R&D Vehicle Test & Prototype Technician

Hendrickson; Woodridge (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life, travel, and disability insurance

Flexible spending account

401K plan

Pension plan

Paid holidays and vacation

Educational assistance programs

Wellness program

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Hendrickson is seeking an R&D Senior Lab Technician to support engineering through hands-on testing of commercial vehicle components and systems, focusing on validation and continuous improvement.

You will build, modify, and instrument prototypes, collect data, analyze results, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive safe, reliable product development in a fast-paced lab setting.

A high school diploma is required; an associate degree is preferred; travel up to 5% may be required.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• An associate’s degree in a related engineering field is preferred.
• 3 years’ experience with degree or 8 years’ experience in a related role.
• Ability to travel up to 5% of the time on an as needed basis.
• 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 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.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory, component, system, and vehicle testing to evaluate designs.
• Build, install, modify, and instrument prototype components on vehicles for testing and evaluation.
• Set up, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain test equipment and fixtures.
• Review and implement test methods and procedures for validation.
• Collect and document test data and maintain records.
• Identify product improvements through testing, analysis, and recommendations.
• Conduct benchmarking studies to evaluate industry products.
• Coordinate testing activities and support project timelines.
• Maintain lab equipment through calibration and preventive maintenance.
• Procure, manage, and maintain laboratory materials.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams on development and problem solving.
• Participate in continuous improvement and apply structured problem-solving.
• Maintain safe, organized laboratory environment and comply with safety policies.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to less experienced technicians.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Strong mechanical aptitude

Strong communication and interpersonal

Read engineering drawings

Data collection & technical reporting

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree in related engineering field (preferred)

Tools

Mechanical test equipment

Hydraulic test equipment

Pneumatic test equipment

Electrical/electronic test equipment

Instrumentation and fixtures

Job description

Hendrickson is seeking an R&D Senior Lab Technician to support engineering through hands-on testing of commercial vehicle components and systems, focusing on validation and continuous improvement.

You will build, modify, and instrument prototypes, collect data, analyze results, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive safe, reliable product development in a fast-paced lab setting.

A high school diploma is required; an associate degree is preferred; travel up to 5% may be required.