Lead Test Engineering Technician – Electromechanical Systems

CAEtech Inc.; Grand Rapids, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CAEtech Inc. seeks an experienced Lead Test Engineering Technician in Grand Rapids, MI, to support development and qualification testing of electromechanical actuation products.

This full-time contract role initially lasts six months with potential extension and conversion to direct hire. The role is hands-on in the engineering lab, building and troubleshooting test systems, wiring boards and actuators, and leading technicians while coordinating external contractors.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma; associate degree preferred.
• 5–9 years of engineering laboratory or product‑development experience.
• Onsite Grand Rapids, Michigan; ITAR‑controlled site.
• Hands‑on engineering lab work with electromechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, modify, troubleshoot and support advanced test systems for development, qualification and production testing.
• Wire, solder, assemble, instrument circuit boards, actuators and related hardware.
• Develop test setups and perform mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and environmental testing per plans and standards (DO‑160, MIL‑STD‑810).
• Use lab instruments (oscilloscopes, DMMs, generators, DAQ, transducers) to collect data and verify performance.
• Troubleshoot equipment, identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Provide leadership, training and direction to technicians; coordinate external contractors as needed.
• Maintain accurate test records and documentation; ensure safe operations in the lab.

Skills

Electrical aptitude

Mechanical aptitude

Hydraulic aptitude

Soldering

Test plan execution

Schematics reading

Troubleshooting

MS Office

Communication

Documentation

Multi-tasking

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in engineering

Tools

Oscilloscope

Digital multimeter

Function generator

Power supply

Data acquisition system

Pressure transducer

Job description

CAEtech is seeking an experienced Lead Test Engineering Technician to support development and qualification testing of electromechanical actuation products in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This is a full-time contract position with benefits, initially expected to run six months, with potential for extension and possible conversion to direct hire based on business needs.

This is a hands-on engineering laboratory role with a strong emphasis on electrical and electromechanical product development. The technician will build and troubleshoot test systems, assemble and instrument electronic and electromechanical hardware, execute development and qualification testing, and provide technical leadership to other technicians and support personnel.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, modify, troubleshoot, repair and support advanced test systems used for development, qualification, environmental and production testing of electromechanical actuation products.
• Create, wire, solder, assemble, instrument and troubleshoot circuit boards, actuators, motor controllers, test panels and related hardware.
• Develop test setups and execute mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and environmental testing in accordance with approved test plans, procedures, specifications and applicable standards, including DO-160 and MIL-STD-810.
• Utilize laboratory instrumentation and measurement equipment including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, function generators, power supplies, data‑acquisition systems, pressure transducers, flow meters, load cells, torque transducers and encoders.
• Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical equipment and identify root causes of test or equipment issues.
• Maintain and continuously improve engineering laboratory equipment, tooling, infrastructure and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) programs.
• Provide technical leadership, training and direction to technicians and support personnel to promote safe operations, effective troubleshooting and successful test execution.
• Manage and coordinate external contractors supporting laboratory, facility, equipment and infrastructure projects.
• Maintain accurate test records, reports, documentation and laboratory data.
• Support a safe, reliable and efficient engineering laboratory environment.

Skills Required

• Strong electrical, mechanical and hydraulic aptitude demonstrated through hands‑on work experience.
• Hands‑on soldering capability.
• Experience executing engineering test plans and procedures.
• Familiarity with laboratory test equipment and measurement devices.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, hydraulic schematics, wiring diagrams and technical specifications.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to identify issues, analyze root causes and implement effective corrective actions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain documentation and test records while coordinating multiple activities.

Skills Preferred

• Electronics repair and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience with printed board wiring assembly troubleshooting.
• Experience with instrumentation and measurement systems.

Education Required

• High school diploma.

Education Preferred

• Associate degree in an engineering‑related field.

Experience Required

• 5–9 years of relevant experience in an engineering laboratory or product‑development/testing environment.
• Electrical and electromechanical product‑development experience.

Experience Preferred

• New product‑development laboratory experience.

Work Environment

This is an onsite position in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a typical Monday–Friday schedule of 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.

The position is located at an ITAR‑controlled site and involves hands‑on work with electronic, electrical, mechanical and hydraulic laboratory equipment and test systems.

About CAEtech

CAEtech connects talent, technology and innovation to help organizations and professionals move programs, technologies and opportunities forward. Founded in 1989, CAEtech has decades of experience connecting specialized engineering, technology and professional talent with leading organizations and technology‑driven programs. Our experience spans mobility and automotive, advanced manufacturing, software and digital technologies, and other emerging technology markets.