Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Electric Tester

🎯 Role Definition

As an Electric Tester, you are the backbone of our product integrity and safety commitment. You won't just be running tests; you'll be an investigative expert, meticulously examining electrical systems, components, and finished products to guarantee they meet and exceed all performance and safety specifications. This role requires a unique blend of technical expertise, analytical thinking, and an unwavering commitment to quality. You'll work hands-on with sophisticated diagnostic equipment, interpret complex engineering schematics, and collaborate closely with our engineering and production teams to identify and resolve issues. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who thrives in a technical environment and understands that their work directly impacts customer satisfaction and company reputation.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Electrical Apprentice
Electronics Assembler
Maintenance Technician

Advancement To:

Senior Electrical Test Technician
Quality Control Supervisor
Field Service Engineer
Test Engineering Lead

Lateral Moves:

Instrumentation Technician
Electronics Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform comprehensive functional, operational, and safety tests on a wide range of electrical systems, sub-assemblies, and components according to detailed test procedures and engineering specifications.
Utilize a variety of standard and specialized electronic test equipment, including digital multimeters (DMMs), oscilloscopes, Hipot testers, power supplies, and function generators to verify product performance.
Interpret complex electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, blueprints, and technical manuals to understand product assembly and testing requirements.
Accurately document all test procedures, results, and deviations in detailed test reports, quality logs, and manufacturing execution systems (MES).
Diagnose, troubleshoot, and identify the root cause of failures in electrical circuits and systems down to the component level, proposing effective corrective actions.
Set up and configure intricate test stations and fixtures, ensuring all equipment is properly calibrated and functioning correctly before initiating tests.
Conduct high-voltage (Hipot) and ground bond testing to ensure products meet critical safety compliance standards such as UL, CE, and CSA.
Collaborate directly with design engineers and manufacturing personnel to communicate test findings, provide feedback for product improvements, and assist in resolving quality issues.
Perform final inspections and quality checks on finished products to ensure they are free from defects and meet all cosmetic and functional standards before shipment.
Execute environmental and stress tests, such as thermal cycling, vibration, and humidity testing, to validate product reliability and durability under various conditions.
Maintain and calibrate electronic test equipment according to established schedules and procedures to ensure measurement accuracy and consistency.
Adhere strictly to all safety protocols and procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and proper handling of high-voltage equipment, to maintain a safe working environment.
Assemble and disassemble complex electrical and electromechanical products as required for testing, troubleshooting, and repair.
Read, understand, and execute automated test scripts using Automated Test Equipment (ATE) and log the resulting data for analysis.
Participate in root cause analysis (RCA) investigations for product failures, contributing technical insights to prevent recurrence.
Assist in the development and validation of new test procedures and test fixtures for new product introductions (NPI).
Identify and suggest opportunities for process improvements within the testing department to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and safety.
Train and mentor junior technicians on standard test procedures, equipment operation, and safety best practices.
Manage and maintain an organized inventory of testing supplies, tools, and components required for daily operations.
Ensure all work performed is in strict compliance with the company's Quality Management System (QMS) and relevant industry standards like ISO 9001.
Perform continuity checks, resistance measurements, and insulation resistance tests on wiring harnesses and cable assemblies.
Validate firmware and software functionality as it pertains to the electrical operation of the device under test.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis of test results.
Contribute to the organization's quality and testing strategy and roadmap.
Collaborate with business units to translate product needs into robust testing requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the product development team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Electronic Test Equipment: Proficiency in operating multimeters, oscilloscopes, power analyzers, Hipot testers, and LCR meters.
Schematic & Blueprint Reading: Advanced ability to read, interpret, and analyze complex electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering drawings.
AC/DC Circuit Theory: Strong foundational knowledge of analog and digital electronics, including AC/DC circuits, power, and signal principles.
Troubleshooting & Diagnostics: Systematic and logical approach to diagnosing failures in electrical and electronic systems down to the component level.
High-Voltage Testing: Experience and knowledge of high-voltage safety practices and performing dielectric strength (Hipot) and ground continuity tests.
Soldering & Rework: Skilled in through-hole and surface-mount (SMT) soldering and de-soldering techniques for rework and repair.
Safety Standards Compliance: Familiarity with electrical safety standards such as NFPA 70E, OSHA regulations, and UL/IEC/CSA requirements.
Technical Documentation: Ability to create clear and concise test reports, record data accurately, and document failure analysis findings.
Automated Test Equipment (ATE): Experience with running and sometimes debugging automated test sequences on ATE platforms.
Computer Proficiency: Competency in using Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word) for data entry and reporting, and familiarity with MES or ERP systems.

Soft Skills

Meticulous Attention to Detail: Crucial for identifying subtle defects and ensuring test accuracy.
Analytical Problem-Solving: Ability to logically diagnose complex issues and determine root causes.
Strong Communication Skills: Clearly conveying technical information to engineers, managers, and production staff.
Time Management & Organization: Efficiently managing multiple testing tasks and prioritizing workload.
Safety-Conscious Mindset: Unwavering commitment to following safety protocols in all situations.
Adaptability: Flexibility to work on different products and adapt to changing priorities and procedures.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve quality goals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED, coupled with a certificate in electronics or electrical technology from a vocational school.

Preferred Education:

Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) or a related technical field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Electrical Technology
Electronics Engineering Technology
Industrial Automation

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of hands-on experience in an electrical testing, quality control, or electronics technician role.

Preferred: Direct experience in a regulated manufacturing environment (e.g., medical devices, aerospace, automotive) is highly advantageous.