What are the responsibilities and job description for the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) Specialist position at NovaTech Automation?
Position Summary
The FAT Specialist is responsible for performing Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) on NovaTech’s packaged solution projects, such as Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) cabinets and retrofit solutions in the Factory Authorized Testing Lab. This role verifies that all projects meet functional, performance, and compliance requirements before delivery to customers. The FAT Specialist works closely with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to identify and resolve technical issues, document results, and ensure each project is configured, tested, and approved to NovaTech’s quality standards and customer specifications.
Key Responsibilities
Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
Work Environment
The FAT Specialist is responsible for performing Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) on NovaTech’s packaged solution projects, such as Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) cabinets and retrofit solutions in the Factory Authorized Testing Lab. This role verifies that all projects meet functional, performance, and compliance requirements before delivery to customers. The FAT Specialist works closely with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to identify and resolve technical issues, document results, and ensure each project is configured, tested, and approved to NovaTech’s quality standards and customer specifications.
- Develop, review, and execute FAT procedures for RTUs in accordance with engineering drawings, specifications, and applicable industry standards.
- Configure packaged solution equipment for testing, including hardware setup, firmware loading, and communications configuration.
- Perform functional, environmental, and communications protocol testing (e.g., DNP3, IEC 61850, Modbus) to ensure compliance with customer requirements.
- Document all FAT results, including pass/fail status, measurement data, and any non-conformance reports.
- Collaborate with design and manufacturing engineers to troubleshoot hardware, firmware, and wiring issues discovered during FAT.
- Maintain test equipment calibration and ensure test stations are ready for customer FAT demonstrations.
- Support customer-witnessed FAT sessions, providing clear explanations of test procedures and results.
- Ensure testing activities comply with NovaTech quality standards, safety guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
- Contribute to continuous improvement efforts for test processes, documentation, and lab efficiency.
- Maintain accurate and organized records for audit and traceability purposes.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical experience
- 2 years’ experience in product testing, quality engineering, or field service of industrial automation or utility control equipment.
- Experience with RTUs, SCADA systems, or similar automation/control systems preferred.
- Proficiency in reading electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts.
- Familiarity with communications protocols used in utility automation (DNP3, IEC 61850, Modbus, etc.) is a plus.
- Hands-on experience with test and measurement equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, power supplies, network analyzers).
- Basic networking knowledge (Ethernet, serial communications, IP addressing, VLANs).
- Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills for both hardware and firmware.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Detail-oriented with strong documentation skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
- Strong problem-solving mindset with an analytical approach.
- Clear and professional communication skills, especially in customer-facing situations.
- Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Primarily laboratory-based environment with occasional customer interaction.
- Requires use of PPE and adherence to safety protocols.
- May involve moving of equipment up to 50 lbs and standing for extended periods during testing.