Lab Technician - St Joseph, MI

Position Overview

The Lab Technician supports new product development by performing testing and analysis for project engineers, application engineers, and, when needed, the quality department. This role is responsible for executing industry‑standard and customer‑specific testing, maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring accurate documentation of all test activities. The role reports an Engineering Services Manager.

Essential Job Functions:

Testing & Analysis

• Perform caster and wheel testing according to:
  • Industry standards
  • Customer‑requested protocols
  • Continuous improvement and quality initiatives
• Convert customer test requests into equivalent procedures using existing lab equipment to approximate real‑world performance.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of applicable industry standards and testing requirements.

Laboratory Operations

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and improve lab equipment and testing fixtures.
• Ensure calibration schedules are followed and preventative maintenance activities are completed.
• Develop new test equipment, fixtures, and methods as needed.
• Identify opportunities for automated data collection and analysis; propose and implement improvements.

Documentation & Reporting

• Create detailed test records, including parameters, observations, and performance results.
• Prepare summarized test reports based on basic data analysis and maintain consistent reporting standards.
• Develop and manage lab test scheduling processes and communicate status updates to stakeholders.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent bending and stooping.
• Ability to walk long distances repeatedly throughout the day.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.

Knowledge & Education:

• Associate Degree in General Technology preferred.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Exposure to CM II or CM II Certification is a plus.

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a testing or laboratory environment.
• At least 1 year of experience using measurement tools (e.g., calipers).
• At least 1 year of experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to set up, run, and document experiments in a testing environment.
• Competence in using measurement tools and interpreting results.

Additional Information

This job description outlines the primary responsibilities of the position but is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties may be added, removed, or modified as business needs evolve. Employees may be required to perform related tasks not specifically listed when such duties are aligned with the roles purpose.