What are the responsibilities and job description for the Brake Test Technician position at Hitachi Astemo?
Job Title: Brake Test Technician
The Brake Test Technician is primarily responsible for preparing and executing brake caliper tests according to engineering requests, providing data and results, and supporting on-time delivery of test reports. Other tasks for the position include calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the test equipment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Comply with lab safety requirements and wear PPE, including safety glasses and steel-toe shoes.
- Prepare and execute DV, PV, and production-audit brake tests according to engineering requests, which may utilize a variety of specifications, procedures, and reference guides.
- Label, photograph, and weigh test samples and add this content to a test report.
- Take measurements with calibrated instrumentation, make observations, and keep detailed notes.
- Track instrumentation and hand-tool calibration dates.
- Support brake lab 5S (cleanliness) activities and put away unused tools.
- Operate hydraulic test stands, which may require exposure to oil or brake fluid.
- Be proactive in identifying subsequent tests in queue and prepare parts, fixtures, and machine.
- Mount brake assemblies or knuckle-and-brake assemblies using bed plate tie-downs.
- Troubleshoot and resolve common test bench issues, as well as less common equipment failures.
- Support requests for further investigation and participate in root cause analysis.
- Determine cause for improper test results and develop countermeasures to prevent recurrence.
- Initiate requests for calibration, deliver transducers, and receive calibrated devices.
- Operate a drill press or electric hand drill in support of fixture or sample modification.
- Operate a company vehicle, maintain a sufficient fuel level, and report maintenance needs.
- Disassemble or re-assemble brake assemblies and sub-components as required by engineering.
- Support design and fabrication of new test fixtures.
- Submit purchase and shipping requests to acquire lab supplies.
- Support data analysis.
Requirements:
- Highly detail-oriented and organized - maximize efficiency while minimizing errors.
- Possess a valid driving license for delivery and pick-up of hardware and test samples.
- Maintain a positive attitude and develop strong working relationships with team members.
- Possess an ability and desire to learn new skills quickly and apply them to daily work.
- Be a self-starter and independently make smart decisions based on available information.
- Secure reliable transportation to and from work.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong mechanical background and general knowledge of automotive brake systems.
- Read and understand performance brake test procedures and brake assembly drawings.
- Proficient in basic use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
- Capable of entering data in Excel and using basic formulas or charts to report results.
- Exhibit strong verbal and written technical communication skills.
- Familiarity with IATF 16949 quality system.
- Capability to operate CAD software or CMM.
Education and Experience:
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required (a 2-year technical degree is preferred).
- 3 years of testing experience is desired.
Working Conditions:
Physical Demands: Required to sit or stand for long durations and occasionally lift and/or move parts weighing up to 25 pounds.
Travel: Domestic travel (less than 10%) may be required.
