Sr. Test Engineer

DESCRIPTION

We are looking for a talented Sr. Test Engineer to join our Engineering team of Cummins Drivetrain and Braking Systems (CDBS) in Troy, MI.       

In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways:

• Physics-based Test Integration: I will develop and maintain calibrated, physics-based duty cycle and damage models using real-world data, and design targeted experimental plans that close gaps between analysis and test to maximize coverage and predictive accuracy.
• Failure Mode Mitigation: I will proactively identify interfaces, control and noise factors, and prioritize potential failure modes, then drive design and process changes that reduce risk and improve product reliability.
• Interface Management and Integration: I will define clear interface requirements and limits, create phased integration plans with methods and timing, and control interactions, so system elements remain diagnosable and within spec.
• Customer-protective Problem Solving: I will lead data-driven root cause investigations that protect customers, implement robust corrective actions, and translate systemic findings into preventive improvements.
• Verification and Validation Leadership: I will develop V&V plans from diverse inputs, negotiate requirements versus capability, and synthesize analytical, simulation, and test results to validate product readiness and inform technical decisions.
• Systems Requirements Engineering: I will convert stakeholder needs into verifiable requirements with acceptance criteria, track requirement status across the lifecycle, and assess change impacts on scope, schedule, and resources.
• Cross-functional Networking and Resourcefulness: I will build formal and informal networks across functions and suppliers, secure the right resources quickly, and coordinate activities to accelerate integration and problem resolution.
• Clear Communication and Decision-driven Delivery: I will tailor multi-mode communications for different audiences, make timely, high-quality decisions under uncertainty, and consistently drive measurable results while valuing diverse perspectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

To be successful in this role you will need the following:

• Test Planning & Execution: Own the product development test schedule and execution: create robust DVP&R inputs, design fixtures, correlate FEA to lab results, and adapt plans during execution (e.g., increase sample size or modify procedures when findings demand it).
• DFMEA & Validation Leadership: Act as the SME for DFMEA and DVP&R—translate failure modes into test cases, prioritize risks, and ensure validation plans map directly to functional requirements and customer duty cycles.
• Lab Integrity & Outsourcing: Ensure test integrity through sound fixture design and FEA correlation; coordinate with global labs and 3rd‑party test houses to scale capacity while maintaining consistent procedures and traceability.
• Project Management & Matrix Collaboration: Manage program timing, labor, equipment, and test budgets in a matrix organization—use stakeholder mapping, clear escalation paths, and regular status cadences to keep cross functional‑ teams aligned.
• Data, Analysis & Problem Solving: Use physics-based damage modeling and ‑real-world ‑duty cycle‑ data to reconcile analytical and experimental results; implement data driven‑ root cause analysis and durable corrective actions that protect customers and prevent recurrence.
• Communication & Influence: Deliver multi‑mode communications tailored to engineers, managers, and customers; provide one page‑ playbooks, concise test summaries, and clear recommendations so design teams can act quickly on test findings.
• Resourcefulness & Networks: Build formal and informal networks across Cummins drivetrain and braking systems product lines, labs, and suppliers; proactively secure test rigs, tooling, and external lab slots to avoid schedule slips.
• Metrics & Continuous Improvement: Define success with measurable KPIs—reduced test cycle time, fewer field failures, percent of tests passing to spec, and budget variance—and embed feedback loops to update DFMEA, DVP&R, and test procedures continuously.

Candidate should be flexible in scope to accommodate the full spectrum of product validation projects according to management's strategic needs.

Education, Licenses, Certifications:

College, university, or equivalent Bachelor's degree in Engineering or appropriate STEM field is required.

Post-graduate (Master's) degree relevant to this discipline area may be required for select roles.

This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.

Experience:

Prior Senior or Lead Engineer equivalent work experience in a relevant discipline area is required with a demonstrated track record of technical problem solving and quality decision making. Knowledge of MS Office tools is preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum 8–10 years’ experience in automotive or heavy‑truck testing. PMP certification preferred — or willingness to obtain/maintain certification — to strengthen credibility when negotiating scope, schedule, and resources across cross‑functional teams.

Technical Skills & Tools:

Demonstrated expertise in durability testing methodologies and operation of multi‑axial test rigs and controllers. Hands‑on experience with Pro/LINK, MTS RPC Pro, B&K Pulse, Somat, nCode GlyphWorks, LabVIEW, and Windchill is preferred, along with strong proficiency in Microsoft Office for data analysis, reporting, and documentation.

Job Engineering

Organization Cummins Inc.

Role Category On-site with Flexibility

Job Type Exempt - Experienced

ReqID 2423530

Relocation Package No

100% On-Site No

Cummins and E-Verify

At Cummins, we are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer dedicated to diversity in the workplace. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law. Cummins validates the right to work using E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Visit to know your rights on workplace discrimination.