What are the responsibilities and job description for the Engine Structural Dynamics and Vibration Tester position at SMX Services & Consulting, Inc.?
Role: Engine Structural Dynamics and Vibration Tester
Location: Mossville, IL
Schedule: First Shift, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Start Date: September 14, 2025
Start Requirement: Candidate must be available to start within 2 weeks of selection.
Interview: One-round virtual panel interview
Security Requirement: Export Control clearance required
Required Education & Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required. Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering is also accepted.
• 2-4 years of relevant testing experience required. Internship experience may be considered toward the required experience.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain Export Control clearance.
Required Technical Skills
• Basic understanding of internal combustion engines and mechanical machinery.
• Ability to create sketches, engineering drawings, and perform common engineering calculations.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated engineering reports.
• Experience using engineering software and computer applications, including Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools.
• Hands-on experience with data acquisition systems such as eDAQ, LMS, and cDAQ.
• Experience analyzing vibration, stress/strain, and modal test data using tools such as LMS and ME'SCOPE.
• Experience performing modal testing and structural dynamics testing.
• Experience setting up tests, including instrumentation and gaging as required.
• Ability to coordinate the design and procurement of prototype hardware.
Desired Technical Skills
• Strong understanding of structural dynamics and vibration.
• Experience with Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) testing.
• Experience with structural simulation and analysis.
Required Soft Skills
• Strong initiative and ability to work independently.
• Strong technical, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to understand customer needs and product applications.
• Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills.
• Team-oriented, detail-oriented, and highly analytical.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Creative approach to engineering challenges.
Desired Soft Skills
• Ability to identify opportunities to improve validation efficiency.
• Willingness to champion and implement new initiatives.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple engine programs and priorities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with design, simulation, testing, and cross-functional teams.
Position Overview
This position is a backfill for a Test Engineer responsible for developing, conducting, analyzing, and managing engine structural dynamics and vibration validation tests using client standards, processes, and technologies.
The primary objective is to validate engine components and systems, investigate and resolve field issues, and support overall product quality and reliability through vibration testing of engines and package generator sets.
Key Responsibilities
• Validate core engine components and systems, including rotating components, PRL, valvetrain, cylinder heads, blocks, and housings, for NPI, NTI, CPI, NSI, and Assurance of Supplier programs.
• Evaluate complex structural failure modes and provide technical guidance to drive effective product solutions.
• Develop and execute test plans for both on-engine and bench testing.
• Conduct testing at Tech Center engine laboratories, the Lafayette, IN Engine Center, Peoria, IL and Tucson, AZ proving grounds, third-party engine and shaker laboratories, and field locations.
• Set up and configure test instrumentation and gaging as required.
• Utilize data acquisition systems and analysis tools to evaluate linear vibration, stress/strain, and modal performance.
• Perform modal testing and structural dynamics analysis.
• Coordinate the design and procurement of prototype hardware required for testing.
• Analyze test results, identify issues, and provide engineering recommendations.
• Generate technical reports and clearly communicate test conclusions and results to stakeholders.
• Work closely with design and simulation teams to support product development and validation activities.
• Participate in project planning, test execution, report generation, and communication of technical results.
Team & Work Environment
• Join a team consisting of approximately 10 Test Engineers and 4 Technicians.
• Collaborate closely with engineering design, simulation, product development, and validation teams.
• Work across multiple engine programs and testing environments.
• Opportunity to work with industry-leading engineers on advanced and innovative engine products.
• Gain exposure to specialized structural dynamics and vibration testing within a global engineering organization.
• Contribute directly to the quality, durability, reliability, and performance of products used by customers worldwide.