GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
The Test Technician is responsible for owning the daily execution of production engine testing while supporting development, qualification, troubleshooting, acceptance, and customer test activities as required. This position serves as the primary operator and owner of TDI's production engine test cells and is accountable for safely executing engine tests, maintaining test cell readiness, ensuring accurate data collection, verifying engine acceptance criteria, and supporting continuous improvement of production testing operations.
Reporting to the Manufacturing Manager, the Test Technician works under the technical direction of the Test Engineer for engineering and development testing while partnering closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Technicians, Product Engineering, Quality, and Engine Assembly Technicians to ensure engines are tested safely, consistently, and efficiently.
The Test Technician owns daily production test execution while the Test Engineer retains responsibility for test procedures, engineering analysis, acceptance criteria, diagnostics, and technical oversight.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Production Engine Testing
Conduct daily production acceptance testing of turbojet engines.
Perform pre-test inspections and verify engine configuration.
Install engines into production test cells.
Configure instrumentation and data acquisition equipment.
Execute approved production test procedures.
Monitor engine operating parameters throughout all phases of testing.
Perform engine startup, operational monitoring, shutdown, and post-test inspections.
Verify engine performance against established acceptance criteria.
Identify nonconforming hardware and coordinate disposition.
Prepare accepted engines for shipment or subsequent manufacturing operations.
Test Cell Ownership & Asset Management
Serve as the owner of assigned production test cell(s).
Responsibilities include:
Maintain continuous operational readiness of production test cells.
Maintain all fixtures, adapters, tooling, instrumentation, and support equipment.
Verify calibration status of sensors and instrumentation.
Coordinate calibration activities with Quality.
Maintain spare sensors, thermocouples, pressure transducers, cables, and instrumentation hardware.
Coordinate preventative maintenance activities.
Monitor consumable inventory including filters, hoses, fittings, lubricants, and fuel system components.
Maintain excellent housekeeping utilizing 5S principles.
Identify equipment reliability issues.
Recommend equipment upgrades and process improvements.
Verify equipment readiness before each production shift.
Data Collection & Documentation
Record engine performance data accurately.
Ensure complete traceability of all engine serial numbers.
Document engine configuration prior to testing.
Record all production acceptance results.
Upload electronic test records.
Document discrepancies and anomalies.
Support development of production acceptance reports.
Ensure complete and accurate test documentation before engine release.
Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
Troubleshoot engine starting issues.
Troubleshoot engine performance anomalies.
Troubleshoot instrumentation failures.
Support vibration investigations.
Assist with engine balancing activities.
Support root cause investigations.
Support corrective actions and retesting.
Escalate engineering-related issues to the Test Engineer.
Development & Engineering Support
Support engineering testing activities including:
Development testing
Qualification testing
Prototype evaluations
Design verification testing
Customer witness testing
Experimental hardware evaluations
Instrumentation installation
Engine teardown and post-test inspections
Test fixture validation
Manufacturing Support
Partner with Manufacturing by:
Providing feedback regarding assembly quality.
Identifying recurring production issues.
Supporting production launch activities.
Improving first-pass yield.
Assisting with production bottleneck reduction.
Supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
Assisting with standardized work instructions.
Supporting training of Engine Assembly Technicians on test-related requirements.
Continuous Improvement
Recommend improvements to production test procedures.
Improve test repeatability.
Improve production throughput.
Reduce test cycle time.
Reduce first-pass failures.
Improve test cell uptime.
Support Lean Manufacturing initiatives.
Support Kaizen events.
Capture lessons learned.
Improve overall production test capability.
Safety, Quality & Compliance
Operate all equipment safely.
Follow all engine test safety procedures.
Ensure compliance with AS9100 requirements.
Follow Quality Management System procedures.
Maintain safe operating conditions.
Utilize required PPE.
Support customer audits.
Support regulatory audits.
Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)
The Test Technician is accountable for the daily performance of the production test area including:
Production Performance
Daily production schedule attainment
Production throughput
On-time engine testing
First-pass test yield
Engine acceptance rate
Test cycle time
Test Cell Performance
Test cell uptime
Equipment availability
Preventative maintenance completion
Calibration compliance
Test fixture readiness
Equipment reliability
Quality & Data Integrity
Accurate production test documentation
Engine... For full info follow application link.
Kratos is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled.
All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos is committed to America's veterans by providing opportunities for them to continue contributing after service to our nation. We also work to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.
