Durability Instrumentation Technician (Up to 100% Travel)
Location:
Plymouth, MI (Up to 100% travel with in US - all expenses covered)
Duration:
12-Month Contract
Pay Range:$35.00 – $43.50 per hour
Job Summary
The Travel Instrumentation Technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting vehicle instrumentation during long-term road load data acquisition (RLDA) programs. This role is essential in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test data used to validate product durability and performance across varied environmental and operational conditions.
Key Responsibilities
Instrumentation Setup & Maintenance
- Install, wire, and configure sensors such as strain gauges, accelerometers, thermocouples, and wheel force transducers (WFTs)
- Follow engineering schematics to ensure accurate setup
Data Acquisition (DAQ)
- Set up, program, and operate data acquisition systems for road load data collection
Vehicle Data Integration
- Configure and record onboard vehicle data (e.g., CAN bus)
- Integrate vehicle data with external sensor systems
Field Troubleshooting
- Diagnose and repair electrical and mechanical instrumentation issues
- Minimize downtime during testing
Logistics & Driving
- Travel extensively across the U.S.
- Safely operate test vehicles while collecting data
Documentation
- Maintain detailed records including:
- Wiring schematics
- Calibration certificates
- Installation details
- Troubleshooting logs
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 2+ years of experience with instrumentation and DAQ systems in testing or R&D environments (automotive, aerospace, or heavy equipment preferred)
- Strong understanding of electrical systems, including:
- Soldering
- Wiring
- Harness fabrication
- High proficiency in installing and troubleshooting sensors (e.g., strain gauges, accelerometers)
- Experience with weatherproofing and ruggedizing sensor installations for long-term use
- Familiarity with commercial DAQ hardware/software (experience with Mars Labs preferred)
- Knowledge of electric vehicle (EV) safety protocols and high-voltage systems
- Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills
- Ability to work independently and in small teams
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
Working Conditions
- 100% travel required
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Extended periods of standing and working inside vehicles
- Comfortable working in varying road and environmental conditions
- Flexibility for overtime and non-standard working hours
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