Job Title: R&D Lab Operations Technician
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Experience Required: Minimum 4 years
Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced R&D Lab Operations Technician to support research and development laboratory operations, facility maintenance, and specialized test equipment at Toyota R&D in Gardena, California. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with high-voltage and low-voltage electrical systems, generator maintenance, industrial equipment troubleshooting, and facility operations.
The candidate must be comfortable working independently in a fast-paced technical environment, supporting laboratory improvements, maintaining test facilities, and ensuring that all work is performed safely and efficiently.
Key Responsibilities
- Support activities within the evaluation building, including assisting visiting team members, providing technical support for site improvements, and coordinating logistics for visiting vendors.
- Perform repair, maintenance, inspection, testing, troubleshooting, and diagnosis of test facilities, including the Hydrogen Station and Fuel Cell Bench.
- Maintain and troubleshoot high-voltage, low-voltage, and high-pressure systems.
- Manage the ordering of parts and consumables, including inventory tracking and replenishment.
- Perform routine preventive maintenance on facility systems, test equipment, and associated peripheral equipment.
- Participate in the development and review of Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) before commencing work.
- Read and interpret technical manuals, electrical wiring diagrams, and instrumentation documentation.
- Support commissioning and installation of new equipment, including generators and related electrical systems.
- Prepare daily, weekly, and periodic technical and general reports as required.
- Adapt to evolving technologies, learn new skills, and support changing laboratory and operational requirements.
- Provide technical support for laboratory and facility operations as needed.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 4 years of experience as a Power Plant Technician, Generator Technician, Electrical Technician, or in a related transferable industry.
- Hands-on experience with both high-voltage and low-voltage electrical systems.
- Strong working knowledge of commercial and industrial electrical systems.
- Experience inspecting, testing, diagnosing, troubleshooting, and repairing facility systems and equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, wiring diagrams, and instrumentation documentation.
- Experience with equipment commissioning, preferably generators or similar industrial equipment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Windows, email, Microsoft Word, and Excel.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision.
- Flexibility to work in a continuously changing technical environment.
- A good driving record, with no accidents or traffic violations within the last 3 years.
Preferred Qualifications
- High-voltage certification covering 1000V AC/DC.
- Experience with HVAC systems and automatic transfer switches.
- Experience maintaining generators, power plant equipment, and industrial facility systems.
- Familiarity with hydrogen stations, fuel cell systems, and high-pressure equipment.
- Fabrication experience, including machine shop operations and MIG/TIG welding.
Work Environment and Safety Requirements
- This position is onsite at Toyota R&D in Gardena, California.
- Candidates must follow applicable laboratory, electrical, and equipment safety procedures.
- Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) must be supported before work begins.
- Safety equipment may include ANSI Z87.1-compliant prescription safety glasses and electrical hazard (EH) and/or static-dissipative (SD) safety shoes, as appropriate for the job function. Required PPE will be provided by the staffing agency when necessary.