Lab Technician Engineering Department

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Lab Technician supports the Engineering Department in conducting material, performance, and durability testing of windshield wiper systems and components for commercial vehicle applications (heavy-duty trucks, buses, and fleet vehicles). Working under the direction of the Engineering Manager, this role is responsible for operating test equipment, collecting and documenting data, maintaining laboratory instruments, and ensuring that all testing activities conform to established quality and safety standards. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Testing & Evaluation 

• Set up, operate, and monitor test equipment for wiper blade, arm, motor, and linkage assemblies including endurance, wipe quality, freeze-thaw, pressure, and temperature cycling tests. 

• Conduct material testing on wiper rubber compounds, including hardness (Shore A/D), tensile strength, elongation, compression set, and abrasion resistance per applicable ASTM and SAE standards. 

• Perform accelerated weathering and UV exposure testing on wiper blade materials and coatings using UV chambers and weatherometers. 

• Execute wipe clarity and streak evaluation testing on test rigs simulating commercial vehicle windshield curvatures and dimensions. 

• Conduct environmental chamber tests including extreme temperature performance (-40°F to +185°F), humidity exposure, and salt spray corrosion evaluations. 

• Validate motor torque, wiper arm pressure, and drive system performance against engineering specifications. 

Data Collection & Documentation 

• Accurately record all test parameters, observations, and results in laboratory notebooks, data sheets, and electronic database systems. 

• Compile test data into summary reports using Microsoft Excel and standard lab reporting templates; flag out-of-specification results for Engineering Manager review. 

• Photograph and document test specimens before, during, and after testing, including failure modes and surface conditions. 

• Maintain chain-of-custody records for all test samples and reference specimens. 

• Support the preparation of test plans, test reports, and technical data packages for internal and customer presentations. 

Equipment & Laboratory Maintenance 

• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly calibration checks on all laboratory instruments and test fixtures; escalate out-of-tolerance conditions promptly. 

• Maintain calibration records and coordinate with equipment vendors and internal metrology functions for scheduled recertification. 

• Conduct preventive maintenance on test rigs, environmental chambers, dynamometers, and hand tools in accordance with PM schedules. 

• Troubleshoot basic equipment malfunctions; coordinate with outside service providers for major repairs. 

• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and inventory of test consumables, chemicals, and spare parts. 

Sample & Specimen Preparation 

• Prepare test specimens from production and prototype wiper blades, arms, and assemblies using die-cutting, machining, and assembly methods per engineering drawings. 

• Apply surface coatings, lubricants, and conditioning treatments to specimens as required by test protocols. 

• Coordinate with the manufacturing floor and supply chain to obtain production samples, validation parts, and competitive benchmarking components. 

Safety & Compliance 

• Follow all facility EHS policies, including proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and hazardous materials (solvents, rubber compounding agents, lubricants). 

• Maintain a current understanding of applicable SDS (Safety Data Sheets) for all chemicals used in the laboratory. 

• Wear appropriate PPE at all times and enforce lab safety protocols with visitors and temporary personnel. 

• Participate in safety audits, incident investigations, and corrective action implementation as required. 

Continuous Improvement & Collaboration 

• Identify opportunities to improve test efficiency, accuracy, and repeatability; present suggestions to the Engineering Manager. 

• Collaborate with Product Engineers, Quality, and Manufacturing teams to support root cause analysis and corrective actions for field warranty issues. 

• Assist in the development and validation of new test methods to meet evolving OEM and regulatory requirements. 

• Support external lab audits, customer visits, and third-party certification activities as required. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Required 

• High School Diploma or equivalent 

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a manufacturing or product testing laboratory environment. 

• Demonstrated ability to operate mechanical, electrical, and environmental test equipment. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel for data analysis and charting, Word for report writing). 

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, test standards, and technical specifications. 

• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to data integrity and accurate record-keeping. 

• Effective written and verbal communication skills; ability to present findings clearly to engineering staff. 

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods in a laboratory/manufacturing environment. 

Preferred 

• Experience in automotive, heavy truck, or commercial vehicle component testing. 

• Familiarity with SAE, ASTM, ISO, or OEM (e.g., Navistar, PACCAR, Daimler) test standards applicable to wiper systems or rubber/polymer components. 

• Knowledge of rubber or elastomer materials characterization. 

• Experience with statistical analysis tools (Minitab, JMP) or laboratory information management systems (LIMS). 

• Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification. 

• ISO 9001 / IATF 16949 quality system experience. 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

This position operates in a combination of laboratory and manufacturing floor environments. The employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical equipment, chemicals, varying temperature conditions, and noise levels requiring hearing protection in designated areas. Extended test runs may require occasional off-shift or weekend coverage with advance notice. Some travel to customer facilities, supplier sites, or external testing labs may be required (<10% annually).