Southwest Research Institute · 1 day ago
PRINCIPAL TECHNICIAN - SR. TECHNICIAN - Automotive Technician/ Master Mechanic
San Antonio, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expSouthwest Research Institute is a research organization that performs testing on various vehicles and internal combustion engines. The Principal Technician will provide lubricant and fuel testing, operate engine test cells, and communicate test statuses while ensuring safety and compliance with environmental standards.
Innovation ManagementMarket ResearchMechanical EngineeringNon ProfitProduct Research
Responsibilities
Provide lubricant testing for various clients on different test types according to ASTM procedures
Provide fuel testing for various clients on different test types for both on-road and dynamometer testing
Provide Fuel and Lubricant testing in a safe manner by following safety practices and Environmental Management and Quality Systems
Operate engine test cells via computer control for data acquisition to measure engine lubricant performance, fuel performance or engine durability performance
Communicate with coworkers, supervisors and project engineers concerning test status
Assemble and disassemble gasoline and diesel engines as described in test procedures
Assemble and disassemble auxiliary pumps and motors in support of the operating equipment
Prepare extracts and label fuel and lubricant test samples for analysis
Use scanners for different makes and models of vehicles; maintain various test logs, time records and project records; perform tire maintenance; modify fuel system for test specific purposes; disassemble vehicle components and modify as required for testing
Remove and install cylinder heads, transmissions, axels, fuel tanks; inspect utility trailer; perform automotive fluid changes; flow fuel injectors; perform bumper-to-bumper maintenance on different makes and model; support department project activities as required
Enter recorded data into a computer database; perform routine engine maintenance; maintain a clean working environment and comply with all safety regulations and standards for working around potentially hazardous materials in the operation of tests
Qualification
Required
Requires a high school diploma or equivalent
5+ years: Vocational or commercial automotive or diesel mechanical training or related mechanical experience required
Knowledge of Microsoft applications i.e. Excel and MS Word
A valid/clear driver's license is required
Shift work required
Overtime required depending on project needs; exposed to solvents, gasoline, diesel, and coolants
Preferred
Automotive Mechanic or Certified Master Mechanic, Associates degree, or ASE certified, and CDL License Preferred
Company
Southwest Research Institute
Southwest Research Institute is an independent organization benefiting the government and others through innovative science and more.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Southwest Research Institute has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (13)
2024 (22)
2023 (20)
2022 (12)
2021 (22)
2020 (23)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$19.47MKey Investors
NASAUS Department of EnergyARPA-E
2025-03-11Grant· $3M
2023-06-09Grant· $2M
2022-12-14Series Unknown· $1.61M
Leadership Team
Walter D. Downing
Executive Vice President and COO
Alan Stern
Associate Vice President
Recent News
2025-12-17
2025-12-12
Company data provided by crunchbase