Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Verification Testing Technician

🎯 Role Definition

The Verification Testing Technician is a hands-on test professional responsible for executing verification and validation test plans across hardware, firmware, and system levels. This role operates and maintains test stations and automated test equipment (ATE), creates and refines test procedures, captures and analyzes test data, documents test results, and supports engineering during design verification cycles, environmental qualification, and production transfer. A successful candidate combines technical troubleshooting skills with disciplined documentation practices, strong safety awareness, and familiarity with test automation tools (e.g., LabVIEW, Python, TestStand) and instrumentation (oscilloscopes, DMMs, power supplies, environmental chambers).

SEO/LLM keywords included: verification testing technician, verification testing, validation, ATE, LabVIEW, TestStand, oscilloscope, functional test, environmental test, failure analysis, root cause analysis.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Electronics Assembler / Manufacturing Technician
Test Technician / Production Test Operator
Field Service Technician or Lab Assistant

Advancement To:

Verification/Test Engineer
Senior Test Technician / Lead Technician
Validation Engineer or Quality Engineer
Test Automation Engineer

Lateral Moves:

Calibration Technician
Process Engineer / Process Technician
Reliability Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Execute detailed design verification test plans and structured test procedures for electronic and electromechanical assemblies, ensuring each test step is completed, recorded, and traceable to design requirements.
Operate, configure, and maintain automated test equipment (ATE) and custom test fixtures, including hardware setup, software interfaces, DUT connections, and scheduled preventive maintenance.
Develop and update step-by-step test procedures, work instructions, and checklists that support reproducible verification testing and ease of handoff between shifts and teams.
Perform functional testing of PCBs, modules, and complete systems using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, digital multimeters, logic analyzers, power supplies, and network analyzers to validate performance against engineering specifications.
Run environmental qualification and stress tests (temperature cycling, thermal soak, humidity, vibration, shock) in environmental chambers and mechanical vibration systems, and record all test parameters and results.
Execute firmware and embedded software test cases in coordination with firmware engineers, including firmware load, firmware validation, regression checks, and verification of interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C, Ethernet).
Operate test automation software such as LabVIEW, TestStand, Python-based frameworks, or custom scripts to automate repetitive tests, accelerate test cycles, and reduce manual variability.
Capture, clean, and analyze test data using spreadsheets, SQL databases, or data analysis tools to identify trends, non-conformances, and opportunities for test coverage improvements.
Document and issue non-conformance reports (NCRs) and test failure reports with clear reproduction steps, logs, measured data, and suggested troubleshooting leads for engineering review.
Lead or contribute to root cause analysis and failure analysis activities by reproducing failures, performing component substitution, capturing waveforms, and coordinating lab teardown and microscopy when necessary.
Maintain accurate test logs, calibration records, and instrument certificates to meet internal quality requirements and external audit expectations (ISO, IPC, or industry-specific standards).
Calibrate and verify test instruments and measurement devices, coordinate scheduled calibration with third-party vendors, and maintain traceability to national standards where applicable.
Build, modify, and maintain mechanical jigs, cable harnesses, DUT fixtures, and connector adapters to ensure reliable test connections and repeatability across test runs.
Participate in design reviews and verification planning sessions to advise on testability, fixture needs, expected test coverage, and scheduling implications for verification campaigns.
Support first-off and production qualification runs by validating transfer of test procedures from lab to production, identifying yield-impacting issues, and suggesting corrective process changes.
Perform workmanship, visual, and basic mechanical inspections on assemblies and subassemblies as part of verification and pre-qualification activities.
Triage and prioritize failures from verification and pre-production test runs, escalate critical issues to engineering and program managers, and facilitate rapid containment actions when required.
Train and mentor junior technicians and new team members on test procedures, equipment safety, and best practices in data capture and documentation.
Enforce lab safety, ESD controls, and cleanroom protocols where applicable; ensure test setups meet electrical safety and regulatory handling requirements.
Collaborate cross-functionally with design, manufacturing, quality, and program management to meet project milestones, drive continuous improvement of test coverage, and close verification action items.
Support regulatory and compliance testing efforts (EMC/EMI pre-scans, safety checks) by preparing units for external labs, executing pre-test verification, and validating fixes suggested by compliance engineers.
Maintain and improve the verification test station inventory list, spare parts, and consumables; forecast and requisition replacement parts to minimize downtime.
Create concise, actionable test summary reports for engineering and program management that include pass/fail rates, measured performance vs. spec, anomalous behaviors, and recommended next steps.
Validate firmware/software fixes and hardware modifications through repeatable regression test cycles and provide formal verification sign-off documentation when criteria are met.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to reduce test time, increase automation, and improve diagnostic detail for quicker fault isolation in subsequent design iterations.

