Engine Test Methods Lead

The Engine Test Methods Lead is responsible for the development, governance, and continuous improvement of all engine testing standards, procedures, and best practices across the organization. This role ensures consistent, repeatable, and high-quality test execution by defining validated methodologies, maintaining documentation control, and driving alignment across engineering, validation, and test operations teams.

This position serves as the central authority for engine test methods, supporting product development, validation, and warranty reduction initiatives through robust, standardized testing practices.

Key Responsibilities:

Standards & Procedure Ownership:

• Develop, publish, and maintain corporate engine testing standards, procedures, and best practices.
• Establish standardized test methods for:
  • Durability Validation
  • Mechanical Development Testing
  • Oil Consumption Measurement / Validation
• Ensure all test procedures are version-controlled, accessible, and traceable.

Methodology Development:

Define test methodologies to ensure:

• Repeatability and reproducibility across test cells and facilities
• Alignment with regulatory, internal validation, and program requirements

Develop test definitions including:

• Test setup requirements
• Instrumentation standards
• Data acquisition and validation criteria
• Pass/fail and exit criteria

Continuous Improvement & Best Practices:

Capture and institutionalize lessons learned from:

• Test failures
• Warranty issues
• Field returns and root cause investigations

Drive continuous improvement of test methods based on:

• New technologies (e.g., electrification integration, hybrid systems)
• Emerging failure modes

Lead benchmarking of internal vs. industry best practices.

Cross-Functional Alignment:

Collaborate with:

• Engine design engineering
• Validation and reliability teams
• Engine build and Mobile Engine Test Stand teams
• Test cell operations team
• Supplier quality and manufacturing
• Global Testing Leads within Stellantis

Ensure test methods support design validation plans (DVP&R) and program timing.

Training & Deployment

• Develop and deliver training for engineers and technicians on test methods and procedures.
• Support rollout and adoption of new or updated standards across all test facilities.
• Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting support for test execution issues.

Digital Tools & Documentation Systems:

Manage and improve documentation systems (e.g., SharePoint, Microsoft Lists, PLM systems).

Enable structured storage and searchability of:

• Test procedures
• Templates
• Test reports and historical data

Support integration with automated data acquisition and reporting tools:

Typical Deliverables:

• New and updated engine test standards released
• Harmonized Engine DVP&R test plan
• Approved test procedures and templates released in beStandard
• Test method validation reports
• Lessons learned / best practice databases updated with new findings
• Training materials and rollout plans

Success Metrics:

• Standardization of test methods across all facilities
• Reduction in test variability and repeat failures through new or updated procedures, best practices and lessons learned implementation
• Improved correlation between test results and field performance
• Increased efficiency in test planning and execution
• Timely updates and deployment of procedures

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering or related degree field
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in Engine Development and/or Validation
• Understanding of automotive processes such as DFMEA, DVP&R, DFSS, DRBTR, etc.
• Familiarity with automotive internal combustion engine design, development, and testing
• Test cell operations and instrumentation experience
• Understanding of reliability and durability testing (e.g., R90C90 concept)
• Strong interpersonal communication, team/leadership skills/experience
• Experience writing and managing technical standards and procedures
• Critical character traits to ensure success: organizational skills, technical leadership, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail and governance discipline, action oriented, dealing with ambiguity, customer focus

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters in Engineering degree with emphasis in engine development, engine validation, control systems, or calibration
• Experience in advanced engine technologies (turbocharging, hybridization, emissions systems)
• Experience in developing, writing, and releasing engine validation specifications
• 10 years or more in design, development, quality, manufacturing, and / or validation of engines or powertrains
• Experience in Data acquisition systems (e.g., ETAS, AVL, Horiba)
• Experience in Test planning and scheduling optimization
• Experience with digital tools (SharePoint, Power Apps, data systems)