A method and apparatus serve to mount a calibrated encoder assembly to an electric motor so that a sensor output signal waveform produced by the calibrated encoder assembly is aligned with a back electromotive force (BEMF) waveform of the electric motor. The calibrated encoder assembly is fixed to an alignment plate, which is attached to the electric motor. The electric motor is rotated using a servo driven functional tester and the BEMF waveform of the electric motor is measured. The sensor output signal waveform is measured, and the alignment plate is adjusted relative to the electric motor to align the sensor output signal waveform to the BEMF waveform. The alignment plate is secured to the electric motor in the adjusted orientation.