Sr. Test/Instrumentation Engineer
Ripple Foods
Senior Test / Instrumentation Engineer
Location: (Asheville Area)
Compensation: $110,000 – $125,000
Industry: Advanced Mechanical / Automotive Technology
Travel: Limited international travel (1–2 trips per year)
Position Overview
A global engineering and manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Test / Instrumentation Engineer to support product development and validation testing within a technical engineering center.
This role plays a critical part in ensuring new products meet performance, durability, and reliability expectations through advanced testing methodologies and instrumentation strategies. The engineer will work closely with internal engineering teams and external customers to develop and execute test programs that validate product functionality from concept through final production readiness.
This position combines hands-on testing, technical analysis, and project leadership, making it ideal for engineers who enjoy solving complex mechanical and performance challenges.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead product validation and development testing for mechanical and powertrain-related products.
- Develop and implement new test methods, instrumentation setups, and validation procedures for emerging technologies.
- Conduct and support testing activities including:
- Engine and powertrain testing
- Thermodynamic and functional performance testing
- High and low cycle fatigue testing
- Wear testing and durability analysis
- Vibration and NVH testing
- Utilize advanced instrumentation to measure variables such as:
- Pressure
- Temperature
- Flow
- Rotor motion
- Vibration and acoustics
- Perform signal processing and data analysis including FFT and filtering techniques.
- Support testing using advanced technologies including thermal imaging, high-speed video, and laser-based measurement systems.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate testing results into product design improvements and validation strategies.
- Manage testing timelines, resources, and technical deliverables to meet key project milestones.
- Communicate testing results and technical findings to engineering teams, leadership, and customers.
- Ensure documentation and testing processes meet internal engineering standards.
- Maximize utilization of existing testing equipment and identify opportunities for improved test capabilities.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required
- Master’s Degree is a plus
Experience
- 6+ years of engineering experience in product development, validation, or testing
- Experience supporting products from concept through validation and production
- Background in mechanical systems, engines, powertrain components, or similar technologies is strongly preferred
Technical Experience
- Experience with instrumentation used to measure flow, pressure, temperature, vibration, or dynamic system behavior
- Exposure to engineering disciplines including:
- Thermodynamics
- Fluid dynamics
- Heat transfer
- Structural stress and fatigue
- Experience with design and simulation tools, such as:
- Solid modeling (Creo / Pro-E or similar)
- Structural or thermal FEA
- Fluid dynamics simulation
- Vibration and harmonic analysis
- Experience with metals and metallurgy, including fatigue and high-temperature material behavior
- Familiarity with GD&T is a plus
- Experience with statistical data analysis tools (such as Minitab) is a plus
Additional Skills
- Strong troubleshooting and analytical problem-solving ability
- Experience leading technical testing programs or engineering projects
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams
- Ability to balance hands-on technical work with project coordination
Why This Role is Attractive
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge mechanical and powertrain technologies
- Blend of hands-on engineering and technical leadership
- Exposure to advanced testing technologies and instrumentation
- Competitive compensation and strong engineering culture
- Located near Asheville, NC, one of the most desirable areas in the Southeast for quality of life and outdoor recreation