Mechanical Lab Technician

Mechanical Lab Technician Location: TX, Austin Duration: 06 months on W2 contract About the Role We are looking for a hands-on mechanical lab technician who is comfortable with physical test setups, precision measurement equipment, and structured data collection. This is a contract role focused on executing experiments, assembling test fixtures, recording measurements, and producing clear engineering reports. You will work in a fast-paced hardware development environment where accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to follow instructions exactly are required .Every week will look different. One day you are configuring a strain gauge bridge and logging data through a datalogger. The next you are assembling a torque test fixture, applying a thermal interface material sample, or setting up a force measurement rig. You will not always be given clear procedures and there will be some ambiguity in lab testing. You will execute required tests precisely, flag any anomalies, and report results in a way that another engineer can act on immediately . What You Will D • o Operate and set up 3D printers to produce test fixtures, brackets, and prototype par • tsInstall, condition, and record data from strain gauges and associated measurement bridges and amplifie • rsConfigure and run torque measurement test setups, including calibration and data captu • reSet up and operate data loggers and thermocouples for thermal and structural tes • tsConduct thermal interface material (TIM) characterization tests, including sample preparation, fixture assembly, and data captu • rePerform mechanical assembly testing: verify fits, torque fasteners to specification, and document resul • tsWork with force and pressure measurement equipment to execute load and contact tes • tsHandle and assemble PCBs, heatsinks, and hose assemblies as part of hardware test setu • psUse SolidWorks to review part drawings, interpret geometry, and occasionally generate simple models or drawings for lab u • seRecord all measurements in Excel or similar software, maintain clean data logs, and produce clear written reports with findings and observatio • nsRead and interpret electrical and mechanical datasheets and schematics to understand component specifications and wiring requiremen • tsFollow written test procedures exactly as written; flag any deviation, ambiguity, or anomaly to the engineer immediate ly What We Are Looking F or Required Skil • ls Associate's or Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering technology, mechanical engineering, or a related technical field — or equivalent hands-on lab experie • nceDemonstrated experience operating physical test and measurement equipment in a lab or manufacturing environm • entProficiency in Microsoft Excel: data entry, basic formulas, charting, and organized data logg • ingAbility to read mechanical and electrical datasheets, drawings and schematics and extract relevant specificati • onsWorking knowledge of SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software for reviewing and interpreting drawi • ngsStrong written communication: you can write a measurement report that another engineer can read, understand, and act • onMeticulous attention to detail: measurements are recorded completely and accurately, every t • imeAbility to follow written instructions exactly as given — and to immediately flag anything that does not match the proced • ureQuick learner: when handed a new piece of equipment, your instinct is to read the manual and figure it • outWorking with hand tools such as manual and electrical screwdrivers, various hand tools, calipers and other typical lab to ols Strongly Preferred, but Not Required (Nice to Ha • ve) Familiarity with any of the following specific equipment brands: Mark-10, Graphtec, Instron, Keyence, Imada, Tekscan, Mitutoyo, Bambu • LabsExperience with statistical analysis software such as JMP, Minitab, or equiva • lentAbility to use AI tools (such as ChatGPT or Claude) to write simple scripts or macros for lab data processing or equipment automation, if needed • Experience in soldering small PCB compon ents Atti • tude Methodical and precise — you double-check your setup before pressing • startComfortable with physical, hands-on work in a hardware lab enviro • nmentCalm under pressure and able to manage multiple ongoing test setups in a fast-paced enviro • nmentProactive about flagging problems early rather than hoping they resolve thems • elvesGenuinely curious about new equipment and test me • thodsAble to work collaboratively with engineers and other techni cians What You Will N • ot Do Estimate measurements instead of recording exact • valuesSkip steps in a procedure because they seem unnec • essaryWait passively when a procedure is unclear — ask immed iately