CARIAD
Electrical Engineer Lab Technician
CARIAD, Santa Clara, California, United States, 95050
Role Summary:The Lab Technician will play a key role in supporting the design, development, and bring-up of automotive infotainment systems. Responsibilities include building and maintaining test fixtures, executing tests, organizing the lab, assembling cables, performing PCB repairs, assisting with fault isolation, and ensuring smooth software and hardware integration. The role requires a strong understanding of Linux environments, scripting, and software integration, working closely with engineers on both mechanical and electrical components.
EducationRequiredHigh school diplomaDesiredAssociate degree in electrical engineering, or related work experience
Skills:Analytical and conceptual thinkingCommunication skills - interpersonal, presentation and writtenResource management
Specialized Skills:RequiredStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsExcellent communication skills (interpersonal, presentation, and written)Proficiency in reading and interpreting schematics, technical drawings, and datasheetsExperience with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, signal generators)Experience in cable assembly, wire harness creation, and connector crimpingPCB rework and repair experience (soldering, desoldering, component replacement)Familiarity with automotive infotainment systemsBasic programming skills for test automation (Python, LabVIEW, or similar)Proficiency with Linux operating systems (e.g., Ubuntu, Yocto)Experience with shell scripting and automation (Bash, Python)Experience with software integration and debugging on embedded systems
DesiredExperience building and maintaining test fixtures and jigs for hardware validationProficiency in 3D CAD software for fixture design (desired but not required)Knowledge of automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, MOST, Ethernet)Familiarity with audio/video testing, RF measurements, and signal integrity analysisExperience with fault isolation, root cause analysis, and debugging techniquesUnderstanding of EMC/EMI testing principles and practicesAbility to work within a Linux environment and assist with software integration tasks
Work Flexibility:
Physical requirements, travel requirements, work schedule, etc.Occasional travel to customer sites or other company locations may be requiredAbility to work flexible hours during critical project phases
5+ years of relevant experience in building test fixtures, wire working and mechanical skills
Role Responsibilities:Test Execution and Support (40%)
Execute test plans for automotive infotainment systems, including validation, performance, and stress testingSet up and run complex tests with guidance from engineering teamsCollect, organize, and conduct basic analysis of test resultsSupport design verification and validation (DV/PV) testing for hardware platformsAssist with software and hardware integration in a Linux environment, troubleshooting and debugging embedded systems
Lab Organization and Management (25%)
Maintain a well-organized and efficient lab environment to support ongoing projectsTrack and manage the inventory of lab components, tools, and equipmentImplement and maintain asset tracking systemsEnsure timely calibration and maintenance of lab equipment
Hardware Assembly and Repair (25%)
Assemble and modify test fixtures and prototypes based on engineering requirementsCreate, modify, and repair wire harnesses and cable assembliesPerform PCB rework, including soldering, desoldering, and component-level repairsSupport the assembly, modification, and testing of prototype hardwareAssist with integrating and testing software components on hardware platforms
Documentation and Reporting (10%)
Document test processes, results, and findings in a detailed and organized mannerContribute to the development of test reports, presentations, and technical documentationAssist in the creation and updating of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices for lab operations
EducationRequiredHigh school diplomaDesiredAssociate degree in electrical engineering, or related work experience
Skills:Analytical and conceptual thinkingCommunication skills - interpersonal, presentation and writtenResource management
Specialized Skills:RequiredStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsExcellent communication skills (interpersonal, presentation, and written)Proficiency in reading and interpreting schematics, technical drawings, and datasheetsExperience with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, signal generators)Experience in cable assembly, wire harness creation, and connector crimpingPCB rework and repair experience (soldering, desoldering, component replacement)Familiarity with automotive infotainment systemsBasic programming skills for test automation (Python, LabVIEW, or similar)Proficiency with Linux operating systems (e.g., Ubuntu, Yocto)Experience with shell scripting and automation (Bash, Python)Experience with software integration and debugging on embedded systems
DesiredExperience building and maintaining test fixtures and jigs for hardware validationProficiency in 3D CAD software for fixture design (desired but not required)Knowledge of automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, MOST, Ethernet)Familiarity with audio/video testing, RF measurements, and signal integrity analysisExperience with fault isolation, root cause analysis, and debugging techniquesUnderstanding of EMC/EMI testing principles and practicesAbility to work within a Linux environment and assist with software integration tasks
Work Flexibility:
Physical requirements, travel requirements, work schedule, etc.Occasional travel to customer sites or other company locations may be requiredAbility to work flexible hours during critical project phases
5+ years of relevant experience in building test fixtures, wire working and mechanical skills
Role Responsibilities:Test Execution and Support (40%)
Execute test plans for automotive infotainment systems, including validation, performance, and stress testingSet up and run complex tests with guidance from engineering teamsCollect, organize, and conduct basic analysis of test resultsSupport design verification and validation (DV/PV) testing for hardware platformsAssist with software and hardware integration in a Linux environment, troubleshooting and debugging embedded systems
Lab Organization and Management (25%)
Maintain a well-organized and efficient lab environment to support ongoing projectsTrack and manage the inventory of lab components, tools, and equipmentImplement and maintain asset tracking systemsEnsure timely calibration and maintenance of lab equipment
Hardware Assembly and Repair (25%)
Assemble and modify test fixtures and prototypes based on engineering requirementsCreate, modify, and repair wire harnesses and cable assembliesPerform PCB rework, including soldering, desoldering, and component-level repairsSupport the assembly, modification, and testing of prototype hardwareAssist with integrating and testing software components on hardware platforms
Documentation and Reporting (10%)
Document test processes, results, and findings in a detailed and organized mannerContribute to the development of test reports, presentations, and technical documentationAssist in the creation and updating of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices for lab operations