Engineering Lab Technician

Fairbanks Morse Defense; Thomaston (CT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401k with employer match

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Ward Leonard LLC, a Fairbanks Morse Defense Company, seeks an Engineering Lab Technician in Thomaston, CT. You will maintain the Advanced Development Laboratory, build prototypes, assemble PC boards, and troubleshoot analog/digital circuits to support naval power solutions.

The role involves bench work and field support, with experience in lab equipment and schematics, plus travel to customer sites as needed. Strong safety focus and ITAR compliance are required.

Qualifications

• Technical School Diploma or equivalent with mechanical aptitude.
• Military training may substitute for an engineering degree.
• US citizenship and ITAR compliance required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and support the Advanced Development Laboratory.
• Build prototype products and test equipment.
• Assemble and repair PC boards (SMT and thru-hole).
• Troubleshoot analog and digital circuits.
• Build electrical control panels and perform basic shop tasks.
• Use lab test equipment (voltmeters, scopes, PC-based test systems).
• Read and follow schematics and MIL/standards test procedures.
• Assist Engineers with external lab qualification tests.
• Provide training and technical support to manufacturing teams.
• Travel to customer sites as required.

Skills

Embedded controls

Analog circuits

Digital circuits

PC boards

PLC programming

PROFIBUS

CANbus

EMI knowledge

MS Office

Education

Technical School Diploma, ASEE / BET

Job description

Ward Leonard LLC, 401 Watertown Rd, Thomaston, Connecticut, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 5:00 AM

Ward Leonard, a Fairbanks Morse Defense Company, is an industry-leading provider of electric motor, generator, control, and service solutions critical to Naval applications for more than 120 years. Located in Thomaston, Connecticut, Ward Leonard has worked hard to build a reputation as being a trusted name in powering the defense industry. This trust within the market is not possible without the continued hard work, commitment, and dedication of our team who respect the importance of what we do and the impact it has on the servicemen and women.

Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What’s your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense, it’s the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We’re one of the nation’s leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it’s like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here: https://www.fairbanksmorsedefense.com/careers

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.
• 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.

Fairbanks Morse Defense offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, and 401k retirement plan with employer match. In addition, we offer paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Ward Leonard LLC, 401 Watertown Rd, Thomaston, Connecticut, United States of America