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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Jet Turbine Tester

💰 $65,000 - $110,000

Aerospace & DefenseEngineeringManufacturingQuality AssuranceAviation

🎯 Role Definition

A Jet Turbine Tester is at the heart of aviation safety and innovation. This role is not just about running tests; it's about being the final gatekeeper of quality and performance for complex propulsion systems. You'll be working within a highly controlled test cell environment, using sophisticated instrumentation and data acquisition systems to push engines to their operational limits. Your meticulous work, keen eye for detail, and deep understanding of mechanical and aerodynamic principles will directly contribute to the reliability and efficiency of commercial and military aircraft, ensuring the safety of millions of passengers and flight crews. This is a high-stakes, hands-on position where precision and a safety-first mindset are paramount.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Aviation Maintenance Technician (A&P Certified)
  • Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering Graduate
  • Automotive or Industrial Test Technician

Advancement To:

  • Senior Test Engineer or Lead Test Engineer
  • Test Cell Operations Manager
  • Propulsion Systems Engineer
  • Senior Quality Assurance Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Field Service Engineer
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Technical Writer (Aerospace)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Prepare and configure gas turbine engines and associated sub-assemblies for rigorous performance, endurance, and certification testing within a dedicated test cell environment.
  • Install, set up, and verify a wide array of complex instrumentation, including thermocouples, accelerometers, strain gauges, and pressure transducers, ensuring accurate data capture.
  • Operate and monitor sophisticated data acquisition systems (DAQ) and test cell control software to execute predefined test sequences and capture real-time engine performance metrics.
  • Conduct comprehensive pre-test safety walk-downs and post-test inspections of the engine and test facility, meticulously documenting any hardware anomalies, fluid leaks, or signs of wear.
  • Perform functional checkouts of all test facility support systems, including fuel, oil, hydraulic, and electrical systems, to ensure they are operating within specified parameters before an engine run.
  • Execute detailed test plans and engineering work instructions with absolute precision, ensuring all test conditions, such as thrust levels, temperatures, and pressures, are met and maintained.
  • Troubleshoot and diagnose complex mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation issues that arise during engine setup or testing, collaborating with engineering teams to find swift resolutions.
  • Perform initial analysis and review of collected test data to identify trends, outliers, or deviations from expected performance, flagging potential issues for further engineering review.
  • Handle the precise removal, replacement, and modification of engine components, modules, and external hardware as required by the engineering test plan.
  • Maintain an extremely detailed and accurate log of all test activities, hardware configurations, and any non-conformances encountered during the testing process.
  • Operate heavy lifting equipment, such as overhead cranes and forklifts, to safely transport, mount, and dismount multi-ton jet engines within the test facility.
  • Adhere strictly to all company safety policies, FAA regulations, and environmental health and safety (EHS) procedures, fostering a culture of safety-first within the team.
  • Collaborate directly with test engineers, design engineers, and quality assurance personnel to understand test objectives and provide critical feedback on engine behavior.
  • Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting on test cell infrastructure and support equipment to ensure maximum facility uptime and data integrity.
  • Interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams to correctly install hardware and instrumentation.
  • Manage the inventory and control of specialized tools, fixtures, and calibrated equipment required for engine testing activities.
  • Document and report any damage to test articles or facility equipment, participating in root cause analysis investigations to prevent recurrence.
  • Support the assembly and disassembly of development and production engines, providing hands-on mechanical expertise and feedback.
  • Monitor critical engine parameters during live runs, making real-time decisions to ensure the safety of the personnel, the test article, and the facility.
  • Assist in the development and refinement of new test procedures and standard operating practices to improve efficiency, safety, and data quality.
  • Package and prepare sensitive engine components and instrumentation for shipment, ensuring they are protected and properly documented.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, providing valuable feedback from the test floor to enhance processes and reduce operational waste.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc engineering requests for specific data pulls or test sequence modifications.
  • Contribute to the facility's long-term strategy for equipment upgrades and capability expansion.
  • Collaborate with the data analysis team to validate test data and clarify test conditions and events.
  • Participate in daily stand-ups, safety briefings, and post-test debrief meetings within the test operations team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Turbine Engine Test Cell Operations
  • Data Acquisition Systems (e.g., LabVIEW, Dewesoft)
  • Instrumentation Application (Thermocouples, Strain Gauges, Pressure Transducers)
  • Advanced Mechanical Aptitude and Hands-On Assembly Skills
  • Reading and Interpreting Engineering Blueprints & Schematics
  • Proficiency with Precision Measurement Tools (Calipers, Micrometers, etc.)
  • Troubleshooting of Mechanical, Hydraulic, and Electrical Systems
  • Familiarity with FAA/EASA Regulations (e.g., Part 33, Part 145)
  • Safe Operation of Forklifts and Overhead Cranes
  • Computer Proficiency (Microsoft Office, ERP/MRP systems)
  • Solid understanding of Gas Turbine Theory and Principles

Soft Skills

  • Unyielding Attention to Detail and Precision
  • Strong Analytical and Systematic Problem-Solving
  • Clear and Concise Technical Communication
  • Proactive, Uncompromising Safety-First Mindset
  • Ability to Work Calmly and Effectively Under Pressure
  • Collaborative Spirit and Strong Teamwork Ethic
  • High Degree of Adaptability to Changing Test Plans and Priorities

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Associate's Degree in a technical discipline OR a valid FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license OR equivalent military experience (e.g., Aircraft Turbine Engine Mechanic).

Preferred Education:

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in a relevant engineering discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Aviation Maintenance Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-10 years of experience in a hands-on technical role within aviation, power generation, manufacturing, or a similar high-tech industry.

Preferred:

Direct, hands-on experience with the assembly, maintenance, or testing of gas turbine engines. Prior experience working in a dynamic test environment is highly desirable.

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