Actuator Test Engineer

What You'll Do

• Develop, implement, and execute comprehensive validation and qualification test plans for electromechanical rotary, linear, and geared actuators.
• Design, develop, and execute environmental test profiles and plans for actuators, including high/low temperature, thermal cycling, vibration, and shock testing, often adhering to MIL-STD-810 standards and developing custom test methods.
• Design robust test fixtures using NX CAD, considering manufacturability via processes like CNC machining, 3D printing, and waterjet cutting, and oversee their fabrication and assembly.
• Perform rigorous multi-level testing, ranging from component (electric motor, geartrain) and actuator levels, up to integrated system level testing.
• Analyze complex test data, generate clear and concise test reports, and present findings to cross-functional engineering teams.
• Collaborate closely with Design Engineers and cross-functional teams (e.g., manufacturing, quality, software) to validate and refine actuator designs, clearly communicating technical issues and recommendations to diverse audiences
• Investigate root cause of failures through detailed analysis of performance data and some destructive testing, applying a basic understanding of electrical components for troubleshooting, to drive actuator design improvements.
• Create and execute Design Validation Plans (DVPs) and test methods to rigorously validate performance requirements, including preparing for and conducting qualification testing.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience with LabVIEW and other data acquisition (DAQ) systems for test automation and data collection.
• 2+ years of experience in physical testing and analysis of mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical systems, with at least 1 year specifically focused on electric motors or electromechanical actuators.
• Proficiency with dynamometer testing and associated instrumentation (e.g., torque transducers, oscilloscopes, etc.).
• Working understanding of servo control principles (torque, speed, and position control), and familiarity with motor controllers and embedded control systems.
• Familiarity with various communication protocols (e.g., CAN FD, RS232, RS485).
• Strong experience with environmental testing methodologies (e.g., high/low temperature, thermal cycling, vibration, shock) and familiarity with MIL-STD-810 standards.
• Proficiency in CAD software, specifically NX, for test fixture design, with an understanding of design for manufacturability for various methods (e.g., CNC, 3D printing).
• Proven ability to perform root cause analysis and apply a basic understanding of electrical components for troubleshooting.

Nice to Have

• Experience with Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or other scripting languages for data analysis and test automation.
• Familiarity with project and documentation management tools like Jira and Confluence.
• Experience in the aerospace, defense, or robotics industry.
• A strong sense of urgency and adaptability in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment.