R&D Lab Technician

BroadBean; Illinois; On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life, travel, and disability insurance

401K plans

Pension plan

Paid holidays and vacation

Education assistance programs

Wellness program

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

BroadBean in Illinois seeks an R&D Senior Lab Technician to support engineeering through hands-on testing, prototype evaluation, data collection, and lab operations. You will help develop, validate, and improve vehicle components and systems in a safe, controlled environment.

Responsibilities include building and instrumenting prototypes, operating test rigs, and sharing findings with cross-functional teams to drive products forward.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in a related role or 8+ years with equivalent responsibilities.
• Ability to travel up to 5% as needed.
• Experience operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and electronic test equipment.
• Experience building, modifying, installing, and instrumenting prototype components, systems, and vehicles for testing and evaluation.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, test procedures, and technical documentation.
• Experience collecting, documenting, and analyzing test data and preparing technical reports.
• Proficiency with PC software (spreadsheets and word processing).
• Strong mechanical aptitude with troubleshooting, assembly, and fabrication skills.
• Ability to safely operate vehicles and equipment used in lab, proving ground, and field testing.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain safety-related certifications.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory, component, system, and vehicle testing to evaluate and validate designs.
• Build, install, modify, and instrument prototype components on vehicles for testing.
• Set up and maintain test equipment and fixtures used in development.
• Document test data and observations with accurate records.
• Assist in identifying product improvements through testing and analysis.
• Coordinate testing activities to support project timelines.
• Maintain calibration and preventive maintenance of lab equipment.
• Procure and manage lab materials and supplies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on development and validation initiatives.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of processes and equipment.

Skills

Test data analysis

Engineering drawings reading

Documentation & reporting

Safety compliance

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Associate's degree in related engineering field

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Mechanical test equipment

Hydraulic testing equipment

Pneumatic systems

Electrical testing equipment

Electronic test equipment

Job description

Job Description

The R&D Senior Lab Technician supports engineering by conducting tests to evaluate and validate product designs while ensuring a safe work environment. This position is responsible for supporting the development, validation, and continuous improvement of commercial vehicle components and systems through hands‑on testing, prototype evaluation, data collection, and laboratory operations.

Essential Functions

• Conduct laboratory, component, system, and vehicle testing to evaluate and validate new product designs, product enhancements, and compliance with engineering requirements.
• Build, install, modify, and instrument prototype components and systems on company and customer vehicles to support laboratory, proving ground, and field evaluations.
• Set up, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain test equipment, instrumentation, and test fixtures used in product development and validation activities.
• Review, understand, and implement test methods and procedures to support engineering evaluations and product validation.
• Collect and document test data and results while maintaining accurate records of testing activities and observations.
• Assist in identifying product improvements and investigating component or system failures through testing, analysis, benchmarking, and technical recommendations.
• Conduct competitive product benchmarking studies to evaluate industry products and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.
• Coordinate testing activities and support project timelines to ensure timely completion of development and validation programs.
• Maintain laboratory equipment through calibration, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair activities as required.
• Procure, manage, and maintain laboratory materials, components, and supplies necessary to support testing operations.
• Collaborate with engineering and other cross‑functional teams to support product development, validation, and problem‑solving initiatives.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts and implement process, equipment, and testing enhancements using structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient laboratory environment and comply with all applicable safety policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to less experienced technicians as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Training

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• An associate's degree in a related engineering field is preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years' experience with a degree or a minimum of 8 years' experience in a related role.
• Ability to travel up to 5% of the time on an as needed basis.
• Demonstrated experience operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and electronic test equipment.
• Experience building, modifying, installing, and instrumenting prototype components, systems, and vehicles for testing and evaluation.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, test procedures, and technical documentation.
• Experience collecting, documenting, and analyzing test data and preparing technical reports.
• PC proficiency, including experience with spreadsheet and word processing applications.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with demonstrated troubleshooting, problem‑solving, assembly, and fabrication skills.
• Ability to safely operate vehicles and equipment used in laboratory, proving ground, and field‑testing activities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required safety, equipment operation, and job‑related certifications.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision insurance
• life, travel, and disability insurance
• a flexible spending account
• 401K plans
• a pension plan
• paid holidays and vacation
• financial assistance programs if you decide to adopt a child or want to pursue further education
• We have a comprehensive wellness program and an Employee Assistance Program, that supports individuals in the proactive management of their overall health and wellness.