Engineering Lab Technician

Ward Leonard.; Thomaston (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Ward Leonard is seeking an Engineering Lab Technician to maintain the Advanced Development Laboratory, build prototypes, and support manufacturing of electromechanical and electronic equipment.

The role involves reading schematics, assembling PC boards, troubleshooting analog and digital circuits, and using lab test equipment. Travel to customer sites is required to support Ward Leonard products and ensure safety and quality standards are met.

Qualifications

• Must have a Technical School Diploma or equivalent with mechanical aptitude
• Specialized military training may substitute for an engineering degree
• U.S. citizenship and ITAR access compliance are required

Responsibilities

• Maintain the Advanced Development Laboratory and manage supplies
• Build prototype products and production test equipment
• Assemble and repair PC boards (SMD and thru-hole)
• Troubleshoot analog and digital circuits
• Read and follow schematics, MIL and test procedures
• Assist Engineers with qualification testing at outside labs
• Provide training and technical support to manufacturing teams
• Travel to customer sites to support Ward Leonard products

Skills

Blueprint reading

Schematic interpretation

Troubleshooting circuits

Lab safety

Team collaboration

Documentation

Education

Technical School Diploma / ASEE BET or equivalent

Military training may substitute for engineering degree

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Voltmeters

PC-based test systems

Job description

The Engineering Lab Technician will be responsible for maintaining and supporting the Advanced Development Laboratory, assisting with the development of prototype products, and providing technical support to manufacturing processes. This individual will perform hands-on tasks related to building, fabricating, and testing electromechanical and electronic equipment while ensuring safety and quality standards are met.

In this function you will:

• Maintain the Advanced Development Laboratory, including ordering and organizing supplies, maintaining lab test equipment, and ensuring the facility is in proper working condition.
• Build prototype products and production test equipment.
• Perform tasks related to assembling and repairing PC boards, including surface mount and thru-hole technology.
• Troubleshoot analog and digital circuits.
• Understand and demonstrate competence in building electrical control panels and performing basic shop practices.
• Use lab test equipment, such as voltmeters, oscilloscopes, and PC-based test systems.
• Read, interpret, and follow schematics and MIL or commercial test procedures.
• Assist Development Engineers with qualification testing at outside test labs.
• Provide training and technical support to manufacturing teams.
• Travel to customer sites as required to support Ward Leonard products

Basic (Required) Qualifications:

• Technical School Diploma, ASEE / BET, or similar degree with mechanical aptitude and interest.
• Specialized military training may substitute for an engineering degree.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and comply with ITAR requirements for access rights.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with embedded controls, analog and digital circuits, and PC boards, including troubleshooting and replacing surface mount components.
• Familiarity with PLC programming, PROFIBUS, and CANbus communication.
• Knowledge of military specifications, shock vibration, and EMI is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with computer applications, including Word, Excel, MS Project, email, and internet.

Position Criteria:

• Ability to read and interpret work orders, schematics, technical procedures, and production documentation, including blueprints.
• Proficient in blueprint reading and comprehension.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.).
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Hands-on personality with strong safety awareness; must work safely with 440VAC, industrial drives, and controls.
• Must be able to work in a manufacturing floor or lab setting and adhere to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements.
• Physical ability to spend 75% of the time working away from a desk, including building and testing equipment.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 lbs.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods of time and perform repetitive motions, including lifting, bending, and squatting.
• Ability to communicate effectively with managers, engineering, and quality teams regarding production and issues.

Work Environment:

This position involves working in a laboratory environment (approximately 75% of the time) and performing desk-based tasks (approximately 25% of the time). Tasks include fabricating, building, and testing electromechanical and electronic equipment and products. Proper safety equipment, including eye protection, must be worn when in the Lab or on the shop floor.