Engineering Lab Technician

Bradford White Corporation•Middleville, MI

About The Position

The Engineering Lab Technician follows established procedures and general testing protocols to complete component and product life, performance, and compliance testing in support of the Engineering team and its projects. Under general direction, the role performs a variety of routine and non-routine operations in a laboratory testing environment. The technician conducts testing and qualitative analyses, evaluates the physical characteristics of raw materials and products, and records, reviews, calculates, and reports results. The role also operates and maintains laboratory equipment, supports the development of testing procedures, prepares chemical solutions when required, and performs regulatory compliance testing. The position may involve identifying, fabricating, installing, testing, and validating laboratory apparatus; coordinating use of production equipment and model shop resources; preparing cost and material estimates; and building advanced prototypes from Engineering drawings. Moderate physical labor is required, including prototype builds, appliance modifications and preparation for testing, and movement of equipment and products throughout the facility. Minimal night or weekend work may be needed to support production pilot runs.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
0–5 years of experience in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
Basic mechanical, electrical, or technical understanding with hands-on application.
Microsoft Office experience.
Problem-solving ability, independently and collaboratively.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Detail-oriented data entry and data review experience.
Ability to independently read, comprehend, and follow written test procedures and qualify results.
Ability to perform moderate physical labor, including prototype builds, appliance modifications, preparing appliances for testing, and moving equipment and products throughout the facility.
Advanced knowledge of laboratory instruments used to prepare for and perform tests.
Adaptability and creativity in a constantly evolving research laboratory environment.
Aptitude in engineering and analytical studies.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Applied Sciences or a related technical degree.

Responsibilities

Conduct testing of raw materials, in-process products, and finished products, and report results and conclusions.
Set up and operate special equipment and apparatus according to manufacturer instructions, with limited supervision.
Record and review data and results, perform advanced calculations, and prepare technical reports with conclusions and recommendations.
Perform technical tasks independently and conduct qualitative analyses to verify process conditions and compile research data.
Assist in developing testing procedures and guidelines for routine and non-routine laboratory work.
Work with the lab supervisor to review component and product testing requirements.
Help identify additional test equipment needs and determine whether equipment should be fabricated in-house or purchased.
Perform difficult maintenance and safety checks on laboratory equipment.
Prepare detailed estimates of material and labor quantities and costs.
Mix chemical solutions for tests when required.
Conduct regulatory compliance testing on demand and according to schedule.
Evaluate physical characteristics of raw materials and products, such as strength, permeability, and disintegration.
Determine requirements for new laboratory apparatus and fabricate, install, test, and validate it as required; coordinate the use of production equipment and model shop resources.
Build advanced prototypes by reviewing Engineering drawings, obtaining required materials from stock, and completing assembly.
Perform prototype builds, appliance modifications, prepare appliances for testing, and move equipment and products throughout the facility.
Provide minimal night or weekend support for production pilot runs as needed.