Test Planning Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Test Planning Engineer

The Test Planning Engineer supports transaxle, engine, transmission, and axle development programs by planning and managing prototype hardware, test activities, and related documentation. This role creates and maintains prototype bills of materials, coordinates design changes, and ensures that test configurations accurately reflect the latest engineering designs. The engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to plan endurance tests, manage hardware and test cells, and provide data-driven recommendations that support successful product development.

Responsibilities

• Create and manage prototype bills of materials (BOMs) for engine, transmission, axle, and transaxle development programs.
• Create and process change orders to incorporate design changes into prototype BOMs and ensure accuracy of configurations.
• Define hardware upgrade packages so that prototype configurations remain representative of the latest design releases.
• Develop and maintain prototype build requirements, endurance test plans, and teardown schedules for engine, transmission, and axle programs.
• Use global and regional tools to maintain individual BOMs and detailed test plans.
• Analyze test and project data, draw conclusions, and provide clear recommendations to the management team.
• Apply structured problem-solving methods to identify root causes and develop timely corrective actions.
• Issue work orders, monitor progress, and resolve issues to ensure on-time completion of projects.
• Conduct project work thoroughly, document findings, draw conclusions, and present recommendations for management review.
• Create project plans and timelines and assist management in defining budget requirements for test and prototype activities.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities with regional and global counterparts in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Sales, Purchasing, and Suppliers.
• Maintain a daily record of work hours by project to support planning and reporting.
• Align closely with designers and design teams to ensure accurate BOMs and part definitions.
• Ensure all parts in an assembly are correctly defined, tracked, and reflected in BOM management systems.
• Perform forward planning to align prototype builds, test activities, and due dates with design and release schedules.
• Manage engineering numbers, part numbers, and ordering of parts required for development and test programs.
• Support vehicle test activities by integrating prototype hardware and test planning into vehicle-level testing.
• Manage hardware inventory and test cells to support scheduled tests and ensure readiness of equipment and components.
• Collaborate with procurement teams in the engineering lab to track parts and provide global status updates to assigned engineers.
• Coordinate pre-aging of aftertreatment systems in the lab and plan logistics for deployment to test or field locations.
• Check regularly with Research & Development engineers on release dates and identify any risks or issues that could impact deadlines.
• Manage data logger inventory to support engineering tests and field investigations, ensuring availability and proper allocation.

Essential Skills

• Experience creating and managing bills of materials (BOMs) for complex mechanical assemblies such as engines, transmissions, and axles.
• Proficiency with change order processes to incorporate design changes into prototype BOMs.
• Hands-on experience with test planning for automotive components, including endurance testing and teardown scheduling.
• Ability to manage part tracking, engineering numbers, part numbers, and ordering of prototype and test parts.
• Mechanical engineering background with strong understanding of engine, transmission, axle, and transaxle systems.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, draw conclusions, and provide clear, actionable recommendations.
• Experience using structured problem-solving methods to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Proven ability to coordinate cross-functional activities with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Sales, Purchasing, and Suppliers.
• Strong organizational skills for managing multiple projects, timelines, and hardware inventories.
• Effective communication skills for aligning with designers, R&D engineers, procurement teams, and global counterparts.
• Minimum 2+ years of experience within the automotive industry.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline is highly beneficial.
• Experience working with global and regional engineering tools for BOM and test plan management.
• background in vehicle test environments, including integration of prototype hardware into vehicle-level tests.
• Familiarity with managing test cells, data loggers, and laboratory equipment for automotive testing.
• Experience coordinating pre-aging and logistics for aftertreatment systems or similar emissions-related components.
• Ability to develop project plans, define timelines, and support budget planning for test and prototype activities.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite in Detroit, MI, within an engineering and test-focused environment. The role involves close collaboration with engineering labs, test cells, and vehicle test operations, including hands-on interaction with prototype hardware, data loggers, and aftertreatment systems. The engineer works closely with cross-functional teams across Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Sales, Purchasing, and Suppliers, using global and regional tools to manage BOMs and test plans. The work setting emphasizes structured project planning, adherence to specific due dates, and coordination of logistics for parts and test equipment. Onsite presence supports frequent interaction with designers, R&D engineers, and procurement teams, as well as direct oversight of hardware, test cells, and laboratory activities.

This is a Permanent position based out of Detroit, MI.

The pay range for this position is $46.00 - $50.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Detroit,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 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.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.