Senior Technician / Control Panels & Test

Sterling Technologies Inc; Wixom (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Technologies Inc. is seeking a Senior Technician - Control Panels & Test to assemble, wire, test, and troubleshoot custom control panels, electromechanical assemblies, and harness systems. You will support production and engineering with test development and training.

You will mentor technicians, ensure products meet customer specifications, IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards, UL 508A where applicable, and safety policies while driving process improvements and sustaining audit-ready equipment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of control panel wiring and electromechanical assembly.
• Experience with Cirris or similar automated test systems.
• Strong ability to read electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, wire, and terminate control panels, enclosures, and electromechanical assemblies according to electrical schematics and BOMs.
• Set up, program, and run Cirris continuity, hipot, and functional tests; maintain fixtures and test lists.
• Perform continuity, resistance, insulation resistance, dielectric withstand, and functional testing.
• Troubleshoot wiring, component, and connectivity issues to root cause; implement corrective actions.
• Review schematics and BOMs for accuracy; flag discrepancies to engineering.
• Train and mentor technicians on panel wiring, test equipment operation, and safety procedures.
• Drive process improvements to increase throughput and first-pass yield.

Skills

Reading schematics

Electrical troubleshooting

Test equipment operation

Leadership skills

Documentation accuracy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Cirris system

DMM

Hipot tester

Megohmmeter

Crimping tools

Soldering equipment

Job description

The Senior Technician - Control Panels & Test is responsible for the assembly, wiring, testing, and troubleshooting of custom control panels, electromechanical assemblies, and cable/harness systems using Cirris and other automated test equipment. This role provides technical expertise on panel builds and electrical testing, supports production and engineering with test development, trains and mentors technicians, and ensures all products meet customer specifications, engineering drawings, and industry quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Assemble, wire, and terminate control panels, enclosures, and electromechanical assemblies according to electrical schematics, panel layout drawings, and customer specifications.
• Set up, program, and run Cirris (and comparable) continuity, hipot, and functional test equipment; build and maintain test fixtures and test lists/programs for new and existing assemblies.
• Perform continuity, resistance, insulation resistance, dielectric withstand (hipot), and functional testing on control panels, wire harnesses, and cable assemblies.
• Troubleshoot wiring, component, and connectivity issues down to root cause; implement and document corrective actions.
• Review electrical schematics, panel layout drawings, wiring diagrams, and bills of materials (BOMs) for accuracy, manufacturability, and testability, and flag discrepancies to engineering.
• Support prototype builds, new product introductions, and first-article inspections for new control panel and test programs.
• Train and mentor technicians and assemblers on panel wiring practices, test equipment operation, workmanship standards, and safety procedures.
• Monitor production quality and ensure compliance with IPC/WHMA-A-620, UL 508A (where applicable), and company quality requirements.
• Drive process improvements in panel assembly and test methods to increase throughput, reduce defects, and improve first-pass yield.
• Maintain test equipment, fixtures, hand tools, and calibration schedules to keep systems audit-ready.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams to resolve technical issues and support design-for-test initiatives.
• Support inventory control by verifying components, wire, terminals, and panel hardware against BOMs.
• Ensure compliance with workplace safety policies, lockout/tagout, and electrical safety practices (e.g., NFPA 70E awareness).

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical/electrical certification preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in control panel wiring and electromechanical assembly, or wire harness/cable assembly manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with Cirris or similar automated continuity/hipot test systems, including building and editing test programs.
• Strong ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, panel layout drawings, wiring diagrams, and assembly drawings.
• Experience with wire processing equipment, crimping tools, soldering equipment, and hand-held test/measurement equipment (DMM, hipot, megohmmeter).
• Knowledge of IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards and electrical assembly best practices.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting electrical, wiring, and connectivity issues to root cause.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

Preferred

• IPC/WHMA-A-620 Certification.
• UL 508A panel shop experience or familiarity with UL panel build requirements.
• Experience with aerospace, automotive, medical, military, defense, or industrial control panel and harness applications.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma experience.
• Familiarity with ERP and manufacturing/test data software systems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hand tools, crimpers, cutters, and electrical test equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Strong manual dexterity and attention to detail for precision panel wiring and testing.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring the production of high-quality, fully tested control panels and electromechanical assemblies that meet customer requirements, delivery schedules, and industry standards.