Job Descriptions:
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
Test Cell Performance
Quality & Data Integrity
Accurate production test documentation
Engine traceability
Configuration verification
Same-shift completion of test reports
Data accuracy
Discrepancy reporting
Continuous Improvement
Reduced test cycle time
Improved first-pass acceptance
Improved equipment uptime
Reduced production bottlenecks
Improved standard work
Support of Lean and 5S initiatives
DECISION AUTHORITY
The Test Technician has the authority to:
Stop testing for unsafe conditions.
Stop testing due to equipment malfunction.
Reject engines that fail acceptance criteria.
Escalate engineering issues to the Test Engineer.
Request Manufacturing support.
Recommend process improvements.
Recommend equipment repairs.
Delay engine release until all production acceptance requirements have been satisfied.
CROSS-FUNCTIONAL INTERFACE
Works closely with:
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No direct supervisory responsibility.
Provides technical assistance to Engine Assembly Technicians.
Assists in onboarding and training new Test Technicians.
Supports development of standardized work.
Serves as the production test subject matter expert for assigned test cells.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Strong mechanical aptitude.
Experience operating propulsion or engine test equipment.
Understanding of gas turbine engine operation.
Knowledge of instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
Ability to troubleshoot mechanical, pneumatic, fuel, lubrication, and electrical systems.
Ability to read engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructions.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
Excellent organizational skills.
Strong communication skills.
High attention to detail.
Ability to work independently while coordinating with Engineering and Manufacturing.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment.
Required Experience:
Required
