Associate Test Engineer

Ward Leonard, a Fairbanks Morse Defense Company, is an industry-leading provider of electric motor, generator, control, and service solutions critical to Naval applications for more than 120 years. Located in Thomaston, Connecticut, Ward Leonard has worked hard to build a reputation as being a trusted name in powering the defense industry. This trust within the market is not possible without the continued hard work, commitment, and dedication of our team who respect the importance of what we do and the impact it has on the servicemen and women.

Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What’s your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense, it’s the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We’re one of the nation’s leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it’s like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here: https://www.fairbanksmorsedefense.com/careers

Position Summary:

The Associate Test Engineer role is responsible for the planning and execution of the Engineering Qualification Test Lifecycle Process, required to objectionably demonstrate that deployed and delivered Ward Leonard Products are able to satisfy contractual environmental and operational requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Design and development of Qualification Test procedures that satisfy contractual requirements.
• Technical oversight and direct participation in the execution of Qualification Test/s.
• Analysis, summary and documentation of Qualification Test results in a reporting format that satisfies contractual requirements.
• Maintaining and managing the Engineering test lab area, including the maintenance and calibration of capital test equipment within that area.
• The scheduling of external qualification lab test facilities.
• Collaborate with a cross functional product development team, from project inception to final product delivery to ensure optimal project performance.
• Standard office productivity and EDA tools, such as schematic capture, and MS Office will be used to develop and document formal Qualification Test procedures that conform to contractual requirements, and may be subject to customer review and approval.
• Ward Leonard products that are subject to Qualification test include motor controllers, Electronic Overload Relays (EOLR), electromechanical switching devices (contactors, relays, etc.), motor-generator sets, and bus transfer switches.

Essential Functions:

• Design, develop and generate Qualification Test Procedures.
• Oversee and directly participate in the formal execution of Qualification testing.
• Generate Qualification Test Reports.
• Maintain and manage Engineering test lab area.
• Ensure calibration certification of Engineering test instrumentation and measurement resources are maintained.
• Plan, schedule and procure outside test resource facilities when necessary, as required.
• Personally oversee the execution of outside test execution as necessary.
• e.g. EMI compliance to MIL-STD-461.
• Review Qualification and Design Engineering Test processes and practices for opportunities to improve quality and/or lower costs.
• Develop qualification test procedure and report templates that may serve as basis for generating new procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Controls Engineering Manager.

Accountabilities:

• Reports to Controls Engineering Manager.
• Ensures that all work is done in accordance with Customer specifications and Company Policy.
• Communicates progress and issues in a prompt manner to the Controls Engineering Manager as well as to rest of the relevant Engineering team.

Physical Requirements:

• Job requires sitting at a desk doing normal office work, including phone communications and using a computer.
• Involves standing and walking in an office and a manufacturing facility.

Environmental / Safety / Time Allocation:

• Spends approximately 60% of time working at a desk in a normal office environment.
• Spends about 40% of time on work away from desk in an Engineering Test lab environment, or at an outside Qualification Test lab facility.
• Must wear eye protection and any other required personal protective equipment while in the Engineering Test lab, as well as the shop floor.

Training / Cross Training / Progression:

• Maintains knowledge of latest industry trends and standards to ensure optimal performance.
• Cross trains with Rotating Machines group to support motor qualification.
• Requirements for this position are to also be engaged in: 5S, Continuous Improvement, On-Time Delivery, Routine Total Preventative Maintenance and the submission of Improvement Ideas.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering and 5 years of test related experience of electrical or electro-mechanical systems.
• Practical experience with the following MIL SPECs, as applicable to Qualification Test.
• MIL-S-901, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-1399-300, Type I.
• Experience in the use of AutoCAD Electrical schematic capture, or similar.
• Knowledge of industry recognized drafting and electrical CAD standards.
• Knowledge of industry specifications including NEMA and UL specs and standards.
• Demonstrated ability to work in cross-functional team environment.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with attention to detail and quality.
• Experience working with 480 VAC, 3-phase power systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with MIL-DTL-2212 (preferred).
• Knowledge of power systems and / or industrial automation & controls.
• Knowledge of Naval and commercial power systems.
• Experience entering product structure data into ERP systems (Visual Manufacturing is a big plus).
• Experience with Solid Works 3D modeling.
• Basic PLC skills.

Fairbanks Morse Defense offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, and 401k retirement plan with employer match. In addition, we offer paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled