Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Tire Tester

🎯 Role Definition

Are you passionate about automotive performance and obsessed with the details that define a great driving experience? This role requires a highly skilled and perceptive Tire Tester to join our world-class product development team. In this pivotal role, you will be the crucial link between engineering theory and real-world performance, pushing vehicles and tires to their limits to ensure they meet the highest standards of safety, durability, and driver satisfaction. As a Tire Tester, you will not just be driving; you will be an instrumental evaluator, a data collector, and a key contributor to the innovation of future tire technology. This is a unique opportunity to apply your advanced driving skills and technical aptitude in a dynamic, hands-on environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Automotive Technician or Master Technician
Performance Driving School Graduate
Quality Control Inspector (Automotive/Manufacturing)
Motorsports Team Member (Mechanic, Car Chief)

Advancement To:

Senior Tire Tester / Lead Test Driver
Tire Development Engineer
Vehicle Dynamics Engineer
Test Project Manager

Lateral Moves:

Vehicle Evaluator
Quality Assurance Engineer
Field Service Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct a comprehensive suite of subjective and objective tire performance evaluations on various controlled test surfaces, proving grounds, and public roads.
Execute limit-handling and evasive maneuvers to critically assess tire grip, vehicle stability, and breakaway characteristics under diverse wet, dry, and winter conditions.
Operate and maintain sophisticated onboard data acquisition (DAQ) systems and GPS instrumentation to collect precise, objective measurements of tire behavior and vehicle dynamics.
Provide clear, concise, and technically rich subjective feedback on key performance indicators such as steering response, ride comfort, road noise, and overall handling balance.
Perform standardized industry tests for treadwear, rolling resistance, aquaplaning resistance, and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels.
Mount, dismount, and balance tires on a wide array of test vehicles, ensuring precise inflation pressures and adherence to all technical specifications.
Maintain meticulous and highly detailed logs of all test procedures, vehicle configurations, environmental conditions, and subjective impressions for data integrity.
Prepare and inspect test vehicles before and after each session, performing safety checks, fluid top-offs, and basic mechanical adjustments to ensure operational readiness.
Analyze collected test data using proprietary and industry-standard software to identify performance trends, anomalies, and correlations with subjective ratings.
Collaborate directly with tire design and development engineers to understand test objectives, provide actionable insights, and contribute to product improvements.
Execute extensive winter testing programs in harsh, cold-weather environments to evaluate critical snow and ice traction, braking, and handling performance.
Manage and maintain the test tire inventory, including receiving, sorting, labeling, storing, and tracking test samples throughout the entire evaluation lifecycle.
Adhere with unwavering diligence to all established safety protocols, track rules, and procedures for both on-track and on-road driving activities.
Document all vehicle modifications, tire changes, wheel alignments, and instrumentation setups with photographic and written records.
Participate in the continuous improvement and development of new, innovative testing methodologies and evaluation procedures.
Travel as required to various proving grounds, test facilities, and winter test sites, both domestically and internationally, to support global development programs.
Prepare comprehensive, professional test reports, data summaries, and presentations for internal engineering teams and external clients.
Conduct benchmark testing of key competitor tires to establish performance targets and identify opportunities for competitive advantage.
Support the instrumentation of test vehicles by installing sensors for measuring wheel speed, slip angle, acceleration, and other key dynamic parameters.
Ensure all test instrumentation and measurement equipment is properly calibrated, configured, and functioning correctly prior to initiating any testing.
Maintain a superior level of vehicle control and advanced driving skill across a broad spectrum of vehicles, from passenger cars to light trucks and performance vehicles.
Communicate any equipment malfunctions, vehicle issues, or safety concerns immediately and clearly to the test supervisor or lead engineer.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis from the engineering team.
Contribute to the organization's long-term testing strategy and capability roadmap.
Collaborate with business units to translate product marketing needs into tangible test requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the product development team.
Assist in the general maintenance and upkeep of test vehicles and facility equipment.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced Driving Skills: High-performance and car control driving techniques in varied conditions.
Data Acquisition (DAQ): Proficiency with vehicle data logging systems such as V-BOX, Racelogic, or Dewesoft.
Vehicle Instrumentation: Experience with the setup and installation of sensors (accelerometers, thermocouples, GPS).
Automotive Mechanics: Strong mechanical aptitude for vehicle maintenance, inspection, and tire service (mounting, balancing, alignment).
Data Analysis: Ability to interpret test data, recognize trends, and correlate objective data with subjective feelings.
Technical Documentation: Skill in writing clear, detailed test reports and maintaining accurate logs.
Tire Technology Knowledge: Understanding of tire construction, compounds, and performance characteristics.
MS Office Suite: Proficiency in Excel for data organization, Word for reporting, and PowerPoint for presentations.

Soft Skills

Meticulous Attention to Detail: An exceptional eye for detail in both observation and documentation.
Perceptive Communication: Ability to translate subjective feelings and vehicle behaviors into clear, objective, and actionable language for engineers.
Unwavering Safety Focus: A deep-rooted commitment to safety protocols and risk assessment.
Discipline & Consistency: The ability to perform repetitive test procedures with high precision and consistency.
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying issues during testing and contributing to solutions.
Adaptability: Flexibility to work in varying climates, on different vehicles, and with evolving test plans.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED, supplemented by significant technical experience.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in a relevant technical field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Automotive Technology
Mechanical Engineering / Engineering Technology
Motorsports Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-7 years of experience in a directly related field.

Preferred:

Demonstrable experience as a professional test driver, automotive evaluator, or master service technician.
A background in competitive motorsports (driving or technical support) is highly advantageous.
Must possess and maintain a clean, valid driver's license and an excellent driving record.