What Does a Test Technician Do?
A test technician conducts tests and inspections to evaluate the quality and performance of products and equipment. They interpret quality standards, engineering diagrams, and product specifications, then execute tests accordingly. They also troubleshoot and repair malfunctions and defects. Success in the role requires strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively with various testing tools and equipment.
Test technicians work in various industries, including transportation, textiles, software, and manufacturing. They work closely with engineers, production staff, and other stakeholders to ensure that products meet these required standards and specifications. As such, they must effectively communicate the results of their tests to highlight issues or concerns that may impact the quality or performance of a product.
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National Average Salary
Test technician salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. To explore salary ranges by local market, please visit our sister site zengig.com.
The average U.S. salary for a Test Technicians is:
$56,740
Test Technician Job Descriptions
Example 1
The Test Technician position performs a variety of routine and non-routine testing assignments within the department and ensures timely and accurate test results under direct supervision. The technician positions must be proficient in several core business skills, including but not limited to compliance with established safety rules, code of conduct, and company policies and procedures.
Responsibilities
- Prepares material specimens for testing
- Performs tests as directed by customer specifications
- At times operates under the supervision of a more senior test technician and/or a Department Manager
- Interacts periodically with customers
- Schedules internal calibration of equipment
- Gathers and records test data
- Constructs and maintains various test fixtures and other laboratory equipment to ensure proper working order with little supervision
Qualifications
- Working knowledge of laboratory safety
- HS diploma or GED certificate preferred. College or vocational school coursework welcomed
- Minimum of 2 years experience in a testing-related field
- Analyzes and compiles testing data from the tests performed
- Basic understanding of testing concepts
- Possess computer skills
- Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry a plus
Example 2
Under direct supervision, performs commissioning activities on a variety of systems in order to validate proper installation.
Responsibilities
- Confirms system(s) operating conditions per the owner’s project requirements and basis of design
- Understands, maintains, tracks, and operates test equipment with due responsibility
- Record accurate, complete, and legible data onto appropriate media
- Recognize when field reports or observation logs are needed
- Write, deliver and follow up with accurately written reports and/or observation logs
- Work with the commissioning manager to schedule required equipment calibrations
- Assist the commissioning engineer in establishing project-specific commissioning plans, procedures, and schedules
- Coordinate and perform assigned work by prioritizing tasks and responsibilities sensitive to project schedules, budget, and BGIS expectations
- Communicate observations, questions, and concerns through proper channels promptly
- Document installation verification, functional performance, and observation log in standard format
- Review as-built documentation for accuracy and completeness
- Other duties as assigned
Required knowledge, education, and abilities
- Good understanding of mechanical, electrical, and control systems required
- Strong knowledge of interpreting construction documents (drawings, specifications, etc.) required
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Mechanical Engineering degree preferred
- Formal HVAC training/education preferred
- Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite – Word, Excel, and Outlook required; working knowledge of SharePoint preferred
Example 3
As a member of the Structural Test team, gather data for structural analysis, design, and validation purposes by instrumenting vehicles with test equipment using current procedures. Lead test activities on development/concept vehicles using various equipment. Travel and mechanical work required.
Responsibilities
- Leads test planning and executes data collection trips to remote location
- Understanding of the installation and usage of instrumentation for Load, Acceleration, Displacement, and Strain
- Operation of prototype vehicles and data collection test equipment
- Basic understanding of test data processing
- Maintain and organize equipment to ensure efficient reliable operation
- Complete and submit technical test reports upon completion of test activities
- Maintains and communicates an up to date schedule of testing and down time
- Seek out and attend job related training opportunities
- Motivated self-starter, willing to work overtime as needed
- Responsible for the quality and integrity of field test and lab test data
- Maintains a well-organized clean work area and meet OSHA requirements
- Ability to present self professionally and successfully work with vendors
- Maintain strict confidentiality
Skills and knowledge
- 2-year technology degree preferred
- 3-5 years related technical experience preferred
- Test data collection, processing, and analysis using Somat, eDAQ, and nCode Glyphworks
- Excellent hands-on experience with trouble shooting electrical systems
- Experience performing vehicle and system-level testing
- Experienced with test planning and coordination
- Quality and customer-focused
- Self-motivated with attention to detail
- Proficient with Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Basic understanding of metal fatigue is preferred
Working conditions
- Dynamic, fast-paced environment with travel up to 50%
- Time split between office and shop/test labs
- Flexible work arrangement available
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds
How to Hire a Test Technician
Consider the following when hiring a test technician:
- Recruiting: Do you have the internal resources and tools to source and recruit for this role successfully?
- Complexity: Do you need a senior professional, or will mid, or even junior-level skills suffice?
- Duration: Is this a one-time project, or an indefinite need?
- Management: Can you effectively direct the work effort?
- Urgency: Are there any deadlines associated with this need?
- Headcount: Do you have the budget and approval for an internal employee, or should you consider alternate options?
Answering these questions will help determine the best course of action for your current hiring need. Fortunately, various great options exist for every scenario, no matter how unique. We recommend the following options when hiring a test technician:
1. Use 4 Corner Resources (or another professional recruiting firm)
The heavy lifting is done for you when working with a top-tier staffing company like 4 Corner Resources. We source, screen, recruit, and deliver only the most qualified candidate(s), saving you significant time and effort throughout the hiring process while you remain focused on your core business. Understanding your needs and ensuring the right candidate for the position is the key to our success.
This is the best route to take when:
- You need to fill the position quickly
- You want access to a vast talent pool of high-quality, prescreened candidates
- Your position is suited for temporary hiring services, contract staffing, or contract-to-hire recruiting, and you intend to direct the work activity.
- You are hiring an employee as a direct placement but aren’t able to recruit effectively or efficiently with your internal staff.
- You aren’t familiar with current salary rates, market trends, and available skill sets

