What Does a Test Technician Do?
A test technician conducts tests and inspections to evaluate the quality and performance of products and equipment. They interpret quality standards, engineering diagrams, and product specifications, then execute tests accordingly. They also troubleshoot and repair malfunctions and defects. Success in the role requires strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively with various testing tools and equipment.
Test technicians work in various industries, including transportation, textiles, software, and manufacturing. They work closely with engineers, production staff, and other stakeholders to ensure that products meet these required standards and specifications. As such, they must effectively communicate the results of their tests to highlight issues or concerns that may impact the quality or performance of a product.
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Test Technician Average Salary
Test technician salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. To explore salary ranges by local market, please visit our sister site zengig.com.
The average U.S. salary for a Test Technicians is:
$56,740
Test Technician Duties and Responsibilities
- Inspect components before assembly
- Test trial products during development
- Test finished goods
- Record testing data and analyze results to determine whether products meet quality standards
- Maintain testing methods and equipment
- Assemble and calibrate testing equipment
- Analyze data and draw valid conclusions
- Use testing data to recommend improvements to the production process
- Ability to meet deadlines while overseeing multiple projects
Test Technician Skills and Experience
- Analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities
- Basic engineering and scientific knowledge
- Strong attention to detail
- Familiarity with mathematical concepts such as geometry, trigonometry, ratios, fractions, and proportions
- Ability to define problems verbally and in writing
- Desire and ability to learn
- Organized and detail-oriented
- Excellent written and verbal skills to communicate with a demonstrated ability to produce technical reports
- Proficiency with data handling in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
- Ability to work in a cross-functional group environment
Test Technician Sample Job Descriptions
The perfect test technician job description may be the key to making an exceptional new hire. To help you with your recruiting search, our team has put together some examples from past openings.
Example 1: Junior Test Technican
The Test Technician position performs a variety of routine and non-routine testing assignments within the department and ensures timely and accurate test results under direct supervision. The technician positions must be proficient in several core business skills, including but not limited to compliance with established safety rules, code of conduct, and company policies and procedures.
Responsibilities
- Prepares material specimens for testing
- Performs tests as directed by customer specifications
- At times operates under the supervision of a more senior test technician and/or a Department Manager
- Interacts periodically with customers
- Schedules internal calibration of equipment
- Gathers and records test data
- Constructs and maintains various test fixtures and other laboratory equipment to ensure proper working order with little supervision
Qualifications
- Working knowledge of laboratory safety
- HS diploma or GED certificate preferred. College or vocational school coursework welcomed
- Minimum of 2 years experience in a testing-related field
- Analyzes and compiles testing data from the tests performed
- Basic understanding of testing concepts
- Possess computer skills
- Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry a plus
Example 2: Mid-level Test Technician
Under direct supervision, performs commissioning activities on a variety of systems in order to validate proper installation.
Responsibilities
- Confirms system(s) operating conditions per the project requirements and basis of design
- Understands, maintains, tracks, and operates test equipment with due responsibility
- Record accurate, complete, and legible data onto appropriate media
- Recognize when field reports or observation logs are needed
- Write, deliver, and follow up with accurately written reports and/or observation logs
- Work with the commissioning manager to schedule required equipment calibrations
- Assist the commissioning engineer in establishing project-specific commissioning plans, procedures, and schedules
- Coordinate and perform assigned work by prioritizing tasks and responsibilities sensitive to project schedules, budget, and management expectations
- Communicate observations, questions, and concerns through proper channels promptly
- Document installation verification, functional performance, and observation log in standard format
- Review as-built documentation for accuracy and completeness
- Other duties as assigned
Required knowledge, education, and abilities
- Good understanding of mechanical, electrical, and control systems required
- Strong knowledge of interpreting construction documents (drawings, specifications, etc.) required
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Mechanical Engineering degree preferred
- Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite – Word, Excel, and Outlook required; working knowledge of SharePoint preferred
Example 3: Structural Test Technician
As a member of the Structural Test team, gather data for structural analysis, design, and validation purposes by instrumenting vehicles with test equipment using current procedures. Lead test activities on development/concept vehicles using various equipment. Travel and mechanical work required.
Responsibilities
- Leads test planning and executes data collection trips to remote location
- Understanding of the installation and usage of instrumentation for Load, Acceleration, Displacement, and Strain
- Operation of prototype vehicles and data collection test equipment
- Basic understanding of test data processing
- Maintain and organize equipment to ensure efficient reliable operation
- Complete and submit technical test reports upon completion of test activities
- Maintains and communicates an up to date schedule of testing and down time
- Seek out and attend job related training opportunities
- Motivated self-starter, willing to work overtime as needed
- Responsible for the quality and integrity of field test and lab test data
- Maintains a well-organized clean work area and meet OSHA requirements
- Ability to present self professionally and successfully work with vendors
- Maintain strict confidentiality
Skills and knowledge
- 2-year technology degree preferred
- 5+ years related technical experience preferred
- Test data collection, processing, and analysis using Somat, eDAQ, and nCode Glyphworks
- Excellent hands-on experience with trouble shooting electrical systems
- Experience performing vehicle and system-level testing
- Experienced with test planning and coordination
- Quality and customer-focused
- Self-motivated with attention to detail
- Proficient with Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Basic understanding of metal fatigue is preferred
Working conditions
- Dynamic, fast-paced environment with travel up to 50%
- Time split between office and shop/test labs
- Flexible work arrangement available
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds
Candidate Certifications to Look For
- NETA Certified Technician. Becoming a NETA Certified Technician can be extremely beneficial for technicians in general as well as test technicians in order to prove competency and quality of work and skills. NETA provides examinations, testing, and certifications relevant to the technician fields. NETA is a nationally recognized certification agency, so this certification can be beneficial to any technician.