Secondary Functions

Assist engineering teams with ad-hoc test setups for prototype evaluation, proof-of-concept builds, and special investigations beyond scripted verification campaigns.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of test frameworks, test data pipelines, and documentation templates to streamline verification activities across projects.
Support supplier and incoming inspection by performing sample verification tests on critical components or assemblies to validate supplier submissions against specifications.
Help maintain the lab asset management system by tagging, tracking, and reporting on equipment condition and availability to project stakeholders.
Participate in cross-training and skill-sharing sessions to broaden team capability in areas such as scripting, instrumentation, and environmental testing methodologies.
Support production ramp activities by shadowing production test engineers and providing lab support during critical launch periods.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient with automated test equipment (ATE) operation, maintenance, and basic programming and integration.
Hands-on experience with test and measurement equipment: oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, digital multimeters, power supplies, signal generators, and logic analyzers.
Familiarity with test automation tools and languages (LabVIEW, TestStand, Python, C/C++, or other scripting languages).
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, BOMs, assembly drawings, and interface specifications.
Experience with environmental and mechanical test equipment: thermal chambers, vibration tables, and shock test setups.
Knowledge of basic PCB assembly practices and the ability to perform rework, connector seating, and basic soldering/unsoldering when required.
Data acquisition and analysis skills using Excel, SQL, MATLAB, or Python for trend analysis, SPC, and test reporting.
Understanding of product verification lifecycle, DFMEA/DFR concepts, and traceability between requirements and verification activities.
Experience with version control and test management systems (Git, JIRA, TestRail, or equivalent).
Basic familiarity with EMC/EMI pre-compliance testing and common mitigation techniques.
Competence in documenting test procedures, failure reports, and verification summaries consistent with quality system requirements (ISO 9001, AS9100 where applicable).
Instrument calibration awareness and the ability to create or follow calibration schedules and record keeping.
Experience with connector pinouts, cable harnesses, and mechanical fixturing for reliable DUT interfacing.
Knowledge of safety procedures for high-voltage/ high-current testing and electrical isolation practices.

Soft Skills

Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting mindset with attention to reproducibility and evidence-based conclusions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for clear documentation of test results and cross-functional collaboration.
Detail-oriented with disciplined approach to data integrity, test traceability, and version control of procedures.
Ability to work independently in a lab environment and adapt quickly to shifting priorities during verification cycles.
Team player who collaborates with engineers, quality, manufacturing, and supply chain to meet program milestones.
Good time-management and organizational skills to run multiple test campaigns and meet aggressive schedules.
Proactive attitude toward continuous improvement, automation, and reducing cycle time.
Comfortable teaching and mentoring others, transferring procedural knowledge, and documenting lessons learned.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma/GED plus technical certification or associate degree in Electronics Technology, Engineering Technology, or related field.

Preferred Education:

Associate or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related technical discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Electronics Engineering Technology
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering / Engineering Technology
Physics or Applied Physics
Mechatronics or Test Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–5 years of hands-on verification, validation, or test technician experience in electronics, manufacturing, or R&D labs.

Preferred:

3+ years performing verification testing on electronic products or systems with demonstrated experience in ATE, test automation (LabVIEW/Python/TestStand), environmental testing, and failure analysis.
Experience within regulated industries (medical devices, aerospace, automotive) or complex electronics manufacturing is a plus.
Certifications such as IPC soldering, ASQ technician/quality certifications, or equipment-specific training are beneficial.