Job Information
Actalent Engine Technician in PONTIAC, Michigan
Job Title: Engine Technician
Job Description
The Engine Technician supports advanced engine development and validation activities in a state-of-the-art propulsion laboratory. This role focuses on engine dynamometer operation, calibration development, mechanical modifications, and test preparation, working closely with engineers to optimize performance and reliability of prototype and production engines that are often years away from entering the market.
Responsibilities
Collaborate with engineers in a propulsion laboratory to support engine development, validation, and testing activities.
Operate engine dynamometers to run manual tests, collect data, and support both development and validation test plans.
Perform calibration development work, including manipulating fuel tables, air intake, spark, and exhaust parameters to optimize engine performance using tools such as HP Tuners or standalone tuning systems.
Conduct mechanical swapping of engine components, working hands-on with engineers to test different combinations of parts for optimum performance.
Work in a laboratory setting using AVL/PUMA systems and emissions equipment to support engine testing and data collection.
Perform engine tuning and calibration activities on test engines, ensuring accurate and repeatable test conditions.
Carry out component-level work on engines, including oil pump changes, cylinder head or camshaft swaps, fuel injector replacement, spark plug changes, and other mechanical modifications.
Assemble, modify, and fabricate components on existing engines to prepare them for testing on dynamometers and test stands.
Fabricate and install components on engines and test stands, including brackets, exhaust components, and other hardware required for test configurations.
Install and maintain instrumentation between the engine and the dynamometer, ensuring accurate measurement of key parameters.
Perform TIG welding on parts and components as needed for engine and test stand modifications.
Serve as a pallet build technician by building engines onto specialized pallet systems, adding components such as oil pans, pumps, exhaust systems, brackets, instrumentation, and various engine accessories.
Prepare raw engines by adding required components, heads, covers, plugs, and instrumentation to make them ready for dyno testing.
Work in dyno cells on your feet to perform part changes, assist with root cause investigations, and support engineers in resolving test issues.
Perform general oil system and thermal system work, including removing and replacing oil pumps and related components.
Disassemble and reassemble complex engine components, including removing cylinder heads and reinstalling them to support test requirements.
Enter and maintain test data accurately in spreadsheets such as Microsoft Excel to document results and support engineering analysis.
Support engine development activities focused on calibration development, mechanical experiments, fabrication, and manual test points to achieve partial calibration before handing off to engine validation teams.
Assist test engineers and development engineers by acting as a technical resource for mechanical, calibration, and instrumentation tasks.
Follow established laboratory procedures and safety guidelines while working with high-performance engines and test equipment across various shifts.
Essential Skills
Associate degree or equivalent technical education.
3–5 years of engine dynamometer experience, including running and operating dyno tests.
Hands-on engine experience, including engine rebuild, tear down, assembly, repair, and troubleshooting.
Proficiency with hand tools and fabrication tools for prototype engine work.
Experience with engine calibration and tuning using software such as HP Tuners or other standalone engine management systems.
Ability to tune and adjust engine tables, including fueling, spark, and air-related parameters.
Experience working in a laboratory or test environment with a focus on testing and development rather than only repair.
Familiarity with AVL/PUMA systems and emissions testing equipment.
Mechanical aptitude for swapping engine components such as oil pumps, cylinder heads, camshafts, fuel injectors, and spark plugs.
Experience operating and supporting engine dynamometer testing for engine validation or development.
Ability to perform TIG welding on engine and test stand components.
Capability to perform assembly, modification, and fabrication on engines and test fixtures.
Comfort working with spreadsheets such as Microsoft Excel for data entry and basic analysis.
Ability to follow detailed test procedures and work instructions in a laboratory environment.
Strong troubleshooting skills to support root cause analysis and resolve mechanical or test-related issues.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience using HP Tuners, MegaSquirt, or other full standalone engine management and tuning systems.
Experience in aftermarket performance work, race team involvement, or personal experience modifying and tuning vehicles.
Experience with engine table development and calibration for performance or durability testing.
Prior work in an engine test lab environment with exposure to dyno equipment and emissions testing.
Experience supporting engineers by building engines, wiring harnesses, and test setups in a development lab.
Welding and fabrication experience specific to engine components, brackets, exhaust systems, and test stand hardware.
Experience in a dealership, independent shop, or performance shop performing engine repairs, part swaps, and diagnostics.
Familiarity with hybrid and electric powertrain testing is beneficial but not required.
Ability to work effectively across different shifts, including first, second, or third shift as needed.
Strong interest in learning new technologies, software tools, and test methods within a large, advanced engineering environment.
Work Environment
This role is based in a large, modern propulsion engineering facility that includes extensive test labs and garage spaces dedicated to engine development and validation. The environment is a very clean, air-conditioned test lab and engineering headquarters with over 100 dynamometers testing gasoline engines, hybrid and electric motors, transmissions, and experimental propulsion systems. Technicians work primarily in dyno cells and laboratory spaces, spending significant time on their feet performing mechanical work, instrumentation, and test support. The facility operates multiple shifts, including first shift (approximately 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday), second shift (approximately mid-afternoon to late evening Monday through Friday), and third shift (Sunday night through Thursday night/morning, typically 10:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. or 11:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.). Candidates may be assigned to any of these shifts based on business needs. Technicians must provide their own basic hand tools, while the facility supplies a toolbox and any unique or specialty tools required for testing. The site features a full-service cafeteria operating from early morning through mid-afternoon and offers ample parking, though some walking (up to approximately a quarter mile) may be required to reach the building. The culture emphasizes safety, community involvement, learning, and long-term career growth, with opportunities to work on cutting-edge engines and propulsion systems that may be 5–8 years from production.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of PONTIAC, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $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 PONTIAC,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 27, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.