Senior R&D Lab Technician — Testing & Validation

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

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.