Job Description

Smithers is proud to manage an 898-acre proving ground for tire and vehicle dynamics, just 50 miles southwest of San Antonio, Texas. First established in 1999, the test facility has evolved over the years to offer a wide range of test surfaces, from rigorous off-road test courses to customizable vehicle dynamics areas (VDAs) and noise assessment lanes.

Join our expanding team with this FULL TIME position with BENEFITS (401k retirement plan, medical, wellness, HRA, FSA, vision, dental, disability, life, legal, PTO vacation, sick time, holiday pay, bereavement leave and more)!

Set up tests on tires, vehicles and components, and manage projects and designated clients as needed by performing essential duties and responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Develop, improve, and oversee vehicle and tire traction testing accuracy, process, and usefulness.
• Interface with customers to determine shortcomings or potential opportunities for improvement and develop test parameters.
• Troubleshoot, correct, and improve systems as needed.
• Troubleshoot automotive and industrial test equipment using mechanical and electrical experience.
• Direct and exercise control over operational, functional, and performance phases of all applicable testing.
• Analyze and interpret test data and prepare technical reports for use by engineering and management personnel, including but not limited to wet traction testing, rolling resistance, tire buffing, cut/chip tire evaluation, tire sidewall resistance testing, and offroad traction.
• Contribute to equipment calibration program according to reference standards.
• Assist or drive new test development based on internal and external client needs.
• Communicate with management, technicians, clients, etc. to include status updates.
• Keep projects on schedule and on or under budget.
• Design, participate, and direct personnel in fabrications and installation of testing, and test control apparatus and equipment.
• Design, participate, direct, and coordinate activities concerned with development, procurement, installation and calibration of instruments, equipment and control devices required to test, telemeter, record, reduce, and report test data.
• Determine, communicate, and coordinate conditions under which tests are to be conducted, and sequences and phases of test operations.
• Confer with scientific, engineering, and technical personnel to resolve testing problems such as product or system malfunctions, incomplete test data, and data interpretation.
• Develop or use computer software and hardware to conduct tests on products and systems, and to appropriately manage test track data.
• Drive continuous improvement of processes, procedures, and operational efficiency.
• Manage and communicate the client’s needs and requirements to the company, as well as the company’s needs to the client.
• Represent the organization in a professional manner.
• Provide leadership within the organization.
• Confer with management personnel to establish production and quality control standards, budget, and cost controls.
• Obtain data regarding types, quantities, specifications, and delivery dates of test reports.
• Coordinate project activities with procurement, maintenance, and quality control activities to obtain optimum production and utilization of human resources, track facilities, machines, and equipment.
• Review and analyze technical, quality control, maintenance, and operational reports to determine causes of non-conformity with specifications and operating, or production problems.
• Promote organization in industry, manufacturing, or trade associations.
• Develop and implement operating methods and procedures designed to eliminate operating problems and improve the quality of services provided.
• Make recommendations to management on new business opportunities.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required; Mechanical Engineering preferred
• Experience working on proving grounds; tire or automotive testing preferred
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Past experience with Matlab and/or Python including abilities to produce user friendly GUIs preferred
• Experience with commercial products such as Racelogic VBOX, MoTeC, AiM, Siemens LMS preferred

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