RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN

Hotstart-1; Spokane Valley (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium medical, dental, vision and生命

401(k) with matching and profitSharing

Educational assistance

Job summary

Hotstart designs and manufactures thermal management solutions and seeks a hands-on R&D Testing Technician for our Spokane headquarters. You’ll work with engineers to build test setups, conduct mechanical and electrical testing, troubleshoot products, analyze data, and support development and improvement of Hotstart products.

The role emphasizes collaboration, multi‑project management, and data-driven decision making in a dynamic environment, with an established manufacturing footprint and

Qualifications

• Hands-on testing experience in mechanical and electrical product testing.
• Associate degree or equivalent technical experience.
• Experience with instrumentation and data acquisition equipment.
• Experience with data analysis using Excel; Python is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineering to plan and execute mechanical and electrical testing.
• Manage multiple testing activities and priorities while collaborating with engineering teams.
• Design, build, and operate unique test setups and data acquisition systems.
• Assemble and modify prototypes, troubleshoot electro‑mechanical systems, and investigate design problems.
• Analyze data and clearly communicate results to stakeholders.
• Create and maintain clear test plans, records, and final reports.
• Identify opportunities to improve test methods, equipment, facilities, and capabilities.
• Participate in third‑party testing or testing at customer sites.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Electrical aptitude

Project management

Problem solving

Excel data analysis

Python

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree or equivalent in a related technical field

Tools

Data acquisition equipment

Instrumentation

Test equipment

Job description

Description

Hotstart designs and manufactures thermal management solutions for industrial equipment markets. We are seeking a hands‑on, technically curious R&D Testing Technician to join our Product Testing team at our headquarters in Spokane, Washington. In this role, you’ll work with engineers to build test setups, conduct mechanical and electrical testing, troubleshoot products and equipment, analyze data, and support the development and improvement of Hotstart products.

Requirements

Primary Position Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with engineering to plan and execute mechanical and electrical product testing for new product development and product improvements
• Manage multiple testing activities and priority projects while working both independently and collaboratively with engineering teams
• Design, build, and operate unique test setups and data acquisition systems
• Assemble and modify prototypes, troubleshoot electro‑mechanical systems, investigate design problems, and recommend improvements based on test results
• Analyze and interpret test data and clearly communicate results to stakeholders
• Create and maintain clear test plans, test records, and final test reports
• Identify opportunities to improve test methods, equipment, facilities, and testing capabilities
• Participate in third‑party testing or conduct testing at customer sites

Desired Qualifications, Skills, and Attributes:

• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude with an interest in hands‑on problem solving
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects in a dynamic work environment
• Curious and self‑motivated with a desire to learn new technologies, expand technical expertise, investigate new testing methods, and contribute to product development and improvement
• Previous experience with product testing, R&D, or product development preferred
• Hands‑on experience with instrumentation and data acquisition equipment preferred
• Previous experience with industrial equipment, machinery, HVAC, or thermal systems preferred
• Experience analyzing and interpreting data using Microsoft Excel; Python experience is a plus
• Ability to communicate effectively in person and in writing
• Associate degree in a related technical field, or equivalent relevant experience

Reasonable accommodations provided for disabled individuals to foster success in essential functions. Hotstart, Inc. is a world‑leading manufacturer of industrial engine preheating systems and thermal management products. Established in 1942 and ISO 9001 certified, we have grown to over 250 employees in a modern manufacturing facility. The company provides a strong benefit package highlighted by premium‑free medical, dental, vision and life insurance, 401(k) with contribution matching and profit sharing, and educational assistance. Drug-free/EEO.