Job Description
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
- 4 Corner Resources
- Career Builder
- Glassdoor
- Indeed
- Monster
- Zip Recruiter
- Engineering.com
- Engineering Jobs
Are You Interested in Becoming a Test Technician?
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