Lead Technician, Prototyping Test

Responsibilities

• Conduct and independently own assigned electrical, electronic, electromechanical, environmental, reliability, and functional test programs from setup through final report, coordinating technical details and acceptance criteria with the responsible engineer.
• Fabricate, assemble, wire, solder, modify, and rework engineering prototypes, printed circuit board assemblies, cable harnesses, enclosures, mechanisms, fixtures, and test apparatus using drawings, schematics, bills of material, and engineering direction.
• Develop and improve safe, repeatable test methods, fixtures, instrumentation layouts, and data‑acquisition approaches; document operating limits, hazards, controls, and setup configurations before test execution.
• Operate and care for laboratory instruments and shop equipment, including multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, electronic loads, dielectric equipment, data‑acquisition systems, torque tools, soldering/rework equipment, drill presses, saws, mills, lathes, 3D printers, and other tools for which trained and authorized.
• Analyze test data and observations; identify abnormal behavior, likely failure modes, wiring or instrumentation errors, and equipment limitations; troubleshoot methodically and recommend next‑step experiments or prototype changes.
• Prepare detailed test plans, setup diagrams, photographs, data files, deviation records, and technical reports that document equipment, calibration status, sample configuration, procedures, results, conclusions, and open issues.
• Perform teardown, inspection, dimensional checks, component replacement, root‑cause support, and controlled sample modifications while preserving configuration control, traceability, and technical evidence.
• Support testing to applicable UL, CSA, IEC, NEMA, and internal Eaton requirements under engineer or laboratory authority; maintain required competency, calibration, recordkeeping, and accreditation practices.
• Coordinate prototype parts, outside fabrication, equipment service, third‑party laboratory activities, and sample logistics; communicate schedule, risks, and turnaround status to requestors.
• Maintain an organized, audit‑ready laboratory and prototype area through 5S, preventive maintenance, calibration coordination, inventory control, and escalation of unsafe or out‑of‑tolerance conditions.
• Mentor less‑experienced technicians and interns in safe work practices, fixture use, test execution, documentation, fabrication methods, and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with design and manufacturing teams during prototype builds, pilot activities, design reviews, failure reviews, and product changes to improve testability, manufacturability, reliability, and speed of learning.

Qualifications

Basic required qualifications:

• Associate degree in Electrical, Electronics, Electromechanical, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Industrial Systems, or a closely related technical field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum four (4) years of hands‑on experience in an engineering laboratory, prototype/model shop, product‑development laboratory, electrical manufacturing, or comparable industrial test environment.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience building, wiring, instrumenting, troubleshooting, and testing electrical or electromechanical prototypes and test fixtures.
• Demonstrated ability to read electrical/electronic schematics, wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, engineering specifications, bills of material, and test procedures.
• Experience safely using electrical/electronic diagnostic instruments, hand and power tools, soldering/rework equipment, and mechanical fabrication equipment appropriate to prototype work.

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution.
• Five‑seven (5‑7) years of hands‑on experience in an engineering laboratory, prototype/model shop, product‑development laboratory, electrical manufacturing, or comparable industrial test environment.
• Five (5) or more years supporting new product development, certification, reliability, or validation testing for electrical distribution, circuit protection, wiring devices, controls, or connected products.
• Experience with printed circuit board assembly rework, fine‑pitch soldering, cable and harness fabrication, sensor installation, analog/digital electronics, and embedded‑product troubleshooting.
• Experience with machining, sheet‑metal or plastic prototype fabrication, additive manufacturing, fixture design, CAD drawing review, and dimensional inspection.