What Does a Test Technician Do?

Test technicians are responsible for ensuring that products and services meet certain standards of quality. They commonly work with a variety of equipment, including computer systems, robotics, sensors, and other devices used to test the performance of these items.

Test technicians may also be tasked with developing new testing methods or procedures in order to ensure that their company is meeting industry standards. This might include creating new tests for existing products or designing entirely new products to be tested in the future.

Test Technician Job Duties

Test technicians have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Conducting tests on products, equipment, or materials to ensure that they meet safety standards or are compatible with other products
• Performing quality control checks on test equipment to ensure that it is operating correctly
• Preparing reports detailing test results and identifying any issues with products or materials
• Preparing test equipment for use by setting up equipment and calibrating it to ensure that it is working correctly
• Observing test subjects performing tasks to ensure that they are using products correctly
• Recording data points generated by tests to ensure accuracy
• Conducting tests in controlled environments such as laboratories, clean rooms, or outdoors
• Observing equipment during operation to identify malfunctions or problems with design
• Communicating with management about issues that arise during testing

Test Technician Salary & Outlook

Test technician salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the company they work for. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of overtime.

• Median Annual Salary: $52,300 ($25.14/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $122,000 ($58.65/hour)

The employment of test technicians is expected to decline over the next decade.

Declining manufacturing employment will result in fewer jobs for test technicians. As manufacturing companies automate processes and increase productivity, fewer workers will be needed to maintain equipment. In addition, some test technician jobs may be sent overseas, where labor costs are cheaper.

Related: 25 Test Technician Interview Questions and Answers

Test Technician Job Requirements

Test technicians typically need to have the following qualifications:

Education: Test technicians are typically required to have a high school diploma or GED. Some employers may require a test technician to have a two-year associate’s degree in computer science, information technology or another closely related field.

Training & Experience: Test technicians receive on-the-job training to learn the specific processes and procedures of their role. Training may include shadowing a current test technician or learning from a supervisor. Training may last a few days to a few months, depending on the complexity of the role and the size of the company.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications can validate the qualifications you have earned, give you access to higher paying jobs and make you a more competitive candidate when applying for jobs. Test technician candidates can earn certifications to gain more theoretical knowledge of their responsibilities, test different types of equipment and further their career advancement opportunities.

Test Technician Skills

Test technicians need the following skills in order to be successful:

Technical skills: Technical skills are the skills you use to perform tasks and solve problems. These skills are often specific to the job you perform and the tools you use. For example, as a test technician, you might use technical skills to operate test equipment, analyze data and troubleshoot issues.

Communication skills: Test technicians often work in teams with other test engineers and other technicians. Effective communication skills can help you collaborate with your colleagues and share information effectively. You may also need to communicate with other departments, such as software development, to relay information about the product you’re testing.

Attention to detail: Attention to detail is the ability to notice small changes and errors. Test technicians need to have excellent attention to detail to ensure they notice any issues with a product. This can help them identify the source of the problem and make the necessary changes to fix it. It can also help them identify the right solution to a problem.

Problem-solving skills: Problem-solving skills are necessary for test technicians because they often need to identify and resolve issues that arise during testing. For example, if a software program isn’t working as it should, a test technician might need to find the source of the problem and suggest a solution.

Teamwork skills: Working with others is an important part of being a test technician. You may work with other test technicians, engineers, marketing teams and other professionals to test a product and provide feedback. Being able to work with others can help you collaborate and share ideas.

Test Technician Work Environment

Test technicians work in a variety of settings, including laboratories, manufacturing plants, and quality control departments. They may work in clean rooms, where they must wear special clothing to keep the environment free of contaminants. They may also work in areas where noise levels are high and where they are exposed to fumes, dust, and other airborne particles. In some cases, they may work with hazardous materials. Most test technicians work full time, and some may work overtime, especially when deadlines are approaching.

Test Technician Trends

Here are three trends influencing how test technicians work. Test technicians will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Need for More Automation

As businesses become more reliant on technology, the need for automation will continue to grow. This means that test technicians will need to be able to automate tests in order to keep up with the pace of change.

Test technicians who are able to automate tests will be in high demand, as they will be able to streamline the testing process and free up time for other tasks. In addition, they will be able to ensure that tests are run consistently and accurately across all systems.

The Growth of Agile Development

The growth of agile development is a trend that is quickly changing the way that software is developed. Instead of developing software in a linear fashion, teams now work in short sprints where they focus on specific features or products.

This shift has led to an increased demand for test professionals who can adapt to this new way of working. As a result, test technicians will need to learn how to work in agile teams and develop the skills necessary to support them.

More Focus on Security Testing

As businesses become more reliant on technology, the need for security testing will continue to grow. This means that test technicians will be in high demand, as they are responsible for ensuring that the products that they are testing are secure.

In order to be successful in this field, test technicians will need to be familiar with the latest security threats and how to test for them. They will also need to be able to communicate effectively with developers and product managers in order to provide feedback on how to make their products more secure.

How to Become a Test Technician

A career as a test technician can be a great way to get started in the IT industry. As a test technician, you’ll have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects and learn about different technologies. You’ll also develop critical thinking skills that will help you solve problems when faced with new challenges.

To become a test technician, you’ll need to have strong technical skills and be able to think critically. You should also be able to work independently and be comfortable working with computers.

Advancement Prospects

Test technicians may advance to positions with more responsibility, such as test engineer, senior test technician, or supervisor. Some technicians become technical specialists or consultants. With experience and additional education, some may qualify for jobs in management or marketing.

Those with strong computer skills may advance to positions such as software engineer, systems analyst, or database administrator. Those with strong math skills may advance to positions such as statistician or operations research analyst.

Test Technician Job Description Example

As a test technician at [CompanyX], you will be responsible for conducting various types of tests on products and materials to ensure quality and compliance with company and industry standards. This is a critical role in our quality assurance process, as the data and insights you provide will be used to make decisions about the design, production, and marketing of our products. The ideal candidate for this position will have experience with a variety of testing methods and equipment, as well as strong analytical and problem-solving skills. He or she must be able to work independently and be detail-oriented, as accuracy and precision are essential in this role.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform various types of testing on products and materials to ensure quality and reliability
• Develop and document test procedures and methodologies
• Select and set up appropriate testing equipment
• Conduct tests and record data accurately
• Analyze test results and prepare reports
• Assist in the development of new testing methods and processes
• Investigate customer complaints and identify root causes
• Recommend improvements to existing products and processes
• Maintain accurate records of all testing activities
• Adhere to safety regulations and company policies
• Keep abreast of latest developments in testing technology and methodology
• Train other technicians in testing procedures and operation of testing equipment

Required Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Associate’s degree in electronics, engineering, or related field preferred
• 1-3 years experience in a testing role
• Experience with basic hand tools and electronic test equipment
• Ability to read and interpret schematics and technical manuals
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electronics, engineering, or related field
• 3-5 years experience in a testing role
• Experience with automated test equipment
• Experience developing test plans and procedures
• Knowledge of quality standards (ISO, MIL-STD, etc.)
• Certification in quality assurance or similar discipline