Engine Technician

Job Title: Engine Technician
Job Description
The Engine Technician supports advanced engine development and validation activities in a state-of-the-art propulsion laboratory. This role focuses on engine calibration, dynamometer operation, mechanical assembly and modification, and hands-on testing to optimize engine performance and durability. The technician works closely with engineers to prepare, instrument, and operate engines on test stands and dynos, contributing to future production powertrains and high-performance applications.
Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineers in a propulsion laboratory to support engine development and validation programs.
• Perform engine development activities, including calibration development, mechanical experiments, fabrication, and manual test point setup to bring engines to approximately 60% calibration before handoff to validation teams.
• Operate engine dynamometers, including manual dyno testing, to run engines through test cycles and collect performance and durability data.
• Work with test engineers to manipulate fuel tables, air intake, spark, and exhaust parameters using software tools to find optimum performance on test engines.
• Perform engine tuning and calibration using software such as HP Tuners or standalone systems, adjusting engine tables and variables to meet test objectives.
• Conduct mechanical swapping of engine components and work hand in hand with engineers to test different combinations of components for optimum performance.
• Perform component-level work on engines, including replacing or modifying oil pumps, cylinder heads, camshafts, fuel injectors, spark plugs, and other engine components.
• Assemble, modify, and fabricate components on engines to prepare them for testing, including adding oil pans, pumps, exhaust components, brackets, and instrumentation.
• Fabricate components for engines and test stands/dynamometers to support test requirements, including custom brackets, mounts, and fixtures.
• Set up instrumentation between the engine and the dynamometer, ensuring accurate measurement of key parameters such as pressure, temperature, and emissions.
• Perform TIG welding on parts and components as needed for engine and test stand fabrication.
• Serve as a pallet build technician by building engines onto specialized pallet systems, adding components and instrumentation to create complete engine test assemblies.
• Prepare raw engines by installing additional components, covers, heads, plugs, and instrumentation required for laboratory testing.
• Work in dyno cells performing parts changes, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis in collaboration with engineers.
• Perform general oil and thermal work, including removal and replacement of oil pumps and related components.
• Disassemble and reassemble engines, including removing cylinder heads and other complex components, to support test and development activities.
• Enter test data and results into spreadsheets, including Excel, ensuring accurate documentation of test conditions and outcomes.
• Support engine validation by operating dynos, following test plans, and driving engines to defined failure or limit states under controlled conditions.
• Provide laboratory support for engine testing, including building engines, wiring harnesses, and test setups to support engineers who perform calibration.
• Apply personal or professional experience with tuning and calibration (such as race team or performance shop work) to adjust engine tables and improve test efficiency.
• Follow laboratory procedures and safety practices while working on engines, dynos, and emissions equipment in a clean, organized test environment.
• Work across multiple shifts as required, including first, second, or third shift schedules, to support continuous test operations in the facility.

Essential Skills

• Associate degree or equivalent technical education.
• 3-5 years of engine dynamometer experience, preferably with engine-specific dyno operation.
• Hands-on engine experience, including rebuild, teardown, assembly, repair, and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency with hand tools, engine assembly tools, and basic fabrication tools.
• Experience operating dynamometers for engine testing, including manual dyno operation.
• Experience with engine calibration and tuning using software such as HP Tuners or standalone tuning systems.
• Ability to manipulate engine fuel tables, air intake, spark, and exhaust parameters using software tools.
• Laboratory experience working with AVL/PUMA systems and emissions testing equipment.
• Ability to perform mechanical swapping of engine components and configure different engine combinations for testing.
• Experience with TIG welding for engine and test stand components.
• Ability to fabricate engine and test stand components, including brackets and fixtures.
• Competence in setting up instrumentation between engines and dynamometers, including sensors and wiring.
• Ability to read, interpret, and enter data accurately into Excel or similar spreadsheet tools.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and experience modifying or building vehicles, including aftermarket or performance applications.
• Capability to perform complex engine disassembly and reassembly, including cylinder heads and camshafts.
• Comfort working in a test lab environment focused on testing and development rather than routine repair work.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a propulsion or powertrain laboratory environment with dyno equipment and emissions testing.
• Prior use of AVL/PUMA systems for engine test control and data acquisition.
• Experience with HP Tuners, MegaSquirt, or other full standalone engine management systems for tuning and calibration.
• Background in early-stage engine development or calibration, including personal projects or race team involvement.
• Experience building engines or wiring harnesses in support of engineering-led calibration work.
• Familiarity with hybrid or electric propulsion testing environments is beneficial.
• Experience in performance or aftermarket vehicle modification, including tuning and calibration work beyond basic flashing.
• Ability to support multiple roles such as engine development, engine validation, and pallet build depending on project needs.
• Comfort working in a large, highly engineered facility with advanced test equipment and processes.
• Willingness to work across different shifts (first, second, or third) as required by test schedules.
• Interest in long-term projects where test work may be several years ahead of production vehicles.

Work Environment
The role is based in a large, modern engine testing facility that serves as an engineering headquarters for advanced powertrain development. The facility includes more than 100 dynamometers testing gas engines, hybrid and electric motors, transmissions, and experimental propulsion systems. Work takes place primarily in very clean test labs, dyno cells, and garage-style environments, with a strong emphasis on organization, safety, and engineering discipline. Technicians spend significant time on their feet in dyno cells performing mechanical work, parts changes, and test setups, as well as some time at a desk entering data into Excel and reviewing test information. The facility is air conditioned and includes a full-service cafeteria operating from early morning to mid-afternoon. It is a large, 450,000-square-foot site with ample parking, though walking distances of up to a quarter mile may be required to reach work areas. Technicians must provide their own basic hand tools; the facility supplies toolboxes and any unique or specialty tools needed for testing and fabrication. Work involves first, second, or third shift schedules, including a third shift option from Sunday night through Thursday night/morning (approximately 10:00 p.m.-6:30 a.m. or 11:00 p.m.-7:30 a.m.), supporting continuous test operations. The environment emphasizes learning, exposure to new technologies and software, and the opportunity to work on advanced engines and propulsion systems that may be five to eight or more years away from production.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of PONTIAC, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $35.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in PONTIAC,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 2026.
About Actalent


Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.


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