Test Technician (Electronics & Product Validation)

🎯 Role Definition

As a Test Technician, you are the hands-on gatekeeper of quality for our products. You will be at the heart of our engineering and manufacturing process, responsible for executing complex test plans, diagnosing elusive failures, and providing the critical data that drives product improvement. This role is perfect for a technically curious individual who thrives on solving puzzles and wants to make a tangible impact on the reliability and performance of cutting-edge hardware. You'll work directly with engineers to bring new technologies from prototype to production, ensuring every item that leaves our facility meets the highest standards of excellence.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Associate Technician or Junior Technician
Electronics Assembler with troubleshooting experience
Recent graduate from a technical school or with an Associate's Degree in a relevant field

Advancement To:

Senior Test Technician or Lead Technician
Test Engineer
Quality Engineer or Field Service Engineer

Lateral Moves:

Quality Assurance Inspector
Manufacturing Engineering Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Execute comprehensive functional, performance, and environmental tests on electronic assemblies and systems according to detailed test procedures and engineering specifications.
Set up, configure, and operate a wide range of standard and custom test equipment, including oscilloscopes, multimeters, spectrum analyzers, power supplies, and environmental chambers.
Troubleshoot complex electronic and mechanical assemblies down to the component level to identify the root cause of failures, utilizing schematics, block diagrams, and advanced diagnostic tools.
Diligently record and meticulously document all test results, failure data, and system performance metrics in test reports and quality management systems (QMS).
Collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and quality engineers to provide detailed feedback on product performance, testability, and potential design improvements.
Assemble, modify, and maintain intricate test fixtures, harnesses, and custom testing apparatus required for product validation and production testing.
Perform routine calibration, maintenance, and verification of test station equipment to ensure measurement accuracy and compliance with industry standards.
Interpret complex engineering drawings, schematics, and technical specifications to execute test plans accurately and efficiently.
Isolate, replicate, and document software and hardware bugs discovered during testing, entering detailed defect reports into tracking systems like JIRA, Azure DevOps, or similar.
Conduct first article inspections (FAI) on new product introductions (NPI) to validate manufacturing processes and product compliance against design specifications.
Solder and rework printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) with high precision, including both fine-pitch surface-mount (SMT) and through-hole components.
Analyze test data to identify trends, anomalies, and potential systemic issues, presenting findings to the engineering team for review and corrective action.
Execute environmental and reliability tests, including thermal cycling, vibration, shock, and humidity testing, to validate product robustness and long-term performance.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory analysis to assist engineers in deep-dive failure investigations.
Contribute to the organization's culture of quality by championing best practices and process improvements on the production floor.
Develop and refine test procedures and work instructions to improve efficiency, accuracy, and test coverage under the guidance of test engineers.
Provide hands-on technical support and training to junior technicians and production personnel on testing protocols and equipment operation.
Manage the inventory of test lab equipment, components, and consumables, ensuring all necessary materials are available for planned testing activities.
Program and configure firmware on devices under test (DUT) using proprietary and standard programming tools before initiating test sequences.
Support the continuous improvement of the test lab environment by implementing 5S principles and championing safety protocols.
Uphold all electrostatic discharge (ESD) safety procedures and protocols within the lab to protect sensitive electronic components.
Participate in Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) sessions to proactively identify potential product and process risks.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Test Equipment Proficiency: Deep hands-on experience with standard electronic test equipment, including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters (DMMs), spectrum analyzers, function generators, and programmable power supplies.
Schematic Interpretation: The ability to read, understand, and interpret complex electronic schematics, component datasheets, and mechanical drawings.
Component-Level Troubleshooting: Proven ability to diagnose and trace faults in analog and digital circuits down to the individual component level.
Soldering & Rework: High-precision soldering and desoldering skills for SMT (0402, QFN) and through-hole components, including use of hot-air rework stations.
Technical Documentation: Strong skills in creating clear and concise test reports, documenting failure analysis, and maintaining accurate records.
Test Automation Familiarity: Experience working with automated test environments and a basic understanding of scripting languages like Python or test software like LabVIEW or TestStand is a plus.
Environmental Testing: Knowledge of operating and monitoring environmental test chambers for thermal, humidity, and vibration testing.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: A meticulous and methodical approach to executing test plans and documenting results without error.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to logically approach and solve complex technical challenges.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with engineers, managers, and production staff.
Independence & Teamwork: The ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision while also functioning as a collaborative and supportive team member.
Time Management: Superb organizational skills to manage multiple testing priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to shifting project needs in a dynamic environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Associate's Degree (A.S.) in a technical field or equivalent military training/technical certification.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's Degree (B.S.) in a relevant engineering technology field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Electronics Engineering Technology
Electrical Engineering Technology
Mechatronics or Mechanical Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of hands-on experience in a test technician role.

Preferred: Experience in a fast-paced R&D or manufacturing environment (e.g., consumer electronics, aerospace, medical devices, automotive) is highly desirable.