- Acceptance Test Technician Certification Providers (ATTCP). The Acceptance Test Technician Certification Providers aim to provide quality assurance as well as training, certifications, oversight, and testing for test technicians. This certificate is available in restricted districts but can be extremely beneficial for a test technician to have, especially depending on the location where the technician operates and the field in which they work.
How to Hire a Test Technician
Consider the following when hiring a test technician:
- Recruiting: Do you have the internal resources and tools to source and recruit for this role successfully?
- Complexity: Do you need a senior professional, or will mid, or even junior-level skills suffice?
- Duration: Is this a one-time project, or an indefinite need?
- Management: Can you effectively direct the work effort?
- Urgency: Are there any deadlines associated with this need?
- Headcount: Do you have the budget and approval for an internal employee, or should you consider alternate options?
Answering these questions will help determine the best course of action for your current hiring need. Fortunately, various great options exist for every scenario, no matter how unique. We recommend the following options when hiring a test technician:
1. Use 4 Corner Resources (or another professional recruiting firm)
The heavy lifting is done for you when working with a top-tier staffing company like 4 Corner Resources. We source, screen, recruit, and deliver only the most qualified candidate(s), saving you significant time and effort throughout the hiring process while you remain focused on your core business. Understanding your needs and ensuring the right candidate for the position is the key to our success.
This is the best route to take when:
- You need to fill the position quickly
- You want access to a vast talent pool of high-quality, prescreened candidates
- Your position is suited for temporary hiring services, contract staffing, or contract-to-hire recruiting, and you intend to direct the work activity.
- You are hiring an employee as a direct placement but aren’t able to recruit effectively or efficiently with your internal staff.
- You aren’t familiar with current salary rates, market trends, and available skill sets
2. Advertise your opening on a top job board
Your best option may be to advertise your opening on a proven job board. There are many widely used job sites out there that draw visits from qualified candidates. If you have someone internally who can dedicate the time and energy to sort through applications and screen individuals effectively, this can be a great choice.
We recommend using a job board when:
- Your internal recruiting team has the knowledge and experience to assess candidate qualifications
- You are hiring a direct employee and have time to manage the entire recruiting effort
- You have a process for receiving, screening, and tracking all resumes and applications
- You are prepared to respond to all applicants
We recommend CareerBuilder for test technician openings:
CareerBuilder
CareerBuilder has been a trusted source for hiring since 1995. Reach 80+ million unique, diverse U.S. job seekers annually by posting your jobs through their talent acquisition channels. Through CareerBuilder, you can engage candidates and drive them into your sourcing pipeline. We recommend using CareerBuilder for hiring when you have the internal resources and processes to review, screen, and reply to all applicants.
3. Leverage your internal resources
You can utilize your own website, social media, and employees to assist in your search for top candidates.
A company website posting should be the first step in notifying prospective candidates that you are hiring. Social media can also be a powerful tool for spreading the word about your new opening. As far as exposure is concerned, this option can be as good as some job boards when you have a large enough following across various platforms, like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.
Current employees are every organization’s greatest asset. Encourage your internal team to promote job openings to their network by offering cash and other incentives.
We recommend these options when:
- Your brand has great name recognition
- You can consistently monitor and respond to candidate activity through your website and social media accounts
- You have a process in place to quickly and broadly communicate job openings and requirements
- You have an effective employee referral program in place
If you aren’t sure which path is best, schedule a discovery call today with our seasoned recruiting professionals. The 4 Corner team is on standby to help you find the best option for your unique hiring need.
Test Technician Interview Questions
- Describe your professional history as a test technician.
- What formal training and education do you have?
- Please list the relevant degrees and certificates that you have.
- If this instrument is having issues running properly, how would you go about troubleshooting it? How would you present the required fix for this product?
- When a product doesn’t meet specifications, what do you do?
- What is your process for conducting a test and documenting the results?
- What methods do you use to prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines?
- When have you collaborated with a team to resolve a quality issue?
- What methods do you use to ensure that your testing equipment is always in good working order?
- When testing, how do you prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you?
- In a fast-paced environment, how do you maintain your attention to detail?
- When have you needed to adapt to a new testing procedure or process?