What Does a Test Technician Do?
A Test Technician plays a vital role in product development and quality assurance by executing tests that verify the performance, safety, and durability of manufactured components or systems. Working closely with engineers and design teams, they help identify potential failures or areas for improvement through precise measurements and detailed documentation. Their findings directly inform design refinements and production readiness.
This position often involves configuring test equipment, interpreting technical drawings, and following standard testing procedures. Test Technicians are employed across diverse industries, from aerospace and automotive to electronics and industrial machinery, where they ensure products meet industry regulations, company standards, and customer expectations.
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Test Technician Core Responsibilities
- Prepare and set up equipment and test environments based on engineering specifications
- Conduct performance, functional, durability, and environmental tests on systems or components
- Record, analyze, and document test results using industry-standard reporting tools
- Communicate test findings to engineering or quality teams with clarity and accuracy
- Assist in troubleshooting failed test components and provide input on possible causes
- Maintain and calibrate testing tools and lab instruments
- Follow safety protocols and ensure all testing complies with industry and company standards
- Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying testing process enhancements
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficient with test instruments (e.g., oscilloscopes, multimeters, vibration testers)
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics
- Skilled in data collection, entry, and analysis
- Familiarity with testing standards (e.g., ASTM, ISO, MIL-STD)
- Knowledge of software tools used for test automation or data logging
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- An analytical mindset with problem-solving ability
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to follow structured procedures and protocols
- Team collaboration with engineers and technicians
Educational requirements
- Associate degree or technical diploma in engineering technology, electronics, or a related field
- Some roles may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of formal education
Certifications
Certifications are generally not required but may be preferred in specialized roles (e.g., IPC-A-610 for electronics)
Test Technician Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a regulated industry such as aerospace, medical devices, or automotive
- Background in lean manufacturing or Six Sigma environments
- Exposure to environmental or stress testing methods
- Hands-on experience with automated testing platforms
- Ability to modify or build test setups from basic engineering instructions
Test Technician Average Salary
Test technician salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Test Technician is:
$56,745
Test Technician Sample Job Descriptions
The perfect test technician job description may be the key to making an exceptional new hire. To help you with your recruiting search, our team has put together some examples from past openings.
Example 1: Electrical Test Technician
Position overview
An Electrical Test Technician supports the development and quality assurance of electrical components and systems. This role involves executing test procedures, analyzing performance data, and identifying electrical faults using specialized equipment. The technician collaborates closely with engineers to ensure compliance with specifications and safety standards.
Responsibilities
- Conduct tests on wiring systems, PCBs, circuit assemblies, and electronic devices
- Use diagnostic equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and signal generators
- Analyze schematics and engineering drawings to configure test setups
- Document test outcomes and assist in root cause analysis of failures
- Ensure compliance with electrical safety regulations and industry standards
- Maintain and calibrate test instruments and support lab readiness
- Troubleshoot basic electrical issues and report findings to engineering teams
Requirements
Hard skills
- Skilled in using electrical diagnostic tools and interpreting circuit diagrams
- Understanding of AC/DC systems, PCB layout, and soldering techniques
- Familiarity with industry test standards (e.g., IPC, IEC)
- Ability to operate test benches and simulation tools
Soft skills
- High attention to detail and safety awareness
- Problem-solving mindset
- Strong communication and teamwork
- An organized and methodical approach to testing
Educational requirements
- Associate degree in electrical engineering technology or related field
- Equivalent military or hands-on experience may be accepted
Certifications
IPC-A-610 or IPC J-STD-001 certification preferred for roles in electronics manufacturing
Preferred qualifications
- Experience in aerospace, automotive, or consumer electronics industries
- Familiarity with test automation or data acquisition systems
- Background in electrostatic discharge (ESD) control environments
Example 2: Mechanical Test Technician
Position overview
A Mechanical Test Technician is responsible for testing mechanical systems, assemblies, and components for functionality, durability, and safety. The technician sets up test rigs, follows established test procedures, and collaborates with engineering teams to validate product designs and ensure that quality standards are met.
Responsibilities
- Set up and operate test equipment for thermal, load, vibration, and lifecycle testing
- Follow test protocols to evaluate the structural integrity and performance of components
- Record mechanical test data and assist in analyzing results
- Maintain testing equipment and conduct basic repairs or calibrations
- Collaborate with engineers to troubleshoot design issues identified during testing
- Ensure tests adhere to internal and regulatory safety standards
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with mechanical test tools (e.g., tensile testers, calipers, strain gauges)
- Ability to interpret blueprints, CAD drawings, and mechanical schematics
- Knowledge of material properties and failure analysis
- Comfortable working with hand tools and hydraulic/pneumatic systems
Soft skills
- Detail-oriented and precise under pressure
- Strong mechanical aptitude and critical thinking
- Collaborative and communicative
- Safety-conscious with a commitment to protocol
Educational requirements
- Associate degree in mechanical engineering technology or related technical training
- Equivalent experience in testing or mechanical assembly accepted
Certifications
None required, though mechanical testing certifications may be a plus
Preferred qualifications
- Experience in the automotive, aerospace, or heavy machinery sectors
- Exposure to Six Sigma or lean manufacturing environments
- Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA) software or data acquisition platforms
Example 3: Software Test Technician
Position overview
A Software Test Technician evaluates software programs and embedded systems to ensure they function as intended, identifying bugs and inconsistencies before release. The technician runs manual and automated test cases, documents issues, and collaborates with development teams to resolve defects.
Responsibilities
- Execute functional, regression, and performance test cases based on specifications
- Identify, document, and track software defects using bug tracking tools
- Assist in developing test plans and scripts for manual or automated testing
- Validate user interfaces, APIs, and system integrations
- Work with developers to replicate and troubleshoot reported issues
- Participate in software release reviews and contribute to quality documentation
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of software testing frameworks and methodologies
- Experience with defect tracking tools (e.g., Jira, Bugzilla)
- Familiarity with scripting or automation tools (e.g., Selenium, Python)
- Understanding of SDLC and Agile workflows
Soft skills
- Analytical and detail-focused mindset
- Excellent communication and documentation skills
- Team-oriented with adaptability
- Strong problem-solving ability
Educational requirements
- Associate degree in computer science, software engineering, or related field
- Comparable experience in software QA accepted
Certifications
Not required, but ISTQB or similar QA certification is a plus
Preferred qualifications
- Experience testing embedded systems, mobile apps, or web platforms
- Exposure to CI/CD pipelines and automated testing environments
- Familiarity with version control tools like Git