Test Technician

Test Technicians conduct tests on products and equipment. They then record data from those tests and give that data to the product and engineering teams. Test Technicians work in a wide variety of industries, including transportation, textiles, software, and manufacturing. It’s up to the Test Technician to interpret the quality standards, engineering diagrams, and specifications for the products, then execute tests according to those instructions.

In some cases, Test Technicians also offer ideas for how to improve testing processes or resolve equipment malfunctions. For this reason, Test Technicians need high-level interpersonal communication skills. Keen attention to detail and organization skills are also a crucial part of this role, to compile data and keep track of testing specifications.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

Inspect components before assembly
Test trial products during development
Test finished goods
Record testing data and analyze results to determine whether products meet quality standards
Maintain testing methods and equipment
Assemble and calibrate testing equipment
Use testing data to recommend improvements to the production process

Education and Background

This position requires an associate degree in engineering technology or a related field.

Skills and Competencies

Analytical, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
Basic engineering and scientific knowledge
Teamwork and interpersonal communication skills
Keen attention to detail
Experience using mathematical concepts such as geometry, trigonometry, ratios, fractions, and proportions
Ability to define problems verbally and in writing
Experience analyzing data and drawing valid conclusions from that data

Compensation

According to Payscale the median annual salary of a Test Technician with

1 Year of Experience:

Orlando, Florida: $33,000
Tampa, Florida: $34,000
Jacksonville, Florida: $35,000
Miami, Florida: $34,000
Atlanta, Georgia: $34,000
Chicago, Illinois: $35,000
Houston, Texas: $40,000
Los Angeles, California: $49,000
New York City, New York: $45,000
Seattle, Washington: $40,000
Overall: $41,000

5 Years of Experience:

Orlando, Florida: $43,000
Tampa, Florida: $42,000
Jacksonville, Florida: $40,000
Miami, Florida: $45,000
Atlanta, Georgia: $44,000
Chicago, Illinois: $41,000
Houston, Texas: $44,000
Los Angeles, California: $55,000
New York City, New York: $53,000
Seattle, Washington: $52,000
Overall: $47,000

Similar Job Titles

Materials Testing Technician
Testing Analyst
Calibration Technician
Analytical Test Technician
Test and Balance Technician

Career Path

This position requires an associate degree in engineering technology or a related field. Certification from the American Society for Quality (ASQ) can also be attractive to potential employers or for career advancement. Successful Test Technicians can advance to team leader positions, and from there, into quality assurance management roles.

Position Trends

According to the professional services firm Accenture, several current trends will bring change to the field of quality assurance and product testing. The first is the use of big data and applied analytics. With companies finding ways to obtain new types of data about their processes, Test Technicians have more tools at their disposal to use in collecting test data.

Another trend in product testing is the use of machine learning or artificial intelligence (AI). These new processes will help optimize the tests that Test Technicians use. They’ll provide extra speed and accuracy, leading to even more sophisticated quality monitoring systems.

Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technician field should see little or no change between 2018 and 2028. One reason for this is the increase in automation of product inspection tasks.

Typical Hours

The typical work hours for a Test Technician are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Where You Can Find Jobs

Are You Interested in Becoming a Test Technician?

Here at 4 Corner Resources, we will connect you to one of our headhunters or recruiters to see if you are a perfect fit for one of our job openings. If a job opening does not suit you, we will always keep you in mind as new positions open up. We have vast experience connecting professionals with some of the most well-known organizations in the country. Your next job or career path can be right around the corner. Check out our latest open positions and our blog for career advice. Feel free to contact us at any time.

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