Test Systems & Controls Engineer

Job Summary

DeltaHawk is seeking a hands-on Test Systems & Controls Engineer to design, assemble, program, and maintain data acquisition (DAQ) and automation control systems for our R&D and production test operations. In this role, you will build and support engine test stands, dynamometers, and component test benches that validate the performance and reliability of advanced aviation combustion engines. You will work across the full development cycle—from selecting sensors, building electrical control panels, and configuring secure test networks to programming PLCs, HMIs, and automated data collection routines. Other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, build, wire, and commission data acquisition and control systems for engine dynamometer and component test cells.

• Select, calibrate, and integrate instrumentation and sensors (pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, flow meters, torque cells, and Hall effect sensors) based on measurement range, signal type, and environmental requirements.

• Specify, install, and configure DAQ modules (analog/digital I/O, high-speed sampling) to interface reliably with test hardware and instrumentation.

• Layout and assemble control panels, including electrical enclosures, DIN rails, terminal blocks, relays, power supplies, and circuit protection.

• Program PLCs, PC-based controllers, and develop user-friendly HMI/GUI applications to automate test sequences, interlocks, and real-time data logging.

• Set up and configure industrial networking hardware (managed switches, routers, firewalls) to ensure secure, robust communication across test benches and engineering workstations.

• Develop and maintain clear technical documentation, including electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, bills of materials (BOM), and system operating procedures.

• Troubleshoot test stand electrical, sensor, and software issues alongside technicians and test engineers to minimize downtime.

• Maintain safe test cell operations in compliance with industry electrical standards and best practices.

Required Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Controls & Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline with 3+ years of relevant experience (or 8+ years of hands-on experience in test cell controls/DAQ integration).

• Proven experience building and programming PLC- or PC-based data acquisition and control systems.

• Hands-on experience with closed-loop PID control and industrial automation protocols.

• Demonstrated experience with sensor integration, signal conditioning, and electrical diagnostic equipment (DMMs, oscilloscopes, signal generators).