Description:
About Us:
We are committed to finding smart solutions that enable an intelligent and seamless world. Our success as a world-class leader in technology has evolved from humble beginnings. In 1896, the enterprising father and son team of A.J. and George A. Briggs partnered with S.A. Buffington, a Chicago lawyer, to establish Chicago Telephone Supply Company (later to become CTS).
Today, CTS is a leading designer and manufacturer of sensors, actuators, and electronic components for suppliers and original equipment manufacturers. We have over 20 locations in 12 countries and more than 3,500 employees. Our innovative sensing, connectivity, and motion solutions offer a diverse range of products across diversified end markets including transportation, medical, aerospace and defense, and industrial. We are at the forefront of supporting innovating life-changing technology, focusing on quality to keep people safe, healthy, and happy.
Position Summary
The Test Lab Technician supports product validation, development testing, production support testing, and daily test lab operations for the Sensors & Mechatronics business unit in Elkhart, Indiana. This role performs hands-on testing, prepares setups, operates lab equipment, records and organizes data, maintains documentation, and communicates status, issues, and results to engineering, quality, and lab leadership. The role may also support limited test engineering activities such as test method improvement, fixture and instrumentation support, data analysis, troubleshooting, and process improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Test Setup, Execution, and Monitoring – 30%
- Set up and perform environmental, mechanical, electrical, and product validation testing per approved test requests, plans, work instructions, customer specifications, and internal procedures.
- Operate and monitor thermal chambers, humidity chambers, vibration systems, dust chambers, salt/corrosion chambers, data acquisition systems, oscilloscopes, meters, sensors, fixtures, and related instrumentation.
- Prepare devices under test, fixtures, wiring, instrumentation, and monitoring equipment for accurate and safe testing. Record conditions, observations, equipment settings, sample identification, interruptions, anomalies, and completion status.
- Identify product, setup, equipment, or data abnormalities and promptly communicate issues to the Test Lab Manager, engineers, or appropriate support personnel.
Test Documentation and Data Management – 25%
- Maintain accurate test logs, data files, photographs, equipment records, and supporting documentation.
- Compile test data, organize results, prepare summaries, chart data, and support test report creation.
- Use Microsoft Excel and other applicable tools to enter, analyze, chart, and communicate test data.
- Support data processing and information sharing for engineering, quality, product development, and lab leadership.
- Ensure records are completed and stored according to CTS quality system expectations and project requirements.
Equipment Operation, Support, and Lab Readiness – 20%
- Keep test areas, equipment, fixtures, tools, and supplies organized and ready for use.
- Perform routine equipment checks, basic troubleshooting, and minor setup adjustments as appropriate.
- Assist with equipment coordination, calibration awareness, fixture readiness, and communication of equipment issues or downtime.
- Support improvements to test methods, documentation, equipment use, lab organization, and workflow.
- Assist with fixture setup, basic mechanical/electrical assembly, wiring, sensor installation, and instrumentation.
Cross-Functional Support – 10%
- Work with engineering, product development, quality, manufacturing, and external test service providers to support testing activities.
- Communicate test progress, issues, timing risks, resource needs, data summaries, and results clearly and promptly.
- Participate in team meetings, test reviews, troubleshooting discussions, and planning activities.
- Support development, validation, qualification, warranty, and production-related testing as assigned.
- Provide input on test setup improvements, work instructions, equipment needs, and lab processes.
Advanced Test Support and Test Method Improvement – 15%
- Support engineering-led test development, test method refinement, and continual improvement.
- Assist with evaluating CTS, customer, and internal test requirements; identifying setup considerations, data needs, equipment requirements, and potential product or setup failure modes; and recommending practical improvements to test methods, fixtures, instrumentation, work instructions, and data handling.
- Support development, qualification, assurance, and production-related testing by helping resolve test issues, review data trends, document technical observations, and provide technician-level input to engineering reports and test planning.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge and Technical Skills: Technically minded with the ability to understand test objectives, equipment operation, test conditions, basic product performance requirements, and validation/durability testing purpose. Familiarity with thermal chambers, humidity chambers, vibration systems, dust chambers, salt/corrosion chambers, data acquisition systems, sensors, transducers, oscilloscopes, meters, and electronic/mechanical instrumentation. Able to support fixture setup, instrumentation, data review, troubleshooting, and practical test method improvement.
