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)