2. Advertise your opening on a top job board
Your best option may be to advertise your opening on a proven job board. There are many widely used job sites out there that draw visits from qualified candidates. If you have someone internally who can dedicate the time and energy to sort through applications and screen individuals effectively, this can be a great choice.
We recommend using a job board when:
- Your internal recruiting team has the knowledge and experience to assess candidate qualifications
- You are hiring a direct employee and have time to manage the entire recruiting effort
- You have a process for receiving, screening, and tracking all resumes and applications
- You are prepared to respond to all applicants
There are many career sites out there. Here are the two we recommend for a test technician opening:
LinkedIn is a social network for job seekers, professionals, and businesses. With this popular job site, you can enhance your brand and advertise your open position to a wide audience of motivated, qualified candidates. Job postings on LinkedIn are also extremely streamlined and user-friendly, making it even easier for candidates to apply. Additionally, applicants can use their LinkedIn profile instead of a resume to expedite the process.

CareerBuilder
CareerBuilder has been a trusted source for hiring since 1995. Reach 80+ million unique, diverse U.S. job seekers annually by posting your jobs through their talent acquisition channels. Through CareerBuilder, you can engage candidates and drive them into your sourcing pipeline. We recommend using CareerBuilder for hiring when you have the internal resources and processes to review, screen, and reply to all applicants.

3. Leverage your internal resources
You can utilize your own website, social media, and employees to assist in your search for top candidates.
A company website posting should be the first step in notifying prospective candidates that you are hiring. Social media can also be a powerful tool for spreading the word about your new opening. As far as exposure is concerned, this option can be as good as some job boards when you have a large enough following across various platforms, like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.
Current employees are every organization’s greatest asset. Encourage your internal team to promote job openings to their network by offering cash and other incentives.
We recommend these options when:
- Your brand has great name recognition
- You can consistently monitor and respond to candidate activity through your website and social media accounts
- You have a process in place to quickly and broadly communicate job openings and requirements
- You have an effective employee referral program in place
If you aren’t sure which path is best, schedule a discovery call today with our seasoned recruiting professionals. The 4 Corner team is on standby to help you find the best option for your unique hiring need.
Sample Interview Questions
- Describe your professional history as a test technician.
- What formal training and education do you have?
- Please list the relevant degrees and certificates that you have.
- If this instrument is having issues running properly, how would you go about troubleshooting it? How would you present the required fix for this product?
- When a product doesn’t meet specifications, what do you do?
- What is your process for conducting a test and documenting the results?
- What methods do you use to prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines?
- When have you collaborated with a team to resolve a quality issue?
- What methods do you use to ensure that your testing equipment is always in good working order?
- When testing, how do you prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you?
- In a fast-paced environment, how do you maintain your attention to detail?
- When have you needed to adapt to a new testing procedure or process?