Getting into the testing side of the field

[malcolm01]

I've graduated from a small in-state University with a BS in Mech. Eng. I've also attended a technician school in Nashville, TN called Nashville Auto-Diesel College. I've grown up around dirt track racing, mini pulling tractors, street rods etc. Automotive is in my blood. I've always wanted to get into the testing side of the industry. I've drummed up several independent facilities sent resumes etc. but nothing going. Any advice as to where or how to get my foot in the door. I'm gnawing at the bit here. For me it isn't about the money or anything like that, like I said it's in my blood. But how does one get a chance.
Thanx for any advice, Malcolm

 

[ivymike]

Well I went and asked the head of our testing department, and his comment was that the problem probably has nothing to do with you, but the testing side of the industry is just really, really, slow right now. If you try again when business picks up, you might have better luck.

 

[GregLocock]

The problem with the UK and Australia, at least, is that the smaller testing houses or facilities (up to and including MIRA, Lotus or Ricardo) don't want to take on untrained engineers, they'd rather talk to you after you've been trained up and worked for a few years in a relevant job at one of the manufacturers. I'm sure there are exceptions, but that's my opinion.

So the best way forward might be to get into the product engineering side of one of the manufacturers and take it from there. Almost all of the manufacturers have their own test facilities, so you may well be able to find the job you are looking for there, anyway.

Incidentally, what sort of testing did you have in mind?



Cheers

Greg Locock

 

[ProEpro]

You might want to try an tier one supplier. They are adding alot of testing capabilities.

Michelin considers a test driver and entry level engineering position but you have to have a good GPA for them to talk to you.

Also watch the careers section of the SAE web page.

Good Luck ProEpro@mindspring.com