Automotive Laboratory Technician

Talascend is currently seeking an Automotive Laboratory Technician for a contract opportunity with our client in Livonia, Michigan.

Overview

The Automotive Laboratory Technician I will support engineering testing for research, development, or certification of vehicles, products, sub-systems, components, or materials. This role collects data using specialized equipment, control software, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems, while supporting diagnosis and experimental setup to ensure operational efficiency and data quality.

Responsibilities

• Support execution of test procedures while collecting high quality data using specialized equipment, which may include dynamometers, cylinder combustion analyzers, exhaust emissions analyzers, flow meters, force actuators and load cells, environmental chambers, or various material property measurement equipment.
• Support installation of test units onto test stands, including mounting fixtures, instrumentation, and fluid or electrical connections.
• Perform regular maintenance, replace parts, and request shop supplies.
• Support diagnosis and issue resolution for the unit on test, equipment control software, instrumentation, data acquisition systems, or facilities.
• Maintain accurate records of unit on test, tests run, maintenance, and part changes.
• Work directly with engineers to operate at experimental conditions.
• Support calibration and maintenance of test equipment for accuracy and ISO compliance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 1 year of mechanical, instrumentation, electrical, or fabrication experience.
• Valid drivers license.
• Good computer skills and flexibility to learn new skills.
• Good communication skills, written and verbal.
• Good customer service and organizational skills.
• Basic knowledge of automotive powertrain systems, fuel systems, components, or material properties.
• Ability to learn and follow detailed test procedures while recording data.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the duties of this position through relevant experience, training, or education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic automotive mechanical experience.
• Comfort working around test equipment and vehicles.
• Enough hands-on judgment to notice problems and stop a test when something doesn’t look right.
• Strong attention to detail for inspections and documentation.
• Good reliability and communication skills.
• Basic computer proficiency for logging updates and tracking test status.
• Ability to work overtime as needed, including weekends.

Shift

Night shift hours are 10:00 PM to 6:30 AM.