R&D Lab Technician

BroadBean; Illinois; On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

BroadBean in Illinois seeks an R&D Senior Lab Technician to conduct tests, evaluate new designs, and support development of commercial vehicle components. You will build and instrument prototype systems, operate test rigs, collect data, and help ensure safety and compliance.

This role emphasizes hands-on testing, collaboration with engineering teams, and opportunities to contribute to continuous improvement and problem-solving initiatives within a structured lab environment.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• An associate’s degree in a related engineering field is preferred.
• Experience operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and electronic test equipment.
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications.
• Ability to collect, document, and analyze test data and prepare technical reports.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory, component, system, and vehicle testing to evaluate and validate new product designs and ensure compliance with engineering requirements.
• Build, install, modify, and instrument prototype components and systems on company and customer vehicles.
• Set up, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain test equipment and fixtures.
• Review, understand, and implement test methods and procedures for engineering evaluations.
• Collect and document test data with accurate records of testing activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support product development and validation.
• Maintain laboratory equipment through calibration and preventive maintenance.
• Procure and manage laboratory materials and supplies.

Skills

Test equipment troubleshooting

Reading engineering drawings

Prototype construction & fabrication

Data collection & analysis

Communication & teamwork

Safety compliance

Education

HS diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree preferred

Tools

Mechanical/Hydraulic/Pneumatic/electrical test equipment

Job description

Job Description

Position Purpose:

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

We offer a full complement of benefits that include medical, dental, and vision insurance; life, travel, and disability insurance; a flexible spending account; 401K plans; a pension plan; paid holidays and vacation. We also offer 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.