Vehicle Test Technician: Prototyping, Data, Validation

Detroit Diesel Corporation; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 63,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental Insurance

Health Insurance

Retirement Pension

401k (non-matching)

Life Insurance

Paid Time off

Tuition Assistance

Vision insurance

UAW 412

Job summary

Daimler Truck North America in Detroit, MI is seeking a Vehicle Test Center Technician to support development and validation testing for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and powertrains. You will build, modify, repair, maintain prototype and production-intent vehicles, install instrumentation, and ensure safety and compliance.

The role involves performing on-road and controlled testing, collecting data, troubleshooting, and documenting results for engineering teams.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent technical experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and automotive repair knowledge.
• Experience working with vehicle systems and diagnostic tools.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a CDL Class A license with Passenger (P) and Tanker (N) endorsements.
• Ability to perform physically demanding mechanical work.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical schematics.
• Fundamental knowledge of vehicle data acquisition systems and instrumentation.
• Fundamental understanding of low-voltage electrical systems, wiring harnesses, and connectors.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications and computer-based diagnostic tools.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Effective organizational, documentation, and follow-up skills.

Responsibilities

• Execute vehicle testing activities in support of engineering development programs.
• Conduct on-road, off-road, customer evaluation, durability, performance, emissions, and validation testing.
• Operate test vehicles in a variety of environments, terrains, and weather conditions.
• Document test issues, observations, and vehicle performance concerns.
• Assist engineering teams with troubleshooting and root cause investigations.
• Support prototype vehicle assembly, modification, and development activities.
• Install and remove prototype components, systems, and development hardware.
• Perform wiring, fabrication, instrumentation, and component integration work.
• Assist with vehicle configuration changes required for testing programs.
• Ensure prototype vehicles are maintained in a safe and test-ready condition.
• Diagnose and repair vehicle mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electronic systems.
• Perform engine, transmission, clutch, cooling system, HVAC, ATS, exhaust, and driveline repairs.
• Troubleshoot low-voltage electrical systems, wiring harnesses, connectors, and sensors.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, engineering drawings, and technical documentation.
• Utilize diagnostic software and service tools to identify system concerns.

Skills

CDL Class A

Mechanical aptitude

Vehicle diagnostics

Independent worker

Documentation

Schematic reading

Data acquisition

MS 365

Communication

Safety mindset

Testing experience

Prototype testing

Job description

Daimler Truck North America in Detroit, MI is seeking a Vehicle Test Center Technician to support development and validation testing for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and powertrains. You will build, modify, repair, maintain prototype and production-intent vehicles, install instrumentation, and ensure safety and compliance.

The role involves performing on-road and controlled testing, collecting data, troubleshooting, and documenting results for engineering teams.