What are the responsibilities and job description for the Test Engineering Tech position at MC Test Service Inc?
Company Overview: At SMTC Corporation, we are guided by a clear purpose: "We believe we enhance people's lives and our world every day." Our vision is to be an inspiring organization that earns the trust and admiration of our customers. As a leading EMS provider, we strive for the highest industry returns, driven by our passionate and dedicated employees.
Benefits Highlights:
• Competitive salary package with 401K and company match
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement for professional development
• Comprehensive Medical HRA Plan
• Short-term/Long-term Disability Insurance, and more.
Summary:
The Test Engineering Technician III serves as an advanced technical resource responsible for supporting production test systems, troubleshooting complex electronic assemblies, and optimizing test processes within a high-reliability electronics manufacturing environment. This role independently diagnoses product, process, and equipment-related issues while supporting production performance, test effectiveness, and quality objectives.
The Test Engineering Technician III partners closely with Test Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations teams to support product launches, process improvements, failure analysis, and manufacturing readiness activities. This position serves as a subject matter expert for assigned products, test systems, fixtures, and troubleshooting methodologies while providing technical guidance to lower-level technicians.
Essential Functions:
- Perform advanced functional, in-circuit, environmental, diagnostic, and automated testing of electronic assemblies, subassemblies, and finished products.
- Independently diagnose and troubleshoot complex product, process, fixture, test equipment, and system failures to support production and engineering objectives.
- Conduct root cause investigations and document findings, corrective actions, and recommendations to improve product quality and test performance.
- Determine and execute appropriate repair, rework, and disposition activities in accordance with engineering, quality, and customer requirements.
- Support the development, validation, optimization, maintenance, and implementation of test fixtures, test processes, test programs, and automated test equipment.
- Collaborate with Test Engineers to support New Product Introduction (NPI), process validation, manufacturing readiness, and production implementation activities.
- Analyze test yields, failure trends, and process performance metrics to identify opportunities for quality, reliability, and operational improvements.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on test effectiveness, first-pass yield, product quality, equipment performance, and manufacturing efficiency.
- Serve as a technical resource for production personnel regarding product functionality, testing methodologies, troubleshooting activities, and equipment operation.
- Train and provide technical guidance to Test Technicians, Test Operators, and manufacturing personnel regarding testing procedures, troubleshooting techniques, and best practices.
- Operate, maintain, and support automated test equipment (ATE), environmental chambers, vibration systems, and related test technologies to ensure operational readiness.
- Maintain accurate documentation of test results, troubleshooting activities, engineering data, corrective actions, and other required records in accordance with company procedures.
Leadership Responsibilities:
- Serve as a technical subject matter expert for assigned products, test systems, and manufacturing processes.
- Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and knowledge sharing to lower-level technicians.
- Support cross-functional problem-solving and continuous improvement activities.
- Promote adherence to quality standards, engineering requirements, and testing procedures.
Competencies:
- Advanced electronics troubleshooting
- Root cause analysis
- Failure analysis and diagnostics
- Test system operation and optimization
- Technical problem-solving
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Continuous improvement mindset
- Technical mentoring and coaching
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Communication and collaboration
- Process improvement
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Qualifications:
- Education: Associate degree in Electronics Technology, Electrical Technology, or related technical discipline preferred
- Certifications:
- Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) Certification preferred
- IPC-A-610 Certification preferred
- IPC-7711/7721 Certification preferred
- Experience:
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience supporting electronics testing, troubleshooting, manufacturing, repair, or technical operations in an electronics manufacturing environment.
- Advanced experience operating, troubleshooting, and supporting Automated Test Equipment (ATE), environmental chambers, vibration systems, and related test technologies.
- Strong understanding of electronic theory, circuit analysis, and troubleshooting methodologies including Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL), and Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL).
- Experience interpreting schematics, assembly drawings, wiring diagrams, and engineering documentation.
- Experience performing root cause analysis and corrective action activities related to product and process failures.
- Experience supporting process improvement, manufacturing optimization, and yield improvement initiatives preferred.
- Soldering and electronic assembly experience preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and walking throughout manufacturing environments.
- Frequent operation of test equipment, computers, and technical systems.
- Ability to inspect electronic assemblies, components, and test results.
- Frequent movement throughout production areas to support testing activities.
- Ability to occasionally lift and/or move materials, tools, or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to communicate effectively with employees and cross-functional teams.
Mental Requirements:
- Ability to maintain concentration while performing repetitive testing and inspection activities.
- Ability to follow detailed written procedures and instructions.
- Ability to identify basic product defects and test failures.
- Ability to learn technical concepts, testing methodologies, and manufacturing processes.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Ability to work independently with guidance and supervision.
- Ability to adapt to changing production schedules and business demands.
Work Environment:
- Work is performed within an electronics manufacturing environment and may involve exposure to moderate noise levels, fluctuating temperatures, and proximity to production equipment, soldering operations, and automated machinery. Duties may require standing, walking, bending, or repetitive motions for extended periods, as well as lifting or moving materials as job responsibilities dictate. Employees may enter clean or controlled areas and are required to follow all environmental, safety, ESD, and equipment-handling procedures. This includes the use of SMTC-provided ESD-safe items such as foot straps, wrist straps, and smocks when working in designated areas. Employees must be able to remain attentive and compliant with all operational, safety, and quality requirements while working on or near the production floor.
Travel: 0-10% of the time based on business needs.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
SMTC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or other protected status.
If you require assistance completing this application due to a disability, please contact Human Resources to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.