Senior Test Technician / T&C Specialist

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.; Palmdale (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

HRU seeks a Senior Test Technician / T&C Specialist to be based on-site at the Kinkisharyo facility in Palmdale, CA. You will perform hands-on static and dynamic testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of rolling stock and subsystems, while working closely with Kinki Sharyo’s testing and commissioning personnel.

The role requires strong interpersonal skills, documentation of test data, and effective collaboration to meet project milestones and ensure safe, reliable operations.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent hands-on experience in electrical/mechanical engineering.
• Experience reading schematics, wiring diagrams, and blueprints.
• Hands-on testing experience in heavy industrial environments.

Responsibilities

• Execute daily static and dynamic testing according to procedures (continuity, insulation, braking, propulsion, TCMS, HVAC).
• Record data, maintain logs, and prepare concise test reports for engineering review.
• Set up, calibrate, and operate specialized test equipment and DAQ tools.
• Collaborate with Kinkisharyo T&C team to align daily testing schedules and vehicle movements.
• Lead fault-finding and root-cause troubleshooting for electrical, electronic, pneumatic, and mechanical failures.
• Assist in managing vehicle punch-list and performing reworks to close items.

Skills

Schematic reading

Electrical testing

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Education

Associate degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering

Technical School certification

Equivalent military/hands-on experience

Tools

Multimeters

Oscilloscopes

PC-based diagnostic software

Job description

As an employee of HRU, the Senior Test Technician / T&C Specialist will be based and perform daily operations on-site at the Kinkisharyo facility in Palmdale, CA. This role is responsible for performing hands-on static and dynamic testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of rolling stock (rail vehicles) and their integrated subsystems. A critical component of this role is establishing and maintaining a strong, highly collaborative relationship with Kinki Sharyo’s testing and commissioning personnel. The ideal candidate must possess exceptional interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset to ensure seamless joint operations, effective communication, and the successful completion of mutual project milestones.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute daily static and dynamic testing activities (e.g., continuity checks, high-voltage insulation tests, braking, propulsion, TCMS, and HVAC systems) according to approved test procedures.
• Accurately record test data, maintain testing logs, and prepare clear, concise test reports for engineering review.
• Set up, calibrate, and operate specialized test equipment, diagnostic software, and data acquisition (DAQ) tools.

Cross-functional Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely and maintain a strong collaborative partnership with Kinkisharyo's T&C team to align daily testing schedules and vehicle movements.
• Actively participate in joint technical meetings, safety briefings, and shift handovers with Kinkisharyo personnel.
• Foster a positive, professional, and cross-functional team environment across organizational boundaries to drive project success.
• Lead technical fault-finding and root-cause troubleshooting for complex electrical, electronic, pneumatic, and mechanical failures discovered during testing.
• Collaborate closely with both HRU and Kinkisharyo engineering and quality assurance teams to report bugs, trace anomalies, and implement effective re-testing.
• Assist in managing the vehicle punch-list and performing necessary reworks to close out open items efficiently.

Safety & Mentorship

• Strictly adhere to and enforce a safety-first culture on the test floor and track, including rigorous compliance with OSHA, FRA, and facility-specific Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
• Provide technical guidance and informal mentorship to junior technicians on safety protocols and specialized testing techniques.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Technical School certification, or equivalent military/hands-on industry experience.
• Experience: Minimum 2+ years of experience in testing, commissioning, or advanced troubleshooting within heavy industrial environments (e.g., Rail, Aerospace/Aviation, Automotive, Defense, or Heavy Machinery).
• Technical Expertise:
  • Strong proficiency in reading and interpreting complex electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical blueprints.
  • Solid hands-on experience using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and PC-based diagnostic/software tools.
  • Good understanding of electrical circuits (both low voltage control and high voltage power systems).
• Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to work effectively in a co-located, multi-organizational team environment. Excellent communication, active cooperation, and conflict-resolution skills are essential.

Desired Competencies (Preferred but NOT Required)

• Prior experience in the Railroad/Rolling Stock industry is a plus, but not required (Comprehensive internal training will be provided).
• Certified or trained in Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and High Voltage safety practices.
• Experience with vehicle communication networks (e.g., CAN bus, Ethernet).