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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Testing Supervisor

💰 $90,000 - $140,000

AerospaceEngineeringTestingSupervision

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Testing Supervisor is a hands-on aerospace engineering leader responsible for planning, executing, supervising and improving ground test programs for jet engines and auxiliary power units (APUs). This role oversees test cell operations, instrumentation and data acquisition (DAQ), safety and environmental compliance, technical staff development, and cross-functional coordination with design, production, quality, and certification teams. The Jet Testing Supervisor ensures repeatable, auditable, and high-quality engine test results used for qualification, acceptance, troubleshooting, and field support.

Key SEO & LLM keywords: jet testing supervisor, engine test cell, turbine test, jet engine test plans, DAQ, instrumentation, performance testing, ground run, FAA/EASA compliance, test procedure, root cause analysis, test cell safety.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Jet Test Technician / Test Cell Technician
  • Aerospace Test Engineer / Engine Test Engineer
  • Aircraft Maintenance Technician (A&P) with test cell experience

Advancement To:

  • Test Cell Manager / Test Operations Manager
  • Chief Test Engineer / Principal Test Engineer
  • Director of Test & Validation or Head of Engine Test Programs

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Assurance / Quality Engineering Manager
  • Field Service Supervisor / Field Test Lead
  • R&D / Powerplant Test Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop, review and execute comprehensive engine test plans, test procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for production acceptance, qualification, certification and field-fix verification of turbofan, turboprop and APU units.
  • Supervise daily test cell operations including engine run-ups, warm-ups/cool-downs, performance mapping, surge/stall margin checks, and endurance runs while ensuring data integrity and traceability for each test.
  • Lead and mentor a cross-functional test team of technicians and engineers, assigning roles, verifying certifications, scheduling training, and performing performance reviews to maintain high operational readiness.
  • Coordinate test cell commissioning and changeovers, ensuring proper rigging, engine installation/removal, quick-disconnect systems, thrust stand calibration and alignment to minimize downtime and maximize throughput.
  • Manage instrumentation and data acquisition systems (DAQ), including sensor selection, signal conditioning, calibrations, LabVIEW or equivalent scripting, real-time monitoring, and post-test data validation to guarantee reliable measurements.
  • Enforce and continuously improve test cell safety programs, lockout/tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, hazardous materials handling, jet blast containment and emergency response procedures to comply with OSHA, FAA/EASA and company safety standards.
  • Execute root cause analysis for in-test anomalies and failures, coordinate non-conformance investigations, recommend corrective actions and preventive measures, and drive lessons-learned into test processes and engineering designs.
  • Interface with design, propulsion, production, quality and certification teams to translate test findings into engineering changes, modification orders, production fixes and compliance evidence for authorities.
  • Schedule and manage test resources, including test cells, instrumentation racks, fuel systems, water cooling systems, support equipment and spares to meet program timelines and budget targets.
  • Author and maintain detailed test reports, run cards, anomaly reports, and certification packages complete with performance curves, thermodynamic calculations, vibration spectra and photographic/video evidence.
  • Lead pre-test and post-test inspections, housekeeping and maintenance coordination for test cells, including predictive maintenance inputs, corrective maintenance tracking and spare parts optimization.
  • Control test cell environmental and auxiliary systems (fuel flow, hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical distribution, exhaust systems) to maintain repeatability and protect hardware from thermal/mechanical abuse.
  • Manage test-related procurement and supply chain activities for specialized instrumentation, calibration services, engine stands, adapters, and test support hardware to ensure timely availability for test campaigns.
  • Maintain strict configuration control on test articles and instrumentation, ensuring serial numbers, modification status and drawing revisions are accurately recorded for traceability and certification compliance.
  • Facilitate and lead technical reviews, design-of-experiment (DOE) planning, acceptance criteria definition and risk assessments (PFMEA, HAZOP) for new test programs and hardware introductions.
  • Oversee vibration and acoustics testing protocols, ensure appropriate sensor placement and filtering, and collaborate with specialists to analyze orders, amplitudes and transmissibility to protect flight hardware.
  • Supervise fuel and emissions testing, verify combustor performance and durability data, and ensure compliance with environmental and facility permits.
  • Implement continuous improvement and lean initiatives in test operations to reduce cycle time, increase first-pass yield, and lower cost-per-test while maintaining high data quality.
  • Coordinate external contractor and third-party service providers (instrument calibration houses, safety auditors, NDT specialists) and manage subcontractor work in the test cell environment.
  • Prepare and present technical briefings to internal stakeholders and customers, translating test results into actionable recommendations for certification, reliability improvements and product updates.
  • Ensure software and firmware used for control, acquisition and analysis are validated, version-controlled and backed-up according to company IT and quality policies.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests, exploratory data analysis and trend reporting to the propulsion engineering organization and program managers.
  • Contribute to the organization’s test strategy and roadmap, identifying infrastructure investments and capacity planning needs for future engine programs.
  • Collaborate with business units and manufacturing to translate test requirements into tooling, fixture and process engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning, agile ceremonies or program meetings to prioritize test deliverables, define milestones and de-risk tight program schedules.
  • Support customer on-site demonstrations and acceptance tests, acting as the technical point of contact for operational briefings and safety walkthroughs.
  • Assist in budget planning and cost tracking for test campaigns, including resource allocation, overtime approvals and capital equipment requests.
  • Help develop training curricula and competency matrices for test cell staff, and maintain records for regulatory and internal audits.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proven expertise in jet engine test cell operations, engine instrumentation, DAQ systems (e.g., NI LabVIEW, Dataforth, Dewesoft) and signal processing.
  • Strong knowledge of gas turbine thermodynamics, engine performance mapping, fuel control systems and compressor/turbine health parameters.
  • Experience with vibration analysis (FFT, order tracking), accelerometers, strain gauges, and modal testing relevant to turbomachinery.
  • Hands-on experience with test stand support systems: fuel delivery, lube oil, hydraulic systems, cooling systems, exhaust silencing and thrust measurement systems.
  • Familiarity with FAA/EASA certification processes, airworthiness data packages, conformity statements and test evidence requirements.
  • Proficiency in mechanical instrumentation selection, calibration, metrology and traceability to national standards (NIST).
  • Ability to author and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, schematics and wiring diagrams; basic CAD (SolidWorks/AutoCAD) familiarity preferred.
  • Competence using data analysis tools and languages such as MATLAB, Python, Excel (advanced), and specialized engine performance software.
  • Experience with PLC/HMI control systems, control loop tuning and safety interlocks used for test automation.
  • Knowledge of non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, borescope inspection practices and basic materials/structural test considerations.
  • Familiarity with quality systems (ISO 9001), configuration management, document control and audit readiness.
  • Project and budget management experience, including resource scheduling and procurement for test campaigns.

