insights.

What You'll Do

Design and Develop Automated Test Systems

• Design, build, and improve automated test equipment used for product validation and durability testing.
• Develop and implement control systems utilizing PLCs, industrial controllers, servo-hydraulic systems, and automation software.
• Program and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLCs, Beckhoff controllers, and other automation platforms.
• Design electrical schematics, control panels, wiring layouts, and instrumentation systems for test applications.
• Support hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical system integration.

Electrical Systems & Instrumentation

• Configure, install, and troubleshoot sensors and instrumentation including:
  • Strain gauges
  • Accelerometers
  • Load cells
  • Pressure transducers
  • Thermocouples
  • Torque sensors
  • Flow meters
• Build and modify electrical cables, connectors, and wiring assemblies.
• Diagnose electrical, communication, and signal integrity issues within test systems.
• Perform calibration, maintenance, and verification of instrumentation and data acquisition equipment.

Data Acquisition & Analysis

• Configure and manage advanced data acquisition systems for laboratory and vehicle testing.
• Collect, process, and analyze large data sets from durability and performance testing.
• Develop algorithms and automated methods for evaluating test results and detecting critical events.
• Generate engineering reports, data visualizations, and recommendations based on test findings.
• Support correlation between laboratory, simulation, and field performance results.

Product Testing & Validation

• Lead testing activities from planning through final reporting.
• Review engineering requirements and determine test methods, instrumentation needs, and success criteria.
• Support technicians and lab personnel with setup, troubleshooting, and execution of tests.
• Ensure testing is completed safely, accurately, and in accordance with engineering specifications.

Engineering Collaboration

• Partner closely with Product Engineering, CAE, Structural Analysis, Service, and Manufacturing teams.
• Participate in design reviews and provide testing and automation expertise during product development.
• Support continuous improvement efforts related to laboratory efficiency, automation, and data quality.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of engineering experience in testing, automation, controls, or laboratory environments.
• Experience developing or troubleshooting electrical control systems.
• Knowledge of industrial automation, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience programming and troubleshooting:
  • Allen-Bradley PLCs
  • Beckhoff controllers
  • Servo-hydraulic control systems
  • LabVIEW applications
• Experience with industrial networking and communication protocols.
• Knowledge of sensor integration and signal conditioning.
• Experience supporting durability, fatigue, and reliability testing.
• Familiarity with hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• Experience with mobile data acquisition and vehicle testing.

Technical Skills

• PLC Programming
• LabVIEW
• MATLAB
• MTS Testing Systems
• HBM QuantumX / SomatXR
• SOMAT eDAQ
• DATAQ
• SolidWorks
• ANSYS
• nCode
• Origin
• Microsoft Excel and Office Suite

What Makes You Successful

• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
• Passion for automation and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work hands-on with electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to cross-functional teams.
• Comfortable balancing multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced engineering environment.

Travel

• Approximately 15% travel, including support for field testing, vehicle data collection, and customer or supplier visits.

Why Join SAF-HOLLAND?

This role offers a unique opportunity to combine electrical engineering, automation, controls programming, instrumentation, and product testing in a highly visible engineering position. You'll play a key role in advancing testing technology, improving product reliability, and developing innovative solutions that support the future of commercial transportation.