Test Planning Engineer

Actalent; Michigan; On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Test Planning Engineer to support transaxle, engine, transmission, and axle development programs by planning prototype hardware, test activities, and related documentation.

You will create and maintain BOMs, coordinate design changes, and ensure test configurations reflect latest engineering designs. The role requires collaboration with global teams and strong data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Experience creating and managing BOMs for engines, transmissions, and axles.
• Proficiency with change orders to reflect design changes in prototype BOMs.
• Hands-on test planning experience for automotive components, including endurance testing and teardown scheduling.
• Ability to manage part tracking, engineering numbers, part numbers, and ordering of prototype parts.
• Strong data analysis and ability to provide actionable recommendations.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional activities with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Sales, Purchasing, and Suppliers.
• Minimum 2+ years of experience within the automotive industry.

Responsibilities

• Create and manage prototype BOMs for engine, transmission, axle, and transaxle programs.
• Create and process change orders to incorporate design changes into prototype BOMs and ensure accuracy of configurations.
• Define hardware upgrade packages so that prototype configurations remain representative of the latest design releases.
• Develop and maintain prototype build requirements, endurance test plans, and teardown schedules for engine, transmission, and axle programs.
• Use global and regional tools to maintain individual BOMs and detailed test plans.
• Analyze test and project data, draw conclusions, and provide clear recommendations to the management team.
• Apply structured problem-solving methods to identify root causes and develop timely corrective actions.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities with regional and global counterparts in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Sales, Purchasing, and Suppliers.

Skills

BOM management

Change orders

Test planning

Parts tracking

Engineering numbers

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional coordination

Project management

Automotive industry experience

Mechanical engineering

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Test Planning Engineer

The Test Planning Engineer supports transaxle, engine, transmission, and axle development programs by planning and managing prototype hardware, test activities, and related documentation. This role creates and maintains prototype bills of materials, coordinates design changes, and ensures that test configurations accurately reflect the latest engineering designs. The engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to plan endurance tests, manage hardware and test cells, and provide data-driven recommendations that support successful product development.

Responsibilities

• Create and manage prototype bills of materials (BOMs) for engine, transmission, axle, and transaxle development programs.
• Create and process change orders to incorporate design changes into prototype BOMs and ensure accuracy of configurations.
• Define hardware upgrade packages so that prototype configurations remain representative of the latest design releases.
• Develop and maintain prototype build requirements, endurance test plans, and teardown schedules for engine, transmission, and axle programs.
• Use global and regional tools to maintain individual BOMs and detailed test plans.
• Analyze test and project data, draw conclusions, and provide clear recommendations to the management team.
• Apply structured problem-solving methods to identify root causes and develop timely corrective actions.
• Issue work orders, monitor progress, and resolve issues to ensure on‑time completion of projects.
• Conduct project work thoroughly, document findings, draw conclusions, and present recommendations for management review.
• Create project plans and timelines and assist management in defining budget requirements for test and prototype activities.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities with regional and global counterparts in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Sales, Purchasing, and Suppliers.
• Maintain a daily record of work hours by project to support planning and reporting.
• Align closely with designers and design teams to ensure accurate BOMs and part definitions.
• Ensure all parts in an assembly are correctly defined, tracked, and reflected in BOM management systems.
• Perform forward planning to align prototype builds, test activities, and due dates with design and release schedules.
• Manage engineering numbers, part numbers, and ordering of parts required for development and test programs.
• Support vehicle test activities by integrating prototype hardware and test planning into vehicle‑level testing.
• Manage hardware inventory and test cells to support scheduled tests and ensure readiness of equipment and components.
• Collaborate with procurement teams in the engineering lab to track parts and provide global status updates to assigned engineers.
• Coordinate pre-aging of aftertreatment systems in the lab and plan logistics for deployment to test or field locations.
• Check regularly with Research & Development engineers on release dates and identify any risks or issues that could impact deadlines.
• Manage data logger inventory to support engineering tests and field investigations, ensuring availability and proper allocation.

Essential Skills

• Experience creating and managing bills of materials (BOMs) for complex mechanical assemblies such as engines, transmissions, and axles.
• Proficiency with change order processes to incorporate design changes into prototype BOMs.
• Hands-on experience with test planning for automotive components, including endurance testing and teardown scheduling.
• Ability to manage part tracking, engineering numbers, part numbers, and ordering of prototype and test parts.
• Mechanical engineering background with strong understanding of engine, transmission, axle, and transaxle systems.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, draw conclusions, and provide clear, actionable recommendations.
• Experience using structured problem‑solving methods to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Proven ability to coordinate cross‑functional activities with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Sales, Purchasing, and Suppliers.
• Strong organizational skills for managing multiple projects, timelines, and hardware inventories.
• Effective communication skills for aligning with designers, R&D engineers, procurement teams, and global counterparts.
• Minimum 2+ years of experience within the automotive industry.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline is highly beneficial.
• Experience working with global and regional engineerin