Steffes - Test Engineer

Job Title: Test Engineer

Job Description

The Test Engineer supports transmission and drivetrain testing and development for medium wheel loaders, tractors, and other off-highway machines. This role focuses on running and supervising tests on machines, analyzing performance data, and implementing changes to the software that controls transmissions and powertrain systems. The engineer collaborates closely with component engineers and cross-functional teams to compare test results with design expectations, validate controls, and refine test plans. The position is highly hands-on and involves significant on-machine work, often in outdoor environments, with exposure to next-generation transmission controls technology.

Responsibilities

• Run and supervise transmission and drivetrain tests on medium wheel loaders, tractors, and other off-highway machines.
• Collect, organize, and analyze test data to evaluate machine, transmission, and powertrain performance against design expectations.
• Work closely with component engineers to compare test results with specifications and performance targets.
• Recommend and implement changes to software that controls transmissions and powertrain systems based on test findings.
• Develop, execute, and refine test plans and validation protocols for transmission control and powertrain systems.
• Participate in controls validation activities, including gear box, gear ratio, torque, clutch, and transmission control testing.
• Use data analysis tools and techniques to identify issues, trends, and opportunities for performance improvement.
• Prepare clear, concise test reports and presentations using PowerPoint and Excel to communicate results and recommendations.
• Present test findings to various teams and collaborate in a team setting to drive design improvements and product validation.
• Operate and work on machines in an on-machine environment, including outdoor test areas, following all safety procedures.
• Support the setup, operation, and maintenance of test equipment and instrumentation used in transmission and drivetrain testing.
• Apply basic CAD understanding to review designs, test setups, or component layouts as needed for test planning.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of test methods, validation processes, and documentation standards.
• Engage in hands-on mechanical work, such as engine and drivetrain-related tasks, to support testing activities.
• Ensure that all testing and validation activities align with established test engineering and quality standards.

Essential Skills

• Experience in validation and test engineering, particularly related to mechanical systems, transmissions, or drivetrains.
• Hands-on mechanical aptitude, ideally with experience working on engines or drivetrain components.
• Ability to work comfortably on-machine in outdoor environments, including hot and cold conditions and physical work.
• Strong data analysis skills to interpret test results and support decision-making.
• Proficiency with PowerPoint and Excel for reporting, data organization, and presentations.
• Basic understanding of CAD to support review of designs and test setups.
• Knowledge of how machines are controlled, including gear boxes, gear ratios, torque, clutches, and transmission control systems.
• Experience or familiarity with controls validation, powertrain systems, and transmission operation.
• Understanding of test plans and validation protocols for mechanical and control systems.
• Experience or exposure to mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, agricultural engineering, or related technical fields.
• Comfort working with test equipment and instrumentation in a lab or proving ground environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting and communicate technical information clearly.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or a related discipline is preferred.
• Candidates without a degree may be considered if they demonstrate strong experience in testing and data review.
• Drivetrain experience, including work on transmissions, gear boxes, and powertrain systems, is a significant plus.
• Experience or hobbies related to cars, performance tuning, or racing that demonstrate mechanical interest and aptitude.
• Familiarity with Python for data handling, scripting, or test automation is beneficial.
• Experience with LabVIEW or similar tools for test equipment control and data acquisition is an advantage.
• Exposure to electrical systems and controls in the context of test engineering is helpful.
• Interest in next-generation transmission controls technology and willingness to learn new tools and methods.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving test issues.
• Ability to create and follow structured test plans and validation protocols with attention to detail.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large on-machine testing facility with extensive outdoor proving grounds. The engineer works directly on machines in real-world conditions, with significant time spent outdoors in both hot and cold weather. The environment involves physical work, including climbing on equipment, handling tools, and working around heavy machinery. The facility is equipped with test equipment, data acquisition tools, and areas for transmission and drivetrain validation. Typical work involves a combination of hands-on mechanical tasks, on-machine testing, and office-based data analysis and reporting. Attire should be practical and suitable for an industrial and outdoor setting, including appropriate safety gear as required.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Peoria, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $31.00 - $35.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Peoria,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.