Sr. Development Engineer at Hendrickson in Woodridge, Illinois

Job Description:

Position Purpose:



Responsible for validating design, test fixtures, and test methods. Also accountable for leading major test projects and providing leadership for data acquisition.



Essential Functions:



• Validates suspension design, test fixtures, and test methods using classical hand calculations, free body diagrams, finite element analysis, dynamic system models, and test data analysis. Conducts data acquisition, benchmarking, and data analysis in support of new product designs and dynamic modeling validation. Determines test conclusions, document results in test logs and technical reports.


• Lead major test projects including new Capital Test Equipment installations such as new fatigue and data acquisition equipment, RPC, EMA, etc. This includes specification of equipment, CER preparation, installation, and validation of test results such as cycles/miles to failure, frequency response, strain/stress response, etc.


• Provides leadership for data acquisition in the laboratory, proving grounds, and field, with the support of laboratory technicians. Develop/specify new test techniques and technologies and document them in ENG procedures. Design/develop and acquire new test fixtures and equipment. Validates test boundary conditions through the use of appropriate test-analysis modeling. Develop load transducers, ride, and handling equipment, etc. Lead training of technicians for standard application of ENG procedures and assure compliance to such standards, reducing data, developing test conclusions and reporting results in test logs.


• Lead ride and handling tuning, development and troubleshooting working with new product teams, customer/field issues, etc. This will include material acquisition, vehicle and equipment planning, coordination with vendors, etc.


• Plan and execute all aspects of complicated tests such as RPC based structural fatigue testing, experimental modal analysis, field measurements and proving ground tests including vehicle coordination/acquisition, vehicle modification, test equipment specification, acquisition, set-up, service quotations, time plans etc.


• Represent the company at OEM and Fleet customers in test planning, vehicle dynamic tuning and troubleshooting problems. This includes customer visits, follow up and presentations.


• Identify, define, and implement improvements to processes through the application of problem-solving tools by individuals and/or teams. Provides continuous improvement through employee development, process improvement and elimination of waste. Helps to assure safety in the lab and office.


Additional Supporting Responsibilities



• Establishes and evaluates tests for suspension systems and components.


• Develops and documents standardized test procedures (WRI-XXX) for common and unique tests which may be repeated.


• Allocates resources (people & equipment) and when required, obtains additions, with the proper approvals.


• With Design Engineers, develops test plans and revisions as required as the test progresses.


• Develops test techniques such as modal analysis, expanded fatigue test capabilities etc., as a part of the long-term planning.


• Provides fixture design & fabrication coordination, develops capital expense requisitions for new equipment.


• Provides for competitive suspension benchmark testing.


• Other duties as assigned.



Education and Training



• BSME/BSAgE/BS AeroE required.


• MSME preferred.



Minimum Qualifications



• 10 years of experience working in an R & D environment.


• Experienced in testbed or vehicle test - analysis modeling (preferably heavy or medium duty truck) with experience in dynamic nvh analysis, finite element structural analysis, fatigue analysis, and vehicle handling analysis.


• Experienced in Ride and Handling experimental development, EMA and forced response analysis.


• Experienced in Servo Hydraulic test equipment and testing, RPC based structural fatigue testing.


• Experienced in Data Acquisition and Reduction including data recording, conditioning.


• CDL Required.


• Broad general commercial vehicle mechanical experience required.


• Design test fixtures and test procedures.


• Advanced technician quality mechanical and electrical skills (including strain gaging) required.


• Project management experience required.



Physical Demands



• Frequent sitting and working at computer for extended periods of time.


• Occasional standing and walking on concrete.


• Occasional climbing stairs and fixed/vertical ladders.


• Ability to lift and carry up to 60lbs.


• Ability to push/pull carts (minimal 25lbs) and parts (minimal 60lbs).


• Ability to drive as required.


• Ability to travel as required.



Environmental Conditions



• Exposure to R&D lab and manufacturing setting.



Behavioral Traits



• Advanced problem-solving skills required.


• Demonstrated ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and guide the work of technicians.



Hendrickson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.



Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 240000SR