SAF-Holland Overview
SAF-HOLLAND SE is a leading international manufacturer of chassis-related assemblies and components for trailers, trucks and buses. The product range includes axle and suspension systems for trailers, fifth wheel couplings for trucks and coupling systems for trucks, trailers and semi-trailers, as well as brake and EBS systems. In addition, SAF-HOLLAND develops innovative products to increase the efficiency, safety and environmental friendliness of commercial vehicles. The focus is on the digitalization and networking of trailers as well as on the electrification of axles. The products and solutions are marketed under the brands SAF, Holland, Haldex, V.Orlandi, Neway, KLL and York. SAF-HOLLAND supplies original equipment vehicle manufacturers on six continents. In the aftermarket business, the company supplies spare parts to manufacturers' service networks as well as to wholesalers and to end customers and service outlets through an extensive global distribution network. Around 5,900 dedicated employees worldwide are already working on the future of the transport industry.
Job Position Summary
The Sr. Test Engineer provides overall product testing design and analysis service to SAF-HOLLAND, Inc. Engineering, including, but not limited to managing test execution, test conceptualization and design (and documentation thereof), data acquisition and analysis, durability testing, laboratory quality control and support of all testing activities at the SAF-HOLLAND test facilities. Compiles test results and authors documentation (test reports, life data analysis, test procedures, etc.)
Reporting to the Manager – Test Engineering, the Sr. Test Engineer will actively participate in the product development cycle of commercial vehicle chassis components. They will serve as a laboratory and vehicle testing and validation expert supporting multiple product lines. Testing will consist of structural durability testing, wear testing, environmental testing, and electronics testing. This position interacts internally with all areas of the Company (globally) with a primary working relationship with the engineering departments.
Essential Responsibilities (What You’ll Do)
Manages Test Execution per Test Requirements:
- Review incoming test requests to ensure test requirements are clearly defined.
- Responsible for identifying lab equipment that is appropriate for satisfying test requirements
- Works with lab mechanics and technicians to setup and run tests.
- Provide hands-on troubleshooting to debug and isolate problems with products and test equipment
- Accountable for ensuring tests are performed in accordance with the test request
- Determines how to most efficiently execute test requirements within given hardware, software, time, and budget constraints
- Provide technical supervision during test activities when necessary.
- Documents test results in the test report
Implement Test Boundary Conditions and Loads
- Defines boundary conditions that are based on measurements (DAQ) from road or test track applications. Consults with the Service, Warranty and Engineering departments, etc., to determine the applications where boundary conditions (forces, strains, temperatures, environmental conditions etc.) are needed.
- Interfaces with CAE and Structural Durability Engineers to determine and implement appropriate structural, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, vibrational, and/or environmental loads. Converts measured data into forces, torques, and environmental conditions for testing.
Designs Tests and Test Equipment
- Design test equipment and controls to execute according to a defined loading schedule. This includes 3D (CAD) design, structural analysis (FEA) along with the design of the electrical and hydraulic circuits.
- Develop and implement control systems to control the test equipment. These could be based on simple timers, PLCs (Allen Bradley), Automation Controllers (Beckhoff) or by servo-hydraulic control software (MTS).
- Write programs that will be needed to control the test. Incorporate sensors that will be utilized with the control system.
Perform Test Data Acquisition and Data Analysis
- Configure electronic instrumentation and various data acquisition systems for acquiring test parameters and results from rig and vehicle testing.
- Build electrical cables, repair electrical connectors and perform other basic electrical tasks to support data acquisition and testing.
- Installs and configures various test equipment and sensors such as strain gauges, load cells, flow meters, pressure transducers, torque meters, accelerometers, and thermocouples.
- Provide training and support to Test Technicians, as necessary, for the set-up and operation of computer-controlled data acquisition and test equipment.
- Performs out of town mobile testing, requiring the installation of strain gages, accelerometers, and the associated recording equipment.
- Performs data analysis on collected test data. Reviews it for errors and summarizes it in a readable format for reporting purposes. Creates graphs and plots of data.
- Analyze indicated and calculated test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives and modifies or adjusts equipment to meet specifications.
Project Management
- Collaborate with various Engineering groups as testing projects go forward. Effectively communicate the project timing and review the test design details to maintain involvement, buy-in and to implement good suggestions.
- Work with data acquisition specialists and other testing staff to plan the details of data acquisition projects. (Define the sensors needed along with their sampling rates etc.)
- Work with structural analysts to track actual test results vs fatigue life predictions to improve modeling methods.
Test Laboratory Quality and Continuous Improvement
- Assist the test labs in the writing and maintenance of quality system documentation related to product test work instructions, test specifications and equipment maintenance.
- Be familiar with quality system requirements as they pertain to testing operations and author related policies. Assist with the development of calibration processes and procedures.
- Participate in technical committees as needed. (ISO, SAE etc.)
- Stay current with the latest advances in testing equipment and methods.
Support the Engineering Design Centers in the following way
- Participate in design reviews, provide technical expertise to Engineers, and contribute information for the improvement of SAF-HOLLAND products and services from a testing perspective.
Qualifications (What You’ll Bring)
- Bachelor’s Degree (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering or a related field, required, from an ABET accredited college or university.
- 5-8 years of work experience in automotive/commercial vehicle test engineering and validation, test development, test rig design, and data acquisition.
- Experience with performing vehicle data acquisition for the purpose of developing accelerated laboratory durability and environmental tests.
- Experience in failure analysis, static and structural fatigue test principles and reliability analysis.
- Skilled in test fixturing design and test control automation. Versed in development of PLC’s and servo-hydraulic test control systems.
- Basic electrical knowledge (circuits and wiring as pertaining to automatic equipment operation and sensors)
- Able to read drawings/schematics and standards from a variety of sources (independent test labs, customers, etc.), be able to interface with outside test labs and technical authorities in the interpretation of data, methods, and results.
- Experience with data acquisition hardware such as SOMAT eDAQ, DATAQ, HBM QuantumX/SomatXR or LabView equipment and their use on vehicles. Thorough understanding of digital data acquisition methods and electrical requirements/circuits needed for various sensors, especially strain gages, accelerometers, and load cells.
- Experiences with analytical software tools used in a test facility environment. Preferred examples of these are nCode Glyphworks, Solidworks, Minitab, Reliasoft and ANSYS Workbench/ Mechanical.
- Thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Teams
- Familiar with laboratory quality system and calibration management. Experience with standards such as IATF 16949 and ISO 17025.
Travel Requirements: Approximately 15% travel required.
EOE-AA-M/F/Vet/Disability
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $95,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Relocation assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Compensation package:
- Performance bonus
- Yearly pay
Experience level:
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
- Overtime
Ability to Relocate:
- Muskegon, MI 49442: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person