Associate R&D Technician - Electrical Engineering

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Itron is seeking a highly motivated Associate R&D Technician to support the operation, maintenance, and expansion of the Distributed Intelligence Laboratory (DI-Lab). This role bridges the gap between an electrician, electronics technician, and laboratory test engineer. 

The successful candidate will work hands-on with electrical distribution system models, meter installations, power electronics, laboratory infrastructure, data acquisition systems, and prototype test equipment. The position requires comfort working around low-voltage and medium-voltage electrical systems, mains-powered equipment, and energized laboratory environments while adhering to strict electrical safety practices. 

This role is ideal for an individual who enjoys building, troubleshooting, wiring, fabricating, and maintaining complex systems while supporting engineers developing next-generation utility and distributed intelligence technologies.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Laboratory Operations & Maintenance 

• Support day-to-day operations of the Distributed Intelligence Laboratory and associated workshop facilities. 
• Assemble, install, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory infrastructure, electrical panels, transformers, metering equipment, and power distribution systems. 
• Perform electrical wiring, cable routing, termination, and panel construction according to applicable electrical codes and laboratory standards. 
• Assist with laboratory expansions, equipment upgrades, and facility improvements. 
• Conduct routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and safety checks. 

Electrical & Power Systems Support 

• Work with single-phase and three-phase AC power systems. 
• Install and maintain mains-powered equipment, electrical loads, breakers, relays, transformers, and power monitoring devices. 
• Support testing involving utility distribution system simulations and metering equipment. 
• Diagnose electrical faults using multimeters, oscilloscopes, power analyzers, clamp meters, and related instrumentation. 
• Assist with lockout/tagout (LOTO) and electrical safety procedures. 

Electronics & Instrumentation 

• Build and modify electronic assemblies, prototypes, and test fixtures. 
• Perform bench-level troubleshooting of analog and digital circuits. 
• Support integration of sensors, embedded systems, communications equipment, and data acquisition hardware. 
• Maintain documentation, wiring diagrams, test procedures, and equipment inventories. 

Research & Development Support 

• Assist engineers with experimental setup, testing, and data collection activities. 
• Support customer demonstrations and proof-of-concept evaluations. 
• Fabricate and modify prototype equipment used for distributed intelligence application development. 
• Help maintain laboratory automation systems, instrumentation networks, and test platforms. 

Inventory & Asset Management 

• Maintain laboratory inventory, consumables, and spare parts. 
• Track equipment calibration, repair status, and maintenance schedules. 
• Support receiving, inspection, staging, and deployment of laboratory equipment and materials. 

Required Skills & Experience:

• Associate degree in Electrical Technology, Electronics Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, or related technical field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• 2+ years of hands-on experience in electrical, electronics, industrial maintenance, laboratory, or technician roles. 
• Experience working with AC mains power systems and electrical equipment. 
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, equipment manuals, and mechanical drawings. 
• Experience using electrical test equipment, including digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, clamp meters, power analyzers, and signal generators. 
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to work safely in an electrically energized environment. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and technical documentation. 

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Licensed electrician, apprentice electrician, or equivalent industrial electrical experience. 
• Experience with medium-voltage equipment, switchgear, transformers, or utility infrastructure. 
• Experience in an engineering laboratory or research environment. 
• Familiarity with the National Electrical Code (NEC), lockout/tagout procedures, arc-flash safety, and PPE requirements. 
• Experience with industrial controls, relays, PLCs, or automation systems. 
• Knowledge of networking, Ethernet wiring, or industrial communications. 
• Basic Linux and Windows system administration skills. 
• Experience soldering, cable fabrication, and electronics assembly. 
• Experience supporting utility, power systems, metering, renewable energy, EV charging, or DER technologies. 

Travel:

• Less than 10%

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand, walk, and work in laboratory environments for extended periods. 
• Ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 pounds. 
• Ability to bend, kneel, climb ladders, and work around equipment racks and electrical cabinets. 
• Ability to perform fine motor tasks such as wiring, assembly, soldering, and instrumentation setup. 
• Ability to distinguish wire colors and visually inspect electrical equipment. 

Safety Requirements:

The Associate R&D Technician will routinely work around energized equipment and must: 

• Follow all laboratory safety procedures and electrical work practices. 
• Utilize appropriate PPE when required. 
• Adhere to lockout/tagout procedures. 
• Maintain awareness of electrical hazards and arc-flash boundaries. 
• Safely operate electrical and mechanical tools and equipment. 
• Participate in routine safety training and audits. 

Benefits Info: 

This position also includes a competitive benefit package including; financial, social, health and wellbeing programs, paid vacation, 401k matching, employee stock purchase program, hybrid work schedule, and more! 

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Itron is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce and providing an authentic workplace experience for all employees. If you are excited about this role but your past experiences don't perfectly align with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. In the end, you may be just who we are looking for!

The successful candidate's starting wage will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills and experience.

Itron is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you require an accommodation to apply, please contact a recruiting representative at 1-800-635-5461 or email Accessibility@itron.com.

Itron is transforming how the world manages energy, water and city services. Our trusted intelligent infrastructure solutions help utilities and cities improve efficiency, build resilience and deliver safe, reliable and affordable service. With edge intelligence, we connect people, data insights and devices so communities can better manage the essential resources they rely on to live. Join us as we create a more resourceful world: www.itron.com