Senior Team Leader Operations

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Job Description:

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Job Description_ Senior Team Leader – Test Quality

Job Summary: We are seeking an exceptionally skilled and experienced Senior Team Leader for Engine Test Quality to lead our engine testing quality assurance efforts. This critical role demands a deep understanding of Internal combustion engines (ICE), rigorous testing methodologies, and advanced quality principles. You will be responsible for leading a team of technicians, ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and efficiency of all engine test programs. Your leadership will be pivotal in upholding the highest quality standards, validating engine performance, durability, and emissions, and driving continuous improvement in our test processes and data quality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership & Mentorship:
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Engine Test Quality Engineers and Technicians.
  • Foster a culture of precision, technical excellence, safety, and continuous learning within the team.
  • Optimize team structure, resource allocation, and workflow to meet quality targets.
• Test Quality Strategy & Planning:
  • Define, develop, and implement comprehensive quality strategies, plans, and procedures for various engine test programs (e.g., performance, endurance, emissions, calibration, development).
  • Establish and monitor critical quality metrics and KPIs for engine testing, including data accuracy, repeatability, measurement uncertainty, and test cell utilization.
  • Oversee the development and review of detailed test specifications, test cases, and data acquisition protocols.
• Test Execution Quality Assurance:
  • Ensure the quality and integrity of data collected from engine test beds, dynamometers, and other test equipment.
  • Implement and enforce rigorous quality checks for test cell setup, instrumentation calibration, and data consistency.
  • Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective and preventive action (CAPA) for test failures, data anomalies, and quality escapes.
  • Oversee the documentation and reporting of test results, deviations, and quality issues, ensuring accuracy and traceability.
• Process Improvement & Automation:
  • Continuously evaluate and enhance engine test quality processes, methodologies, and tools to improve efficiency, reliability, and data quality.
  • Identify and integrate new technologies and methodologies to optimize test quality and reduce validation time.
• Equipment & Instrumentation Quality:
  • Work with Test Operations and Maintenance teams to ensure the ongoing calibration, maintenance, and reliability of test cell equipment, dynamometers, emission benches, and data acquisition systems.
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards and environmental regulations related to engine testing.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Management:
  • Act as a key liaison between the Engine Test Quality team and other engineering disciplines (Design, Calibration, Emissions, etc.), facilitating seamless communication and collaboration.
  • Present test quality reports, findings, and recommendations to senior management and project stakeholders.
  • Participate in design reviews, FMEAs, and validation planning meetings to ensure quality is embedded from early stages.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Mechanical engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• [5+] years of experience in engine testing, powertrain testing, or test quality assurance
• Deep expertise in internal combustion engine principles, performance, durability, and emissions testing.
• Proven experience with engine test bed operation, dynamometer control, and data acquisition systems (e.g., AVL PUMA, AMA i60, Horiba, National Instruments).
• Hands on data management and analytical skills
• Strong understanding of measurement science, data analysis, statistical process control (SPC), and measurement uncertainty.
• Proficiency in quality management methodologies (e.g., Lean, Root Cause Analysis, 8D, FMEA).
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and regulations (e.g., emission standards, automotive industry quality standards).
• Excellent leadership, team building, coaching, and mentoring skills.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.

Posting Dates:

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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