The Senior Mechanical Testing Technician – Valves is responsible for independently managing and executing mechanical testing operations for a wide range of valve products. This role involves supervising test planning, test setup, execution, troubleshooting, and data reporting in compliance with quality standards. The technician ensures technical accuracy, supports root cause investigations, and mentors junior staff in best testing practices.
Plan, lead, and perform mechanical and functional tests on valve components including burst, pressure, leak, endurance, flow, thermal cycling, and fatigue testing.
Interpret and apply international test standards (e.g., API 598, ASME B16.34, ISO 5208, DIN) and customer-specific validation protocols.
Set up, configure, and calibrate test rigs with hydraulic/pneumatic circuits, pressure sensors, flow meters, data acquisition systems, and safety controls.
Analyze and interpret test data to evaluate performance against specifications and identify signs of mechanical degradation or early failure.
Collaborate with design, materials, and quality engineering teams to investigate failures and recommend corrective actions or design improvements.
Maintain proper test documentation including test plans, calibration records, raw data, and summary reports with technical findings.
Provide technical mentorship and training to junior and mid-level testing technicians.
Ensure proper maintenance and calibration of all test equipment and ensure lab safety compliance.
Test Planning & Execution Leadership:
Lead high-complexity valve test campaigns including long-duration endurance or high-pressure cycling.
Recommend appropriate test methodologies based on valve type, material, and application.
Advanced Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis:
Diagnose failure modes related to leakage, fatigue, deformation, material failure, or seal breakdown.
Support design or material changes based on test outcomes.
Instrumentation & Data Analysis:
Configure and optimize test instrumentation setups for precision monitoring.
Use tools like LabVIEW, Excel, or proprietary DAQ systems to review data trends and extract actionable insights.
Documentation & Compliance:
Ensure testing and reporting meet audit, regulatory, and customer standards (ISO, IATF, API, etc.).
Maintain traceability of all test samples and ensure rigorous record-keeping.
Team Mentoring & Safety Leadership:
Guide and supervise junior technicians on test setups, safety protocols, and technical best practices.
Champion safety, quality, and continuous improvement in the test environment.
Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
6–10+ years of experience in mechanical testing and validation of valves or related fluid control components.
Expert knowledge of valve operation principles, failure modes, and mechanical performance characteristics.
Proficient in using advanced testing equipment, DAQ systems, and test software (LabVIEW, MTS, HBM, etc.).
Strong familiarity with global valve testing standards (API, ASME, ISO).
Experience leading testing projects and collaborating in cross-functional teams.
Excellent analytical, documentation, and communication skills.