Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Electronics Lab Technician

💰 $50,000 - $75,000

EngineeringTechnologyManufacturingSkilled TradesResearch and Development

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a hands-on innovator with a passion for bringing electronic designs to life? This role requires a meticulous and highly skilled Electronics Lab Technician to become a cornerstone of our engineering team. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for the assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and validation of next-generation electronic systems and prototypes. You will work side-by-side with design engineers, transforming concepts and schematics into functional hardware. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a dynamic R&D environment, enjoys solving complex technical challenges, and takes pride in the quality and precision of their work. You will be instrumental in accelerating our product development lifecycle and ensuring the reliability of our products.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Associate's Degree in Electronics Technology or a related field
  • Military technical training (e.g., Avionics, Electronics)
  • Junior Technician or Production Assembler roles

Advancement To:

  • Senior Electronics Lab Technician or Lead Technician
  • Test Engineer or Validation Engineer
  • Field Service Engineer or Application Engineer
  • Engineering Lab Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Assurance (QA) Technician
  • R&D Technician in a specialized field (e.g., RF, Power Electronics)
  • Manufacturing Process Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assemble, modify, and rework complex printed circuit board assemblies (PCBs), including fine-pitch surface-mount (SMT) and through-hole components, often working under a microscope.
  • Execute comprehensive test plans and validation procedures on prototypes and first-run products to verify functionality and performance against design specifications.
  • Set up, configure, and operate a wide array of electronic test and measurement equipment, such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, logic analyzers, multimeters, and power supplies.
  • Meticulously document test results, anomalies, and system behavior, generating clear and concise reports for the engineering team.
  • Diagnose, troubleshoot, and perform root cause failure analysis on electronic circuits and systems down to the component level.
  • Collaborate directly with hardware and firmware engineers to provide critical feedback on new designs, offering insights into design for manufacturability (DFM) and testability (DFT).
  • Build and maintain custom test fixtures, jigs, and wiring harnesses to support development, validation, and production testing efforts.
  • Perform detailed component-level soldering and desoldering for prototyping, modification, and repair of intricate electronic assemblies.
  • Manage the procurement, organization, and inventory of electronic components, consumables, and lab supplies to ensure project timelines are met.
  • Read, interpret, and work from complex engineering documentation, including schematics, bills of materials (BOMs), assembly drawings, and netlists.
  • Conduct environmental and reliability testing, including thermal cycling, vibration, and shock tests, and document the performance of units under test.
  • Support the bring-up and debugging of new hardware platforms, working closely with engineers to identify and resolve issues in real-time.
  • Ensure all work is performed in compliance with industry standards (e.g., IPC-A-610) and internal quality control procedures.
  • Maintain the engineering lab space, ensuring it is a safe, clean, and organized environment conducive to efficient development.
  • Flash firmware, run diagnostic scripts, and perform initial software-based testing on embedded systems.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and perform exploratory testing to investigate unexpected system behaviors or customer-reported issues.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of lab processes, test methodologies, and documentation practices.
  • Assist in the calibration and maintenance schedule for all laboratory test equipment, coordinating with external vendors when necessary.
  • Participate in design reviews and sprint planning meetings to understand upcoming projects and provide a practical, hands-on perspective.
  • Train junior technicians or interns on lab procedures, equipment operation, and safety protocols.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced Soldering & Rework: Proficiency in SMT and through-hole soldering techniques (IPC-A-610 or J-STD-001 certification is a major plus).
  • Test Equipment Operation: Hands-on expertise with oscilloscopes, digital multimeters (DMMs), logic analyzers, power supplies, and function generators.
  • Schematic & Layout Comprehension: Ability to read and interpret complex electronic schematics and PCB layout files (experience with Altium, Cadence, or Eagle is a plus).
  • Component-Level Troubleshooting: Strong diagnostic skills to identify and resolve hardware issues at the component level.
  • PCB Assembly: Experience building complete PCB assemblies from a bill of materials (BOM) and assembly drawings.
  • Wiring & Cabling: Skill in building custom wire harnesses, crimping contacts, and assembling connectors.
  • Test Automation: Basic knowledge of scripting languages (like Python) or test software (like LabVIEW) for automating tests is highly desirable.
  • Computer Proficiency: Comfortable with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word) for data collection and reporting.
  • Failure Analysis: Experience with failure analysis techniques and documenting findings in a structured manner.
  • Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to use hand tools and light power tools for building test fixtures and enclosures.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: A sharp eye for precision and quality, especially when working with small components and detailed instructions.
  • Systematic Problem-Solving: A logical and methodical approach to diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues.
  • Strong Communication: Ability to clearly and concisely communicate technical findings, both verbally and in writing, to engineers and team members.
  • Independent & Proactive: Capable of managing tasks and priorities with minimal supervision and taking initiative to solve problems.
  • Team Collaboration: A positive and collaborative attitude, willing to work closely with cross-functional teams.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to work in a fast-paced R&D environment where priorities and designs can change quickly.
  • Time Management: Excellent organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate of Science (AS) degree in Electronics Engineering Technology or a related technical field, or equivalent military/vocational training.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor of Science (BS) in Electronics Engineering Technology (EET) or Electrical Engineering (EE).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Electronics Engineering Technology
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechatronics
  • Computer Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-7 years of direct, hands-on experience in an electronics lab, R&D, or manufacturing test environment.

Preferred:

  • Experience in a fast-paced product development or prototyping environment.
  • Prior experience working with RF, analog, or high-power electronics.
  • Familiarity with an ISO-9001 or other regulated quality management system.
Explore More Careers