Test & Validation Engineer, Mechanics

Kalmar Corporation; Ottawa (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision benefits

401K with company match

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

Kalmar Solutions LLC is seeking a detail-oriented Test & Validation Engineer, Mechanics to join our Ottawa team. You will oversee and perform engineering test and validation tasks for NPD, AE, PC, and CE projects worldwide, ensuring mechanical components meet customer demands, safety, and durability standards.

You will plan tests, coordinate system testing, participate in gate reviews, assist prototyping, and design fixtures. Willingness to travel domestically and internationally is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; fluency in written and spoken English.
• 2–5 years of experience in mechanical design and/or testing, preferably in automotive or heavy mobile equipment.
• Theoretical and applied knowledge of structural, pneumatic, hydraulic, and powertrain systems; strong mechanical design aptitude.
• Experience with 3D CAD systems; LMS experience preferred.
• Strong project and analytical skills; safety awareness; willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Test Planning & Verification: Create comprehensive test plans with R&D managers to verify mechanical designs prior to product launch.
• System Testing & Execution: Test truck mechanical systems—structural, pneumatic, hydraulic, powertrain—per DVP/Rs.
• Quality & Gate Reviews: Participate in gate reviews and coordinate with warranty teams to mitigate issues.
• Prototyping & Equipment Support: Train technicians on test setup; maintain logs and calibration.
• Reporting & Fixture Design: Prepare test reports and design fixtures; recommend equipment.
• Supplier & Installation Audits: Coordinate audits with engineers and suppliers for warranty coverage.

Skills

Mechanical design

Testing

CATIA V5

LMS experience

3D CAD

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5

Job description

At Kalmar, we are moving goods in critical supply chains around the world. As the forerunner in sustainable material handling equipment and services, we set the industry benchmark for a zero-emission future. We are driven by teamwork, innovation, and taking ownership to deliver results. With our global reach and local expertise, our success starts with a strong focus on the customer, ensuring their needs guide our daily work. We are dedicated to respecting others and fostering an inclusive culture where all voices are heard, empowering us to succeed together. With us, your work has an impact. Your work moves the world!

Join us and take your career to the next level

Kalmar Solutions LLC is looking for a detail-oriented and hands-on Test & Validation Engineer, Mechanics to join our Ottawa team. In this critical role, you will oversee, track, and perform engineering test and validation tasks for New Product Development (NPD), Advanced Engineering (AE), Product Care (PC), and Customer Engineering (CE) projects related to Kalmar Terminal Tractors globally. You will ensure that truck mechanical components and systems meet specified technical customer demands, product safety, legislation requirements, and internal durability standards.

Compensation Data

• Base salary: Starting @ $80k per year (more based on skills/experience)
• Eligible for annual bonus
• Eligible for annual salary review & merit increase

What are your key responsibilities:

• Test Planning & Verification : Create comprehensive test plans in consultation with R&D managers and engineers to ensure thorough verification and evaluation of mechanical designs prior to product launch.
  System Testing & Execution: Perform and coordinate testing of truck mechanical systems—including structural, pneumatic, hydraulic, and powertrain components—executing Design Verification Plans and Reports (DVP/R) according to test plans.
• Quality & Gate Reviews : Participate in project gate review meetings to ensure product quality standards are met prior to gate passage, and collaborate with product support and warranty teams to mitigate future warranty events.
• Prototyping & Equipment Support : Assist and train prototype technicians on test set-up, equipment initialization, test procedures, and data acquisition, while maintaining test equipment logs and recalibration requirements.
• Reporting & Fixture Design : Prepare detailed written test reports, design custom test fixtures as required, and recommend specialized testing equipment for procurement.
• Supplier & Installation Audits : Liaison with Terminal Tractor engineers and component suppliers to coordinate installation audits and ensure supplier installation guidelines are followed for maximum warranty coverage

What we offer you:

“Green business is good business – it’s not just a slogan; we’re investing in fossil-free steel and real change.”

• Rewards that truly count: We offer meaningful development opportunities through varied assignments, fair and gender-neutral pay, and flexible working conditions — all within a culture that values your growth and celebrates success.
• Competitive Benefits: Medical, Dental and Vision coverage are effective day one of employment; flexible spending account, company paid Short- and Long-term disability coverage; company paid life insurance policy (2X’s annual salary up to $200k); options for additional life insurance coverage for employee, spouse and dependents at affordable rates; safe harbour 401K plan with company match of 6% (no vesting)
• Work-Life Balance: Our generous time-off policy includes vacation time, personal/sick time, paid/floating holidays, and paid parental leaves, supporting a healthy balance between your professional and personal life.
• Safety that moves us forward: Build your career with a company rooted in safety since the 1940s, ensuring stability and an environment that empowers you to speak and be heard.
• Purpose that drives change: You'll contribute to solutions that transform global trade, creating environmental and operational innovations. You'll be in the driver's seat of ideas, developing digital technologies that set industry standards and position us as the forerunner.
• People who move together: You'll collaborate with people who build lasting relationships through global expertise, connections, and a commitment to sustainability.

Become part of our global network of 5,200 professionals across 120+ countries, where your work drives innovation, sustainability, and meaningful impact around the world.

What you bring to the role:

• Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, alongside fluency in written and spoken English.
• Professional Experience : 2–5 years of experience in mechanical design and/or testing, preferably in an automotive or heavy mobile equipment environment.
• Technical Expertise : Theoretical and applied knowledge of structural, pneumatic, hydraulic, and powertrain systems related to mobile equipment; strong aptitude toward mechanical system design; understanding of structural analysis and system testing (LMS experience preferred); and strong skills in 3D CAD systems (CATIA V5 preferred).
• Project & Analytical Skills : Strong background working in a project-based product development environment with solid organizational, communication, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Safety Commitment : Strong awareness and adherence to safety protocols to ensure a secure work environment for yourself and your colleagues.
• Availability : Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required to support global testing projects and customer site requirements.

Please note that we do not accept referrals through our job advertisements from external agencies.

For more information about this role, contact Brandy Besedich, CDR- Talent Acquisition Partner via email [e-mail]

About Kalmar

Kalmar (Nasdaq Helsinki: KALMAR) is moving goods in critical supply chains around the world, with the vision to be the forerunner in sustainable material handling equipment and services. The company offers a wide range of industry shaping heavy material handling equipment and services to ports and terminals, distribution centres, manufacturing and heavy logistics. Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Kalmar operates globally in over 120 countries and employs approximately 5,300 people. In 2025, the company's sales totalled approximately EUR 1.7 billion. www.kalmarglobal.com