Lead Test Engineering Technician

Eaton’s IS AER FMC division, producing electro-mechanical actuation components since 1963, is a leading supplier of secondary flight control systems and components for commercial and business aircraft OEMs. This role is based at our Grand Rapids facility with just under 200 employees and requires travel, typically 1-2 day trips (up to a full week at a time), at least 2 times per year, totaling approximately 10% of the role.

About the role

This position requires use of information or access to hardware subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR (U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, Political Asylee, or Refugee).

Responsibilities

• Design, build, modify, troubleshoot, repair, and support advanced test systems used for development, qualification, environmental, and production testing of electro-mechanical actuation products.
• Create, wire, solder, assemble, instrument, and troubleshoot circuit boards, actuators, motor controllers, test panels, and related hardware.
• Develop test setups and execute mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and environmental testing in accordance with approved test plans, procedures, specifications, and applicable standards, including DO-160 and MIL-STD-810.
• Utilize laboratory instrumentation and measurement equipment including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, function generators, power supplies, data acquisition systems, pressure transducers, flow meters, load cells, torque transducers, encoders, and related test equipment.
• Maintain and continuously improve the engineering laboratory, test equipment, tooling, infrastructure, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) programs to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation.
• Provide technical leadership, training, and direction to technicians and support personnel to ensure safe operations, effective troubleshooting, and successful test execution.
• Manage and coordinate external contractors supporting laboratory, facility, equipment, and infrastructure projects.
• Maintain accurate test records, reports, documentation, and laboratory data.
• Comply with Eaton’s high expectations for a safe work environment.

Requirements

• Associates degree in an engineering related field from an accredited institution.
• 5+ years experience in a technical role.

Qualifications

• Strong electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic aptitude demonstrated through hands-on work experience.
• Soldering capabilities.
• Experience executing test plans and procedures.
• Electronics repair and troubleshooting preferred.
• Familiarity with laboratory test equipment and measurement devices.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, hydraulic schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical specifications.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams.

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly communicate technical information.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate documentation, manage test records, and coordinate multiple activities simultaneously.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and results-driven with a strong focus on execution and customer support.
• Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to identify issues, analyze root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.

Pay

The expected annual salary range for this role is $56,000 - $83,000. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Benefits

Eaton provides various Health and Welfare benefits as well as Retirement benefits, and several programs that provide for paid and unpaid time away from work. Specific programs and options available to an employee may depend on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.