Test Engineer - Small Engines - Onsite - Grand Rapids, MI

Are you looking for an organization that empowers its team members to learn, grow, and make a genuine impact? Is work/life balance important to you? At Kawasaki Motors Corp., we offer this and so much more. The Engine Division, headquartered in Grand Rapids, is seeking a Test Engineer to join our team.

In this role, you will, with moderate guidance, design, troubleshoot, operate test fixtures and equipment to support engine and product testing activities. You will contribute to engineering projects by applying technical expertise, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and staying current with industry standards and emerging technologies.

This position is based onsite in Grand Rapids, MI. Relocation assistance may be offered on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities: 

• Able to debug and isolate problems, gather information, and give feedback to team members.
• With moderate guidance, identify new equipment or systems required for testing, including lead times, costing, installation and verification.
• Manage multiple projects with varying priorities; maintain clear project status, communicate progress effectively, and apply project management principles to meet schedules and objectives.
• Serve as a liaison between design engineering, product improvement, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to determine needed testing based on project requirements.
• Independently, analyze and interpret test results and produce clear, accurate laboratory test reports.
• Translate and clarify test procedures while learning and applying proper test methods; support cross-training and knowledge sharing within the department.
• Confirm test equipment capability against design and test requirements; identify gaps and escalate budget/equipment needs to the manager.
• Partner with test technicians and less experienced engineers as a technical resource for test processes, test reporting, instrumentation, and safe/accurate equipment use.
• Provide hands on troubleshooting and upgrade support for existing production testing in a real time environment.
• Implement the design, development, integration, and validation of automated and manual test equipment; interpret test requirements, update procedures, and create detailed test reports and technical documentation.
• Able to interface with the customers/vendors/other Kawasaki departments during field service trips and internal status meetings.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Mechanical or similar.
• 4+ years’ experience in product development/testing.
• Intermediate understanding of 4-cycle spark ignited internal combustion engines.
• Knowledge of instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and data analysis.
• Experienced with project management, process documentation, and product development cycles.
• Very comfortable with Microsoft Office, specifically Excel.
• Some experience with 3D CAD software.
• Experience with engine dynamometer testing
• Understanding of noise and vibration (NVH) test instrumentation and data interpretation is a plus.
• Enjoy working in a team environment with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and individuals across all levels of the organization.

Who We Are:

The Engine Division of Kawasaki Motors Corp, headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI supports 4-cycle engines commonly used in the lawn and garden industry. Please visit https://kawasakienginesusa.com/ for more information.

What We Offer:

Your health and wellness are important to you - and to us. That's why we provide a comprehensive benefits program for you (and your family) in mind.

• Good work/life balance
• Flexible Schedules
• Employee Referral Program
• Summer Hours
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical, dental and vision plans
• Life Insurance
• 401k
• Generous Time Off
• Ongoing Training and Development
• Educational Assistance
• Team Member Product Purchase Program