Lab Test Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY :

The Lab / Test Engineer will define requirements, schedule equipment for various test programs, and perform inspections, analysis, and product rework.

The role involves conducting tests on products, components, and assemblies, performing calculations, recording data, analyzing results, and documenting findings.

The engineer will also lead special assignments related to product evaluations and qualifications as needed.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE :

Associate degree or technical training in math, technical writing, physics, electronics, or other engineering disciplines.

Five or more years of experience in a lab setting conducting tests and writing technical reports.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS :

• Experience with lab equipment, including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multi-meters.
• Proficiency in soldering through-hole and SMT components down to 0402 size.
• Experience with mechanical / electrical assembly for quick prototyping.
• Knowledge of environmental testing, electrical circuits, and mechanical designs of products and systems utilizing embedded firmware.
• Proficient in status reporting and communicating technical data / results, issues, impacts, and corrective actions using Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Skilled in working with schematics and bills of materials.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

• Act as a primary contributor to the residential environment and hazardous alarm (e.g., smoke, carbon monoxide, and explosive gas) lab program, including testing equipment and facility requirements, outdoor testing, and field test programs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to build, test, and debug consumer electronic product prototypes consisting of analog and digital circuit board assemblies within plastic injection molded enclosures.
• Support the electrical bring-up, debug, and validation of analog and digital designs.
• Assemble mechanical prototypes and perform tests to validate design functionality.
• Work with internal teams and external contract manufacturers to bring products to mass production.
• Lead and coordinate root cause analysis of customer returns and production failures.
• Set up and conduct various tests, including : Operational testing Environmental testing (temperature and humidity) Current draw testing and analysis Circuit analysis (analog and digital signals) using voltmeters and oscilloscopes Component level test and failure rate analysis Accelerated and long-term life testing Functional performance testing related to end-user experience Performance comparison with competitive products Testing to UL requirements per UL Safety Standards
• Perform routine equipment calibration and maintain calibration records.
• Interface with engineers to ensure data accuracy and sufficient testing.
• Write and issue reports on test results and summary findings.
• Maintain and organize work areas.

TRAVEL :

Travel to various test sites and manufacturing locations in the USA & Mexico, approximately 2 trips per year; less than 10%.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS :

Work is performed indoors in a normal office environment and electronics lab with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, fumes, or temperature changes.

PPE devices are available and to be used when necessary.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

• Perform visual product inspections.
• Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Operate all standard office equipment.
• Maintain mobility within the office.
• Carry up to 50 pounds.
• Use electrical and mechanical tools, instrumentation, and machinery.
• Frequent computer use at a workstation for up to two hours at a time.

Equal Opportunity Employer : All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor