R&D Senior Lab Technician

Socket.dev; Woodridge (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking an R&D Senior Lab Technician to support engineering by conducting tests to evaluate product designs and validate requirements for commercial vehicle components and systems. The role emphasizes hands-on testing, data collection, and safe lab operations.

The ideal candidate has strong experience in operating diverse test equipment, building prototype instrumentation, and interpreting engineering drawings.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree in related engineering field preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of related experience, or 8+ years with alternative path.
• 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.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, specifications, test procedures, and technical documentation.
• Travel up to 5% as needed.

Responsibilities

• Conduct lab, component, system, and vehicle testing to validate designs and compliance with engineering requirements.
• Build, install, modify, and instrument prototype components and systems on vehicles for testing and evaluation.
• Set up, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain test equipment and fixtures used in development activities.
• Review and implement test methods to support engineering evaluations and validation.
• Collect and document test data with accurate records of testing activities.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to support development and problem solving initiatives.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient laboratory environment and comply with safety policies.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior technicians.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Electrical testing

Hydraulic testing

Pneumatic testing

Electronic testing

Data collection & analysis

Reading engineering drawings

PC proficiency

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in related engineering field

Tools

Spreadsheet software

Word processing software

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.