Mechanical & Thermal Engineering Lab Technician

Compute & Connectivity Hardware (CCH) is part of GM's Vehicle Software & Electronics Engineering (VSEE) organization within Software & Services Engineering. Our team develops the hardware foundation that powers GM's software-defined vehicles, including compute platforms, connectivity systems, networking architectures, displays, and other electronic technologies that enable infotainment, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), vehicle controls, and connected customer experiences.

From concept through production, CCH engineers drive architecture, requirements development, electronics design, hardware integration, validation, launch, and in-market performance. We partner closely with software, systems, cybersecurity, functional safety, manufacturing, suppliers, and vehicle engineering teams to deliver reliable, scalable hardware solutions across GM's global vehicle portfolio.

We are seeking a Mechanical & Thermal Engineering Technician to support the development, testing, and validation of in-house electronics designs (IHED) and next-generation vehicle technologies. This hands-on role is responsible for test setup, instrumentation, data collection, and execution of mechanical, thermal, and environmental testing of electronic modules and components.

The successful candidate will work closely with Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical Engineering teams to execute test plans with high quality and repeatability, enabling data-driven engineering decisions and product validation.

Key Responsibilities

Test Setup & Execution

Prepare and execute mechanical, thermal, and environmental tests on electronic modules, PCBs, and enclosures, including thermal characterization, vibration, mechanical shock, thermal cycling, and thermal shock testing.

Set up fixtures, mounting hardware, and test configurations according to engineering requirements, drawings, and test procedures.

Operate laboratory equipment including environmental chambers, vibration shakers, thermal chambers, wind tunnels, power supplies, and data acquisition systems.

Perform pre-test and post-test functional verification and document test observations, issues, or anomalies.

Instrumentation & Data Acquisition

Install and configure thermocouples, strain gauges, accelerometers, displacement sensors, and other instrumentation.

Route and secure wiring and sensor connections to ensure reliable data collection and test integrity.

Monitor and record temperature, strain, acceleration, and other performance metrics using data acquisition systems.

Support calibration activities and verify instrumentation compliance with laboratory standards and procedures.

Data Collection & Reporting

Capture, organize, and maintain test data, photographs, setup documentation, and supporting records.

Conduct basic data validation and trend analysis to identify anomalies and summarize findings for engineering teams.

Assist in the creation of standardized test reports by compiling data, observations, and test results.

Laboratory Operations

Maintain a safe, clean, and organized laboratory environment in accordance with GM safety requirements and established 5S practices.

Support equipment maintenance, calibration coordination, troubleshooting, and readiness activities.

Manage inventory of test fixtures, tooling, instrumentation, and consumable materials.

Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on testing efficiency, documentation quality, and workflow optimization.

Collaboration

Partner with Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical Engineers to understand test objectives, requirements, and constraints.

Communicate test progress, risks, and technical issues in a timely manner.

Participate in test planning reviews, readiness assessments, and engineering discussions.

Basic Qualifications

Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent experience in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Technology.

5+ years of experience in an engineering, electronics, thermal, or validation lab.

Experience with thermal, environmental, vibration, and shock testing.

Ability to read engineering drawings and test procedures.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

Strong attention to detail, organization, and safety focus.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with automotive electronics, PCBs, or electronic control modules.

Hands-on experience with thermocouples, strain gauges, accelerometers, and DAQ systems.

Familiarity with thermal management and validation testing.

Experience in automotive, aerospace, or similar product development environments.

Strong communication, troubleshooting, and multitasking skills.

Work Location

This position is primarily on-site and requires regular presence within the Mechanical & Thermal Engineering Laboratory to support hardware preparation, test execution, equipment operation, and hands-on engineering validation activities.

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