- Decision-Making: Able to follow procedures, work instructions, test plans, and safety requirements while recognizing abnormalities, unclear conditions, equipment concerns, questionable data, or timing risks that require escalation. Uses sound judgment to assess setup quality, data completeness, equipment readiness, and need for additional review.
- Initiative: Curious and technical, with troubleshooting ability for test setups, instrumentation, fixtures, wiring, equipment operation, and data collection. Proactively identifies practical improvements to setup methods, work instructions, equipment use, lab workflow, fixture readiness, and data handling.
- Planning/Organizing: Strong time management and organization skills with the ability to manage multiple tests, samples, records, changing priorities, and competing deadlines while maintaining documentation and lab readiness. Supports project timing by coordinating test preparation, equipment availability, sample readiness, and data deliverables.
- Communication: Communicates effectively with technicians, engineers, managers, vendors, external test service providers, and internal customers. Clearly communicates test progress, issues, timing risks, resource needs, data summaries, technical observations, and results. Able to explain setup details, data concerns, and recommended next steps in engineering discussions.
- Other Job Requirements: Occasional domestic travel may be required. Must maintain a clean, organized, safe, and professional lab environment.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Technical aptitude and hands-on ability with lab equipment, tools, fixtures, instrumentation, and computer-based data systems.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate degree, technical certification, military technical training, or equivalent experience in electronics, electrical technology, mechanical technology, automotive technology, engineering technology, mechatronics, or a related field is preferred.
- 2+ years of experience in a testing, test lab, product validation, engineering support, manufacturing support, or related technical environment is preferred.
- Preferred experience includes environmental or durability testing such as temperature, humidity, vibration, corrosion/salt spray, dust exposure, mechanical shock, or similar validation methods; data acquisition systems, sensors, transducers, accelerometers, meters, oscilloscopes, or other instrumentation; and documenting results, creating summaries, organizing and charting data, supporting engineering reports, troubleshooting setups, improving test methods, or supporting fixture/instrumentation development.
Physical Demands
- Work Position: Ability to work at a computer for extended periods and to stand, walk, bend, reach, and work around lab equipment as needed.
- Activity Summary: Ability to lift, move, or carry test samples, fixtures, tools, and equipment up to 40 lbs. as required. Ability to use basic hand tools and perform hands-on setup work with mechanical and electrical components.
- Hearing / Visual: Ability to inspect parts, read equipment displays, interpret labels, review computer-based data, and communicate by phone, email, Teams, videoconference, and in-person discussions.
Working Environment
Work is performed in office and test lab environments. The lab may include environmental chambers, vibration systems, dust chambers, salt/corrosion chambers, data acquisition equipment, fixtures, tools, and related instrumentation. Work may involve exposure to operating machinery, test equipment, temperature extremes, humidity, vibration, dust, salt/corrosion exposure, noise, electrical/mechanical setups, and other controlled test conditions. Required safety practices and personal protective equipment must be followed.
Join Us
At CTS, one of the ways we recognize the value of our employees is through our comprehensive benefits program. Highlights of our benefits program for full-time employees include:
- Health Benefits
- 401K
- Paid Time Off
- Holiday Pay
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Parental Leave
- Pet Insurance
- Tuition Reimbursement
Ready to shape the future? Apply now to join a world leader in sensing and connectivity.
United States EEO Statement
CTS Corporation is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer who complies with all applicable federal, state and local employment laws. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at CTS Corporation will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. It has been and shall continue to be both the official policy and the commitment of CTS Corporation to further equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of, among other characteristics, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristics protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.
ADA accommodation statement: If you require reasonable accommodation in the application process, call Human Resources at 630.577.8811. All other applications must be submitted online.
United States Additional Considerations
It is unlawful in all states where the Company operates, including Massachusetts, to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates applicable laws may be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. The Company does not require a lie detector test as a condition of employment nor continued employment.
Applicants must have valid work authorization that does not now and/or will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.
No agencies, please. We do not accept any unsolicited resumes and are not looking to engage an agency. We receive inquiries from agencies daily. Do not direct any inquiries or emails to hiring managers. It is not our standard practice to utilize agencies; we are a federal contractor and need to comply with the same process for all.
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