Test Technician LEAD 4/10hr days (M-Thur)
2 days ago
Pekin
Job Description The Engineering Test Technician Lead is responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing product testing activities for military- and defense-grade cable assemblies, flex circuits, interconnect systems, wired enclosures, custom connectors, conduit assemblies, diagnostic test sets, and related electromechanical products. This role ensures all test operations meet applicable specifications, quality standards, and reliability expectations while supporting continuous improvement across the test function. The Lead will perform hands-on testing, develop test documentation (including ATPs), guide test technicians, and serve as the primary technical interface between Engineering, Quality, and Production for all testing-related matters. RESPONSIBILITIES Test Execution & Oversight • Lead and perform electrical, mechanical, environmental, and functional testing., • Oversee daily testing activities, ensuring accuracy, repeatability, and compliance with internal and customer requirements, • Train, mentor, and support test technicians; provide direction and ensure adherence to testing standards and safety protocols., • Coordinate test schedules and resource allocation to meet production and development timelines., • Operate and maintain test equipment such as hipot testers, TDR, oscilloscopes, and environmental chambers. Test Development & Documentation • Create, revise, and validate ATPs (Assembly Test Procedures), test instructions, and related documentation., • Develop new test methods or adapt existing methods to meet program, customer, or regulatory requirements., • Prepare detailed technical reports summarizing test setups, results, anomalies, failures, and conclusions., • Maintain documentation per configuration control and document management requirements (e.g., revision control, traceability)., • Interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, and wire lists to support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis. Analysis & Problem Solving • Interpret electronic schematics, wiring diagrams, blueprints, and wire lists to troubleshoot failures., • Collaborate with Engineering to analyze root causes and support corrective actions., • Recommend test improvements, fixture changes, or process enhancements based on data-driven evaluation. Equipment & Test Infrastructure • Operate, maintain, and calibrate a wide range of test equipment including (but not limited to):, • Multimeters, hipot testers, time domain reflectometers (TDR), • Network analyzers, oscilloscopes, functional testers, • Environmental chambers (thermal cycling, humidity, vibration, shock), • Support the development of new test fixtures, setups, and tooling. Reliability & Qualification Testing • Plan, execute, and document qualification and reliability test programs including ATP, ESS, environmental, stress, and endurance testing., • Ensure testing complies with military, aerospace, or customer-specific standards (MIL-STD, IPC/WHMA-A-620, etc.). Cross-Functional Collaboration • Work closely with Engineering, Quality Assurance, Production, and Program Management to ensure test readiness and successful product launch., • Provide technical expertise during design reviews (DFM/DFT perspective)., • Participate in MRB, FRB, and other technical review boards as required. Qualifications and Skills • 5–10 years’ experience in electrical/electromechanical testing, preferably in military, aerospace, or defense manufacturing., • Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and wiring documentation., • Proven experience and ability writing ATPs, test instructions, or similar technical documentation., • Hands-on experience with environmental and reliability testing methods., • Proficiency with electronic test equipment (oscilloscopes, hipot testers, continuity testers, TDR, network analyzers, etc.)., • Prepare and present clear, detailed technical reports., • Strong troubleshooting skills—capable of identifying root causes of wiring, assembly, and electrical issues., • Experience leading or mentoring technicians in a test or engineering environment., • Familiarity with configuration management, document control, and revision standards., • Excellent communication, organization, and time-management skills., • Strong troubleshooting, communication, and organizational skills. Leadership and Team Coordination • Prior leadership, coordination, or mentoring experience preferred., • Experience coaching, training, and evaluating technicians., • Ability to coordinate daily work priorities and communicate status to engineering leadership. Compliance & Documentation Discipline • Experience navigating QMS systems (AS9100, ISO 9001)., • Understanding of traceability and record retention requirements. Safety & Risk Awareness • Knowledge of electrical safety, ESD requirements, and safe operation of environmental test equipment. Data Analysis • Capability to interpret trends, identify performance degradation, and recommend reliability improvements. Work Environment: This position operates in both office and manufacturing environments. The Test Technician Lead regularly moves between inspection areas and administrative offices to oversee testing operations and provide training. The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners, as well as inspection tools in the production area. Work may occasionally involve interaction with customers or government representatives during customer visits or source inspections. The noise level in the work environment is generally moderate but may vary depending on production activity. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn when required. Physical Demands:This position operates in both office and manufacturing environments. The Test Technician Lead regularly moves between inspection areas and administrative offices to oversee testing operations and provide training. The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners, as well as inspection tools in the production area. Work may occasionally involve interaction with customers or government representatives during customer visits or source inspections. The noise level in the work environment is generally moderate but may vary depending on production activity. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn when required. BENEFITS • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401K Plan, Life AD&D Insurance, • $25,000 Company Paid Term Life Insurance & Short-Term Disability