Engineering Technician - Vehicle Test

Inside the Role
Vehicle Test Center Technician assignments will entail a wide range of responsibilities, including DOT requirements, completing strenuous work with medium & heavy-duty vehicles & powertrains, extensive driving and travel to support testing & prototype builds.

Posting Information

We provide a scheduled posting end date to assist our candidates with their application planning. While this date reflects our latest plans, it is subject to change, and postings may be extended or removed earlier than expected.

This position offers a starting salary range of $65,000-$105,000

Benefits Include:

Dental Insurance. Health Insurance. Retirement Pension. 401k (non-matching). Life Insurance. Paid Time off. Tuition Assistance. Vision insurance. UAW 412

What You'll Drive at DTNA

• Support vehicle development and validation testing programs for medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
• Build, modify, repair, and maintain prototype and production-intent vehicles.
• Install instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition systems to support engineering test objectives.
• Conduct vehicle testing in controlled and real-world operating conditions.
• Perform vehicle inspections, diagnostics, troubleshooting, repairs, and maintenance activities.
• Collect, document, and communicate test observations and results to engineering teams.
• Support customer evaluations and field validation programs.
• Ensure all vehicles meet safety, regulatory, and testing requirements prior to operation.

Responsibilities
Vehicle Testing & Validation

• 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.

Prototype Build & Vehicle Modification

• 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.

Mechanical & Electrical Troubleshooting

• 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.

Data Acquisition & Instrumentation

• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot vehicle instrumentation systems.
• Support powertrain, chassis, thermal, emissions, and durability testing activities.
• Install sensors, thermocouples, pressure transducers, accelerometers, and other measurement devices.
• Verify data quality and functionality of instrumentation equipment.
• Support engineers in collecting accurate and reliable test data.

DOT Compliance & Commercial Vehicle Operation

• Maintain a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Passenger (P) and Tanker (N) endorsements, or successfully complete company-sponsored CDL training.
• Comply with all DOT regulations, company driving policies, and applicable federal and state requirements.
• Successfully obtain and maintain DOT/PIV physical certification.
• Conduct vehicle and trailer inspections to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Safely operate commercial vehicles during testing, evaluation, and transportation activities.
• Participate in required DOT random drug and alcohol screening programs.

Required 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current CDL Class A with Passenger (P) and Tanker (N) endorsements.
• Experience testing medium- or heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
• Experience supporting prototype vehicle builds.
• Experience with vehicle instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Knowledge of emissions, powertrain, durability, or performance testing.
• Fabrication, welding, and custom vehicle modification experience.
• Experience with axle, driveline, suspension, and braking systems.

Working Conditions

• Perform strenuous mechanical work on medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
• Work in test facilities, garages, proving grounds, customer locations, and outdoor environments.
• Exposure to loud noise, moving machinery, diesel exhaust, and automotive fluids.
• Work in temperatures ranging from approximately -40°C to +50°C.
• Frequent standing, bending, climbing, kneeling, lifting, and working underneath vehicles.
• Company-provided cold-weather gear available for winter testing activities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong vehicle diagnostics and troubleshooting skills.
• Understanding of commercial vehicle systems and components.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing test schedules and priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality.
• Ability to safely operate commercial vehicles in diverse driving conditions.
• Effective teamwork and collaboration with engineering and technical staff.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Where We Work

This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s)-
Detroit, MI US. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Schedule Type:
Onsite