R&D Hardware Test Technician

Planet Pharma; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma seeks an R&D Hardware Test Technician to support development, testing, and improvement of pharmacy automation devices. You will verify, fabricate prototypes, and maintain test systems in an R&D setting.

Responsibilities include configuring tests, assisting with PQPs, collecting data, and documenting results; plus maintenance of test labs and safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Two-year technical degree in engineering or related field; bachelor’s preferred.
• Five years of related industry, equipment, or reliability lab experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to use mechanical tools.

Responsibilities

• Configure machines and subsystems to meet testing requirements.
• Assist engineers in creating PQPs and perform product tests.
• Document test results in formal test reports.

Skills

Teamwork

Read drawings

Debugging

Soldering (cables/ PCB)

CAD (basic)

LabVIEW (plus)

Excel (advanced)

Statistical tools (MiniTab)

System deployment

5S workplace

Attention to detail

Education

Two-year technical degree in engineering/electronics/physics/mechanical tech

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

LabVIEW

MiniTab

CAD tools

CAD software

Soldering tools

Job description

The R&D Hardware Test Technician supports the development, testing, and improvement of pharmacy automation devices and their subsystems. This role focuses on hands‑on verification and validation activities, prototype fabrication, test system maintenance, and general engineering support within an R&D environment.

Verification Testing

• Configure machines and subsystems to match testing requirements.
• Assist engineers in creating Product Qualification Plans (PQPs).
• Perform product and subsystem testing as defined in PQPs.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret test data to support engineering decisions.
• Run software installation managers to support reliable deployment to factory and field environments.
• Document test results in clear, complete formal test reports.

Engineering Support

• Fabricate prototypes and test systems.
• Build printed circuit board assemblies and wiring harnesses as needed.
• Perform failure analysis on parts, assemblies, and systems.
• Support engineers with troubleshooting and debugging electro‑mechanical systems.
• Use machine tools to fabricate prototype parts and assemblies under engineering direction.

Test System Maintenance

• Maintain test system inventory to ensure hardware and software configurations match those used in the service fleet.
• Share reasonability for keeping test labs safe, organized, and ready for use.

Experience & Education Requirements

• Two‑year technical degree in engineering, electronics, physics, mechanical technology, or related scientific discipline (bachelor’s degree preferred). Equivalent experience is considered.
• Five years of related industry, equipment, or reliability lab experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to use mechanical tools effectively.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and technical documentation.Ability to debug, troubleshoot, and repair electro‑mechanical assemblies.
• Ability to solder cables and PCB assemblies (preferred).
• Knowledge of computer configuration and system deployment.
• Advanced Excel skills (a plus).
• Experience with MiniTab or other statistical tools (a plus).
• Familiarity with LabVIEW (a plus).
• Ability to use CAD tools for simple modeling or updates (a plus).
• Ability to work within and support a 5S workplace environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to use a pallet jack safely.

Physical Requirements

• Requires frequent sitting, standing, and bending.
• Requires occasional stooping and kneeling.
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds unaided.

Pay Range: 30-37/hr *based on experience