Hardware QA Technician: Prototyping & Test Execution

Position Summary

The Quality Assurance Technician is a hands-on technical role within the Engineering department at Tempo Communications, Inc. The incumbent is responsible for developing, documenting, and executing structured test procedures that verify product prototypes against published specifications. Working closely with the Director of Engineering and product development teams, the QA Technician ensures that hardware prototypes for telecommunications and underground location products meet defined quality, performance, and reliability standards before release.

This role reports directly to the Director of Engineering.

Key Responsibilities

Test Procedure Development

• Author clear, reproducible test procedures and test plans aligned with product specifications and applicable industry standards for telecommunications and underground utility location equipment.
• Translate engineering drawings, functional specifications, and customer acceptance criteria into structured, step-by-step test cases with defined pass/fail criteria.
• Maintain a version-controlled library of test procedures, test fixtures, and supporting reference documentation.
• Work with the Director of Engineering during product design phases to identify testability requirements and recommend design-for-testability improvements.

Prototype & Pre-Production Testing

• Set up and execute functional, performance, and environmental test procedures on hardware prototypes throughout the product development cycle.
• Operate and maintain lab test equipment including signal generators, oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, Ethernet protocol analyzers, cable/wire tracers, underground locating receivers and transmitters, and fiber optic test instruments.
• Record test data accurately; identify, document, and communicate deviations from specification using non-conformance reports (NCRs) and failure logs.
• Coordinate retesting of prototypes following engineering corrections to verify corrective actions are effective.
• Manage and prioritize test activities across multiple concurrent prototype builds, keeping the Director of Engineering informed of status and any schedule risks.

Equipment & Lab Operations

• Maintain accurate calibration records and equipment logs; coordinate scheduled calibration of test instruments with approved service providers.
• Inspect, set up, and maintain test fixtures, cable assemblies, and ancillary lab equipment used in prototype evaluations.
• Assist in sourcing, evaluating, and qualifying new test equipment as product lines evolve.

Documentation & Quality Systems

• Maintain test records, traceability matrices, and calibration logs in accordance with company quality management system (QMS) requirements.
• Prepare clear test summary reports documenting test configurations, results, anomalies, and recommendations for engineering review.
• Participate in design reviews and lessons-learned meetings, providing a practical test and product quality perspective.
• Support preparation of customer qualification test reports and regulatory compliance documentation as directed.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or technical certificate in Electronics Technology, Electrical Technology, Telecommunications, or a closely related field; or equivalent combination of vocational training and hands-on work experience.
• 2–4 years of hands-on experience in a product testing, quality control, or electronics technician role in a manufacturing or product development environment.
• Ability to read and interpret basic electronic schematics, wiring diagrams, and block diagrams.
• Proficiency with standard bench test equipment: digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, signal generators, and continuity/cable testers.
• Experience writing and following formal test procedures or work instructions in a structured, specification-driven environment.
• Strong attention to detail; disciplined approach to data recording and documentation.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills sufficient to document test findings and discuss results with engineers.
• Ability to manage and prioritize work independently across multiple active prototypes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with…