Hardware Lab Technician

Responsibilities

• Efficiently perform assembly, testing, and troubleshooting or repair of R&D hardware prototypes for automotive projects.
• Utilize hand tools, microscopes, and soldering equipment to assemble and rework prototype systems and PCBAs.
• Carry out mechanical assembly of prototype systems, ensuring components are installed, aligned, and secured according to specifications.
• Perform cable qualifications, testing, and modifications to ensure proper performance and compliance with design requirements.
• Read and interpret schematics to assist in PCB bring-up and debug activities for new or modified designs.
• Create clear and accurate rework documentation that details changes made to prototypes and PCBAs.
• Record build data and testing results in a structured and traceable manner to support engineering analysis and decision-making.
• Maintain detailed documentation through all phases of development, testing, and analysis, ensuring traceability and consistency.
• Interact regularly with hardware and firmware engineers to communicate test results, issues, and recommendations.
• Support adherence to automotive product development engineering practices and standards during lab activities.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• 6 years of related technician experience in the automotive industry.
• Proficiency in soldering and inspecting printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs).
• Working knowledge of digital multimeters (DMM), oscilloscopes, video scopes, and similar laboratory test equipment.
• Working knowledge of product development engineering practices in the automotive field.
• Working knowledge of IPC-A-610 standards for electronic assemblies.
• Familiarity with PCB layout viewer tools for reviewing and interpreting board designs.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation.
• Ability to create rework documentation and maintain detailed development and test records.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications for documentation, reporting, and communication.

Qualifications

• Experience utilizing CAN, LIN, and other automotive networks and related tools.
• Experience working with automotive requirements and design processes.
• Hands-on experience in a hardware laboratory environment supporting R&D activities.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with hardware and firmware engineers and report findings clearly.

Skills

• Electrical schematics interpretation.
• Documentation creation and maintenance.
• Test equipment operation (DMM, oscilloscopes, etc.).
• Product development engineering practices.
• IPC-A-610 standards.
• Electronic assembly and rework.
• Automotive networks and protocols.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision coverage.
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage.
• Life Insurance (voluntary).
• AD&D for the employee and dependents.
• Short and long-term disability coverage.
• Health Spending Account (HSA).
• Transportation benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave).

Pay and Schedule

• The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $33.00/hr.
• This is a Contract position based out of Southfield, MI.

Schedule

• This position is fully onsite at a hardware laboratory located in an office environment.
• The role involves frequent use of hand tools, microscopes, soldering equipment, digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, video scopes, and other electronic test instruments.
• Work is performed around R&D hardware prototypes, PCB assemblies, and automotive-related systems, following established lab procedures and automotive development practices.
• The technician collaborates closely with engineering teams on-site and spends much of the time at lab benches, test stations, and assembly areas, with a focus on safe handling of electronic components and accurate documentation of all work performed.

About the Role

This role focuses on assembling, testing, and troubleshooting research and development hardware prototypes for automotive applications. The hardware lab technician uses specialized tools and equipment to support product development, works closely with hardware and firmware engineers, and maintains accurate documentation throughout all phases of development, testing, and analysis.