Mechanical Lab Technician

Duration: 06 months ContractLocation: Austin, TXPay Rate: $30.00/hr. to $36.00/hr.About the Role: 5-10 years experience.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 Do: Operate and set up 3D printers to produce test fixtures, brackets, and prototype partsInstall, condition, and record data from strain gauges and associated measurement bridges and amplifiersConfigure and run torque measurement test setups, including calibration and data captureSet up and operate data loggers and thermocouples for thermal and structural testsConduct thermal interface material (TIM) characterization tests, including sample preparation, fixture assembly, and data capturePerform mechanical assembly testing: verify fits, torque fasteners to specification, and document resultsWork with force and pressure measurement equipment to execute load and contact testsHandle and assemble PCBs, heatsinks, and hose assemblies as part of hardware test setupsUse SolidWorks to review part drawings, interpret geometry, and occasionally generate simple models or drawings for lab useRecord all measurements in Excel or similar software, maintain clean data logs, and produce clear written reports with findings and observationsRead and interpret electrical and mechanical datasheets and schematics to understand component specifications and wiring requirementsFollow written test procedures exactly as written; flag any deviation, ambiguity, or anomaly to the engineer immediatelyRequired Skills:Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology, mechanical engineering, or a related technical field — or equivalent hands-on lab experienceDemonstrated experience operating physical test and measurement equipment in a lab or manufacturing environmentProficiency in Microsoft Excel: data entry, basic formulas, charting, and organized data loggingAbility to read mechanical and electrical datasheets, drawings and schematics and extract relevant specificationsWorking knowledge of SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software for reviewing and interpreting drawingsStrong written communication: you can write a measurement report that another engineer can read, understand, and act on Meticulous attention to detail: measurements are recorded completely and accurately, every timeAbility to follow written instructions exactly as given — and to immediately flag anything that does not match the procedureQuick 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 tools.Nice to Have: 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 equivalentAbility to use AI tools (such as ChatGPT or Claude) to write simple scripts or macros for lab data processing or equipment automation, if neededExperience in soldering small PCB componentsAttitude: Methodical and precise — you double-check your setup before pressing startComfortable with physical, hands-on work in a hardware lab environmentCalm under pressure and able to manage multiple ongoing test setups in a fast-paced environmentProactive about flagging problems early rather than hoping they resolve themselvesGenuinely curious about new equipment and test methodsAble to work collaboratively with engineers and other techniciansWhat You Will Not Do: Estimate measurements instead of recording exact valuesSkip steps in a procedure because they seem unnecessaryWait passively when a procedure is unclear — ask immediatelySubmit a report with unexplained gaps or missing data