Development Engineer

This position participates in the development of complex electrohydraulic, electromechanical, mechanical and electropneumatic actuation systems and their components that will become the new products of the client. The Development Test Engineer prepares test programs and procedures; designs and implements mechanical and electrical test setups; conducts and monitors development tests, analyzes test results and offers possible test procedure/hardware changes to alleviate performance deficiencies; debugs related new test equipment and maintains test records. Typically, this position works with complex components or systems.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

• The incumbent reports to the military actuation test engineering manager. The incumbent receives instructions on specific assignment objectives, complex features, and possible solutions. Assistance is furnished on unusual problems, and work is reviewed for application of sound professional judgment.
• This position covers that phase in product design and development in which the newly designed systems must undergo rigorous performance and environmental testing to verify conformance to design requirements and at times extensive responsibility for production preparation. The test results often direct the final product design approach, verify design concept, and often serve as a milestone event in initiating company commitment to initial hardware manufacturing. When problems arise, the incumbent is expected to investigate the system and isolate the components or combination of components at fault and often makes subsequent design changes or recommendations to the system's responsible engineer.
• During this program phase, the Development Test Engineer is assigned to the specific project by his/her supervisor to lead and complete planned test activities. Under the general technical direction of the cognizant Project/Design Engineer, the Development Test Engineer assumes responsibility for the preparation, direction, and execution of the test program. This activity entails preparation of test programs, designing and assembling complex mechanical/electrical test setups utilizing existing as well as special designed laboratory equipment and instrumentation and technically directing the day-to-day activities of supporting engineering technicians and assemblers. In addition, the Development Test Engineer is responsible for the completeness and accuracy of test program data and records.
• In completing the above activities, the Development Test Engineer will continually monitor test results and data for trends and early indications of product deficiencies. In the event of test failures, they will, in collaboration with the Project/Design Engineer, prepare and conduct diagnostic testing to isolate failures and test possible corrective action design changes. They also will assist the Project/Design Engineer in analyzing and interpreting test data and implement corrective action based on test data and product experience.
• In addition to the above functions, the Development Test Engineer will assist Test Systems Engineering in debugging and troubleshooting new development and production test equipment designed to support the assigned hardware program. In fulfilling this responsibility, they will isolate test failures to the test equipment, conduct diagnostic testing to suggest possible corrective action, and consult with test equipment designers on implementation of required design changes.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To satisfactorily meet all requirements of this position, the successful candidate should typically possess a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering plus two or three years of development laboratory experience. A suitable alternative is an Associates degree with exceptional experience that has gained the candidate the ability to execute cognitive engineering tasks. They must have a formally trained or practically obtained working knowledge of engineering . To fulfill the demands of design and development of new products the individual must show self-starting instincts, an aptitude for creative synthesis, and the ability to utilize and quickly learn advanced design and/or analysis techniques. A basic knowledge of closed loop control systems, mechanical and electrical hardware design is required. Communication skills suitable for effective oral and written dealings with the technical community including customers and vendors are required.

Related job experience should have as a minimum demonstrated exceptional performance as a Senior Product, Senior Environmental, or Senior Development Technician. A successful candidate for this position must have demonstrated to the Division/Group Chief Engineer engineering responsibilities on multiple programs during his/her prior work experience.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Help create reliable designs by preparing and performing a comprehensive experimental development test program for complex components and systems.
2. Validate conceptual problem solutions by performing trade studies and analyses.
3. Contribute to the preparation of successful proposal designs, cost estimates, and technical write-ups and reports.
4. Operate as a contributing member in a team of creative, independent individuals.
5. Represent the client in a manner consistent with its technical reputation.
6. Coordinate development test programs, often technically directing supporting development/production technicians.
7. Ensure that complete and accurate test program data and records are generated and maintained.
8. Perform analysis of test data to verify compliance with customer requirements.
9. Evaluate, interpret, and discuss results internally and with the customer.
10. Document and report results of qualification testing and analysis to the customer.