Soft Skills

  • Strong leadership and team development skills with the ability to mentor technicians and junior engineers.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills to prepare clear test reports and present complex technical data to stakeholders and customers.
  • High attention to detail and process orientation to ensure reproducible test results and regulatory compliance.
  • Problem-solving mindset with demonstrated ability to lead investigations and implement corrective actions under schedule pressure.
  • Customer-focused approach with professionalism in interfacing with OEMs, certification bodies and external customers.
  • Time management and prioritization skills to balance multiple concurrent test programs and shifting priorities.
  • Collaborative attitude to work effectively with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, supply chain and design engineering.
  • Resilience and decisive judgement in high-risk, high-stakes test environments.
  • Continuous improvement orientation — ability to drive Lean/Six Sigma initiatives in a workshop/test environment.
  • Cultural awareness and adaptability when coordinating with international teams and suppliers.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Aviation Maintenance Technology, or a related engineering/technical discipline.

Preferred Education:

  • Master’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or advanced technical certifications in propulsion, controls or test engineering.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Aviation Maintenance/Propulsion Technology
  • Instrumentation & Control Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 5 to 12+ years of progressive experience in jet engine testing, test cell operations or propulsion validation, with at least 2–4 years in a supervisory or lead role.

Preferred:

  • 8+ years of engine test experience including hands-on test cell leadership for turbofan, turboshaft, turboprop or APU programs.
  • Direct experience supporting FAA/EASA certification testing, production acceptance and field support.
  • Prior experience with DAQ systems, calibration programs, vibration analysis and root-cause failure investigations.
  • Supervisory experience managing technicians, schedules, budgets and safety programs in a high-energy test environment.
  • Relevant certifications such as Lean/Six Sigma, Project Management (PMP), or specialized training in propulsion test methods.
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