R&D Lab Technician

ABB

Fort Smith (AR)

On-site

USD 55,000 - 75,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k Savings Plan with Company Contrib

Paid holidays

Employee discount program

Job summary

ABB’s NEMA Motors Division in the US seeks a Lab Supervisor/Technician to conduct motor performance tests, troubleshoot test systems, and document results for product development and certification.

This onsite role requires familiarity with high‑power motors up to 500 HP, lab safety certifications, and experience with ISO 17025 quality systems.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree OR Associate’s Degree with Minimum 2 years relatable experience.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical drawings.
Experience using electronic test equipment, including oscilloscopes, multimeters, dynamometers, thermocouples, power meters, and transducers.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and computer systems, including Windows, Outlook, Teams, Excel, and Word.
Preferred Experience: Knowledge of single‑phase and three‑phase AC motors; familiarity with DC and servo motors. Knowledge of ISO 17025 quality systems and applicable motor standards, including IEEE, CSA, and UL.

Responsibilities

Conduct and document electric motor performance testing, including efficiency, sound, vibration, thermal, brake, saturation, and drive‑related testing; analyze results and communicate findings to engineering and laboratory leadership.
Troubleshoot motors, drives, and test systems, supporting product development, validation activities, and testing of high‑power equipment up to 500 HP.
Maintain laboratory certifications, accreditations, and test equipment, including CSA, UL, NVLAP, and applicable laboratory standards; assist with the development, verification, and continuous improvement of test procedures and equipment.
Ensure compliance with safety and operational requirements by maintaining required equipment operator certifications (forklift, crane/hoist, industrial truck, and scissor lift), completing safety training, and adhering to all laboratory safety and quality procedures.

Skills

Electrical schematics

Test equipment experience

Safety & compliance

Documentation skills

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Associate’s Degree + 2 years experience

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Multimeters

Dynamometers

Thermocouples

Power meters

Transducers

Job description

At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.

Reporting

Lab Supervisor

Work model

Onsite

Your role and responsibilities

The R&D Lab Technician performs testing, troubleshooting, and evaluation of electric motors and related equipment to support product development, certification, and quality initiatives. This role conducts and documents a variety of motor performance tests, analyzes results, maintains laboratory certifications and equipment, and ensures compliance with safety and industry standards. The position works with AC, DC, servo, and drive‑controlled motors, including large industrial motors up to 500 HP, while supporting continuous improvement efforts within the laboratory.

Our Team Dynamics

Our teams support each other, collaborate, and never stop learning. Everyone brings something unique, and together we push ideas forward to solve real problems. Being part of our team means your work matters – because the progress we make here creates real impact out there.

Key Accountabilities

Conduct and document electric motor performance testing, including efficiency, sound, vibration, thermal, brake, saturation, and drive‑related testing; analyze results and communicate findings to engineering and laboratory leadership.
Troubleshoot motors, drives, and test systems, supporting product development, validation activities, and testing of high‑power equipment up to 500 HP.
Maintain laboratory certifications, accreditations, and test equipment, including CSA, UL, NVLAP, and applicable laboratory standards; assist with the development, verification, and continuous improvement of test procedures and equipment.
Ensure compliance with safety and operational requirements by maintaining required equipment operator certifications (forklift, crane/hoist, industrial truck, and scissor lift), completing safety training, and adhering to all laboratory safety and quality procedures.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree OR Associate’s Degree with Minimum 2 years relatable experience.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical drawings.
Experience using electronic test equipment, including oscilloscopes, multimeters, dynamometers, thermocouples, power meters, and transducers. Understanding of industrial electrical systems, machining practices, and motor performance testing, including vibration, airflow, and sound analysis.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and computer systems, including Windows, Outlook, Teams, Excel, and Word.
Preferred Experience: Knowledge of single‑phase and three‑phase AC motors; familiarity with DC and servo motors. Knowledge of ISO 17025 quality systems and applicable motor standards, including IEEE, CSA, and UL.
Physical Requirements: ability to stand for majority of the day – ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work around rotating equipment and electricity.
Candidates must already have work authorization that would permit them to work for ABB in the US.

More About Us

ABB’s NEMA Motors Division is the global leading electric NEMA motors manufacturer. With more than 4,500 employees across the globe and seven manufacturing locations that produce more than 1.6 million motors every year, the division powers its customers from many industries with safe, reliable, energy‑efficient and effective solutions. NEMA Motors Division is a trusted leader with the shortest lead time and the broadest modularized product offering.

What's In It For You

We want you to bring your full self to work—your ideas, your energy, your ambition. You’ll have the tools and freedom to grow your skills, shape your path, and take on challenges that matter. Here, your work creates impact you can see and feel, every day.

Equal Employment Opportunity

ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer for protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, marital status, citizenship, age, race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law. For more information regarding your EEO rights as an applicant, visit https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

As an EEO and affirmative action employer, applicants may request to review the plan of a particular ABB facility between the hours of 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an ABB HR representative at 1-888-694-7762.

Benefits Summary for Eligible US Employees

Go to MyBenefitsABB.com and click on “Candidate/Guest” to learn more

Health, Life & Disability

Choice between two medical plan options: A PPO plan called the Copay Plan OR a High Deductible Health Plan (with a Health Savings Account) called the High Deductible Plan.
Choice between two dental plan options: Core and Core Plus
Vision benefit
Company paid life insurance (2X base pay)
Company paid AD&D (1X base pay)
Voluntary life and AD&D – 100% employee paid up to maximums
Short Term Disability – up to 26 weeks – Company paid
Long Term Disability – 60% of pay – Company paid. Ability to “buy‑up” to 66 2/3% of pay.
Supplemental benefits – 100% employee paid (Accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance)
Paid Parental Leave
Employee Assistance Program
Health Advocate support resources for mental/behavioral health, general health navigation and virtual health, and infertility/adoption
Employee discount program