Lab Operations Technician

Reliance One, Inc.; Gardena (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Toyota R&D in Gardena, CA seeks a skilled R&D Lab Operations Technician to support facility operations, equipment maintenance, and testing infrastructure. The role targets experienced power plant/generator technicians with strong HV and LV electrical backgrounds.

You will troubleshoot test facilities, assist with commissioning, manage parts and documentation, and travel to satellite locations as needed.

Qualifications

• 4+ years as power plant or generator technician.
• Hands-on experience with high- and low-voltage electrical systems.
• Able to read technical manuals, wiring diagrams, and instrumentation documentation.
• Experience in preventive maintenance and testing of facility systems.
• Proficient in Windows, Word, and Excel; strong communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and travel up to 30%.

Responsibilities

• Perform repair, maintenance, inspection, testing, and troubleshooting of facility systems and test equipment.
• Support maintenance and operation of hydrogen station and fuel cell bench systems.
• Troubleshoot high- and low-voltage systems and high-pressure components.
• Inspect HVAC, generators, transfer switches, and electrical equipment.
• Assist in commissioning and installation of new equipment, including generators.
• Maintain documentation and generate periodic technical reports.
• Manage parts inventory and liaise with visiting teams and vendors.
• Travel to satellite locations to support operations.

Skills

Power plant experience

Generator technician

High-voltage systems

Low-voltage systems

Troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance

Technical documentation reading

Windows & Office (Word/Excel)

Job description

Position Overview

Toyota R&D is seeking a skilled and safety-focused R&D Lab Operations Technician to support facility operations, equipment maintenance, and testing infrastructure at its Gardena, California location. This role is ideal for an experienced power plant technician, generator technician, industrial electrician, or facilities maintenance professional with a strong background in high-voltage and low-voltage electrical systems.

The technician will help maintain and troubleshoot specialized test facilities, including hydrogen station and fuel cell bench equipment, while supporting facility improvements, equipment commissioning, and day-to-day laboratory operations. The ideal candidate is hands-on, adaptable, organized, and comfortable working independently in a fast-paced, evolving technical environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform repair, maintenance, inspection, testing, and troubleshooting of facility systems and test equipment
• Support maintenance and operation of specialized test facilities, including hydrogen station and fuel cell bench systems
• Troubleshoot and maintain high-voltage, low-voltage, and high-pressure systems
• Inspect and maintain HVAC systems, generators, automatic transfer switches, and associated electrical equipment
• Support the commissioning and installation of new equipment, including generators
• Perform routine maintenance on facility systems, test equipment, and peripheral equipment
• Support facility improvements and provide technical assistance to visiting team members and vendors
• Manage parts and consumables ordering, inventory tracking, and general logistical support
• Participate in developing and reviewing Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) before beginning work
• Read and interpret technical manuals, electrical wiring diagrams, and instrumentation documentation
• Prepare daily, weekly, and periodic technical and operational reports as needed
• Travel to satellite locations to support facility operations and technical activities
• Adapt to changing priorities and learn new technologies and technical skills as the facility evolves

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of experience as a power plant technician, generator technician, or in a related transferable industry
• Hands-on experience with both high-voltage and low-voltage electrical systems
• Working knowledge of commercial or industrial electrical systems
• Experience inspecting, testing, diagnosing, and repairing facility systems and equipment
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, wiring diagrams, and instrumentation documentation
• Strong troubleshooting and preventive maintenance skills
• Proficiency with Windows, email, Microsoft Word, and Excel
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision
• Ability to adapt to a changing work environment and travel to support satellite locations
• Valid driving record with no accidents or traffic violations within the past 3 years
• Willingness to work approximately 1 hour of overtime per day and travel approximately 30%

Preferred Qualifications

• High-voltage certification covering 1,000V AC/DC
• Experience commissioning generators or other industrial electrical equipment
• Experience with HVAC systems and automatic transfer switches
• Familiarity with high-pressure systems and specialized testing facilities
• Fabrication experience, including machine shop work and MIG/TIG welding
• Experience supporting laboratory, power generation, industrial maintenance, or advanced technology environments