Engineering Test Technician

Position Summary:

The Engineering Test Technician performs hands-on setup, instrumentation, operation, monitoring, troubleshooting, and documentation of product development and validation tests for automotive components and subsystems. Working from test requests, specifications, work instructions, drawings, and direction from Test Engineers, the technician helps convert technical requirements into safe, reliable, and repeatable laboratory testing.

This role requires strong mechanical and electrical aptitude, disciplined work practices, accurate data collection, and the ability to manage several active test assignments. Experience with refrigeration, HVAC, compressors, heat pumps, refrigerant circuits, or automotive thermal management systems is strongly preferred, while candidates with substantial hands-on experience in other product testing disciplines will also be considered.

Key Responsibilities:

Test Setup, Instrumentation, and Execution

• Review assigned test requests, work instructions, specifications, drawings, and safety requirements before beginning work; obtain clarification when requirements are incomplete or conflicting.
• Assemble, install, and verify test articles, fixtures, plumbing, wiring, sensors, controls, guards, and other equipment required for testing.
• Install and troubleshoot instrumentation such as thermocouples, pressure transducers, flow meters, accelerometers, current and voltage sensors, speed sensors, and other measurement devices.
• Configure and operate data acquisition, control, environmental, durability, performance, and support equipment in accordance with approved procedures.
• Conduct and monitor tests, record observations, verify operating limits, respond to alarms or abnormal conditions, and stop testing when safety, equipment, sample integrity, or data validity may be compromised.
• Support testing of automotive components and subsystems, including refrigeration and thermal management products when assigned.
• Maintain accurate shift notes, test logs, sample identification, photographs, data files, and other required records.

Fixture Fabrication, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting

• Fabricate, assemble, modify, and repair test fixtures, brackets, tubing, hoses, wiring, and support equipment from drawings, sketches, or engineering direction.
• Assist engineers with fixture development, instrumentation selection, equipment modifications, and setup validation.
• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, controls, plumbing, and equipment problems using appropriate tools and systematic troubleshooting methods.
• Perform preventive maintenance, routine verification, housekeeping, and minor repairs to improve equipment availability and reliability.
• Identify recurring test or equipment issues and document corrective actions and improvement opportunities in applicable tracking systems.
• Maintain tools, materials, critical consumables, spare parts, and work areas in an orderly and serviceable condition.

Data, Documentation, Safety, and Quality

• Collect, organize, review, and transfer test data; identify missing, inconsistent, or abnormal information for engineering review.
• Assist with basic calculations, plots, data summaries, report preparation, and technical documentation as assigned.
• Use applicable laboratory information systems to document equipment, personnel, timing, test conditions, scope changes, costs, and results.
• Verify equipment identification and calibration status before use and follow required handling, verification, and traceability practices.
• Perform work in accordance with laboratory procedures and applicable ISO/IEC 17025 and IATF 16949 requirements.
• Participate in audits, proficiency testing, corrective actions, and continuous improvement activities as assigned.
• Comply with corporate safety requirements, complete hazard assessments, use required protective measures, and maintain a clean and safe work environment.
• Immediately communicate conditions that could affect safety, quality, schedule, equipment, samples, or test validity.

Team and Customer Support

• Work collaboratively with engineers, other technicians, maintenance personnel, quality personnel, suppliers, and customers.
• Provide clear status updates and effective turnover information for tests that continue across shifts or personnel changes.
• Support development of new laboratory capabilities, equipment commissioning, and test-method improvements.
• Share technical knowledge and assist with training less-experienced personnel when qualified and assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Mechanical Technology, Electrical or Electronics Technology, Automotive Technology, HVAC/R, Mechatronics, or a related technical field; or an equivalent combination of technical education and directly relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience in an engineering test laboratory, validation laboratory, automotive service or development environment, industrial maintenance setting, prototype shop, or similar technical environment. Experience must include equipment setup and troubleshooting, not solely production assembly or visual inspection.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and practical working knowledge of electrical circuits, instrumentation, fluid systems, or controls.
• Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, electrical test equipment, and mechanical measurement tools.
• Ability to read and follow engineering drawings, schematics, specifications, test procedures, and work instructions.
• Ability to document work accurately and communicate technical observations clearly in writing and verbally.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and computer-based data or equipment interfaces.
• Ability to organize multiple assignments and work independently within defined procedures and engineering direction.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct hands-on experience with refrigeration, automotive HVAC, compressors, heat pumps, refrigerant circuits, heat exchangers, coolant loops, vacuum systems, or thermal management test equipment.
• HVAC/R education, EPA Section 608 certification, or directly relevant refrigerant-handling experience.
• Experience with automotive component or subsystem development, validation, durability, performance, environmental, vibration, pressure, or leak testing.
• Experience installing, verifying, and troubleshooting temperature, pressure, flow, acceleration, electrical, speed, or strain instrumentation.
• Experience with LabVIEW, PLC interfaces, data acquisition software, automated controls, or test sequencing.
• Experience with tube and hose fabrication, brazing, soldering, welding, machining, electrical panel work, or test-fixture construction.
• Knowledge of calibration practices, measurement traceability, ISO/IEC 17025, IATF 16949, or comparable quality systems.
• Automotive, HVAC/R, electrical, instrumentation, machining, welding, or related technical certifications.