Test Technician

NIDEC Defense Group; Rancho Cordova (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Nidec is seeking a Test Technician I to support engineering and quality teams by conducting tests on products and systems according to defined procedures. This entry-level role emphasizes learning test methods, operating equipment, recording data accurately, and maintaining test environments.

You will report to a Senior Technician or Engineering Manager and collaborate with engineers to ensure timely, quality results while adhering to safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 0–2 years in testing or technical roles.
• Internship or hands-on technical experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine test activities according to written procedures and work instructions.
• Operate test equipment, tools, fixtures, and measurement devices safely and correctly.
• Support functional, environmental, performance, or reliability testing as assigned.
• Prepare test samples, fixtures, and equipment prior to testing.
• Assist with setup and teardown of test environments.
• Verify equipment readiness and test configuration before execution.
• Accurately record test data, observations, and results.
• Complete test logs, forms, and reports according to documentation standards.
• Identify deviations from expected results and notify appropriate staff.
• Perform basic checks, cleaning, and care of test equipment.
• Follow calibration, handling, and storage guidelines.
• Report equipment malfunctions or safety concerns promptly.
• Follow quality standards, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Use PPE and follow safe work practices at all times.
• Support audits or reviews through accurate and complete records.
• Work closely with engineers, technicians, and quality staff to support testing activities.
• Communicate test status, issues, or observations clearly.
• Respond to instructions and feedback professionally.
• Learn test methods, equipment operation, and quality expectations.
• Build familiarity with product designs and test objectives.
• Apply training and coaching to improve technical proficiency.

Skills

Instruction following

Data accuracy

Mechanical aptitude

Electrical aptitude

Communication

Physical ability

Education

High school diploma

Technical education preferred

Job description

We begin with dreams. Dreams drive our motivation. Dreams are our future. The world's dreams, people's dreams, our dreams. Our passion creates ideas that make dreams come alive. Technology and products that were only dreams become reality.

All for dreams. Dreams challenge and the Nidec-Group will continue to meet the challenge. For the world's and people's tomorrows; the world's first, the world's best technologies and products; we will continue our part in creating a better society.

Job Summary

The Test Technician I is an entry-level skilled role responsible for supporting testing activities through hands-on execution of test procedures, operation of test equipment, and accurate documentation of results. This role focuses on performing routine testing tasks, following established instructions, and ensuring test environments and equipment are properly prepared and maintained.

Job Description

Role Overview

The Test Technician I supports engineering and quality teams by conducting tests on products, components, or systems according to defined procedures. The role follows standardized work instructions, escalates issues appropriately, and develops foundational technical, equipment, and quality skills through hands-on experience.

This position does not have people-management responsibility and typically reports to a Senior Test Technician, Test Engineer, Quality Supervisor, or Engineering Manager (S2-T2 / M1).

Key Responsibilities

Test Execution & Support

• Perform routine test activities according to written procedures and work instructions
• Operate test equipment, tools, fixtures, and measurement devices safely and correctly
• Support functional, environmental, performance, or reliability testing as assigned

Test Setup & Preparation

• Prepare test samples, fixtures, and equipment prior to testing
• Assist with setup and teardown of test environments
• Verify equipment readiness and test configuration before execution

Data Collection & Documentation

• Accurately record test data, observations, and results
• Complete test logs, forms, and reports according to documentation standards
• Identify deviations from expected results and notify appropriate staff

Equipment Handling & Maintenance

• Perform basic checks, cleaning, and care of test equipment
• Follow calibration, handling, and storage guidelines
• Report equipment malfunctions or safety concerns promptly

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Follow quality standards, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements
• Use proper PPE and follow safe work practices at all times
• Support audits or reviews through accurate and complete records

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with engineers, technicians, and quality staff to support testing activities
• Communicate test status, issues, or observations clearly
• Respond to instructions and feedback professionally

Learning & Skill Development

• Learn test methods, equipment operation, and quality expectations
• Build familiarity with product designs and test objectives
• Apply training and coaching to improve technical proficiency

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical education or coursework preferred
• 0–2 years of experience in testing, manufacturing, lab, or technical support roles
• Internship, lab, or hands-on technical experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to follow detailed instructions and procedures accurately
• Strong attention to detail and data accuracy
• Basic mechanical or electrical aptitude
• Ability to use measurement tools and basic test equipment
• Effective communication and teamwork skills
• Physical ability to perform hands-on test activities

Additional Job Details

Support & Production – S1

Organizational Impact

• Works to deliver on day-to-day objectives with minor impact on achievement results for the team
• Delivers job responsibilities following a defined standard output or set of procedures
• Work consists of tasks that are routine, or well defined, with specific instructions to achieve standardized solutions
• Work is closely supervised

Communication & Influence

• Communicates with contacts typically within immediate job area on matters that involve obtaining or providing information requiring little explanation or interpretation

Innovation & Complexity

• Responsible for checking data and information or troubleshooting when minor changes may be required based on review
• Daily challenges faced are routine and solutions clearly prescribed
• Follows a well-established and familiar set of activities and/or processes to derive a solution

Leadership & Talent Management

• N/A - Jobs at this level are focused on self-development

Knowledge & Experience

• Requires limited job knowledge of systems and procedures. Follows basic work routines and standards
• Does not require advanced education and requires little to no prior experience

Salary range $22.00 - 25.00

Equal Employment Opportunity and Aff...

Nidec is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Aff... encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, genetic information, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more info regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following website: http://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf

No Soliciting

Nidec will not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third party recruiting agencies in response to Nidec job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. Pre-approval from the Nidec Talent Acquisition team is required before any external candidate can be submitted and such candidate must be submitted to the Nidec Talent Acquisition team.