PCB Solderer engineer

Lead Test Engineering Technician

Grand Rapids, MI | 100% Onsite
Pay Rate: Up to $37.42/hr (Hiring Manager open to $42/hr for the right candidate)
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Interview Process: One Round (Virtual or Onsite)

About the Opportunity

Our client is seeking an experienced Lead Test Engineering Technician to support the build, setup, execution, troubleshooting, and validation of development and qualification testing for complex electromechanical actuation products. This position plays a critical role in supporting new product development efforts by designing and maintaining test systems, executing qualification testing, and providing technical leadership within the engineering laboratory environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on technician with strong electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic troubleshooting experience who enjoys building test equipment, solving technical challenges, and supporting advanced engineering projects.

Professional Summary

The Lead Test Engineering Technician will support the testing and validation of electromechanical systems including motors, motor controllers, actuators, circuit boards, gears, ball screws, clutches, brakes, bearings, housings, and related assemblies. This individual will work closely with engineering teams to develop test setups, execute qualification and environmental testing, troubleshoot failures, maintain laboratory infrastructure, and provide leadership to other technicians.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, modify, troubleshoot, repair, and support advanced test systems used for development, qualification, environmental, and production testing.
• Assemble, wire, solder, instrument, and troubleshoot circuit boards, actuators, motor controllers, test panels, and related hardware.
• Develop and execute mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and environmental test setups in accordance with approved test plans and specifications.
• Perform testing to industry and military standards including DO-160 and MIL-STD-810.
• Operate and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation including:
  • Oscilloscopes
  • Digital Multimeters (DMMs)
  • Function Generators
  • Power Supplies
  • Data Acquisition Systems (DAQ)
  • Pressure Transducers
  • Flow Meters
  • Load Cells
  • Torque Transducers
  • Encoders
• Support product validation, qualification, and engineering investigations.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, tooling, fixtures, and infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) programs.
• Provide technical leadership, training, and guidance to technicians and support personnel.
• Coordinate contractors supporting laboratory, equipment, facility, and infrastructure projects.
• Maintain accurate testing documentation, reports, records, and laboratory data.
• Troubleshoot failures, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with all safety standards and company policies.

Required Qualifications

• Associate Degree in an Engineering-related field preferred, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 5-9 years of relevant experience in a test engineering, validation, laboratory, or electromechanical environment.
• Strong electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic aptitude.
• Hands-on experience with soldering, wiring, and electronics assembly.
• Experience executing engineering test plans and procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret:
  • Engineering Drawings
  • Electrical Schematics
  • Hydraulic Schematics
  • Wiring Diagrams
  • Technical Specifications
• Experience using laboratory test and measurement equipment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams).

Preferred Qualifications

• Electronics repair and troubleshooting experience.
• Aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or electromechanical testing background.
• Experience supporting qualification and environmental testing programs.
• Previous leadership or mentoring experience within a technical team environment.

Key Skills

• Electromechanical Testing
• Electrical Troubleshooting
• Mechanical Troubleshooting
• Hydraulic Systems
• Electronics Repair
• Soldering
• PCB Assembly
• Test System Development
• Data Acquisition Systems
• Root Cause Analysis
• Validation & Qualification Testing
• Engineering Laboratory Operations
• Technical Documentation
• Technical Leadership
• Continuous Improvement
• TPM Programs

Soft Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organization and documentation abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated and detail-oriented.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical mindset.
• Results-driven with a focus on quality and customer support.

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information and hardware regulated under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Candidates must be a U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder), Political Asylee, or Refugee.