BTR Test Technician

Job Title: BTR Test TechnicianJob Description

The BTR Test Technician conducts Battery Thermal Runaway (BTR) testing in a dedicated battery testing laboratory. This role focuses on preparing and executing tests on electric vehicle batteries, operating precision electrical and mechanical test equipment, and processing both numerical and video data into clear technical reports. The technician works closely with a small R&D testing team to design test fixtures, maintain equipment and test areas, and ensure all work follows established safety, environmental, and health protocols.

Responsibilities

• Observe and strictly follow all safety rules and protocols related to Battery Thermal Runaway (BTR) testing at all times.

• Understand, interpret, and accurately execute detailed test procedures in the laboratory.

• Operate precision devices, electrical test equipment, and measuring tools to support BTR and related testing activities.

• Charge batteries to predefined levels in preparation for BTR tests, ensuring accuracy and consistency in charging parameters.

• Inspect and test thermocouples, load cells, heaters, and other test equipment before each test setup to confirm proper functionality.

• Set up test fixtures and wiring, including connecting thermocouples and other sensors or devices required for each test.

• Remotely execute BTR tests in sealed test chambers and monitor test progress from outside the testing room.

• Collect test data, including numerical measurements and video feeds, and organize it for analysis and reporting.

• Process video feeds and numerical data to create clear, accurate technical test reports and documentation.

• Accurately enter all test results and observations into test log tables and other tracking systems.

• Clean and reset the test area, fixtures, carts, and devices after each test to prepare for subsequent test setups.

• Maintain all laboratory equipment, including dust collectors, pumps, scrubbers, chargers, and related systems, and issue maintenance tickets when needed.

• Keep the testing area clean, organized, and compliant with laboratory housekeeping standards.

• Monitor and ensure that all supplies for the battery testing area, such as masks, gloves, batteries, thermocouples, wires, and other consumables, remain at proper stock levels.

• Order subsystems, components, and supplies in accordance with established purchasing policies.

• Follow established procedures for managing solid waste and wastewater generated by testing activities.

• Adhere to all Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) protocols and guidelines while performing all tasks.

• Collaborate with the testing team to design and improve test fixtures, setups, and methods to support evolving test requirements.

• Participate in team meetings and communicate test status, issues, and findings clearly to colleagues and leadership.

• Work with external vendors as needed and assist in estimating costs for assigned test projects or equipment.

• Support R&D Product Team Test Engineers and fellow Test Technicians in planning, scheduling, and executing test programs.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of experience working with mechanical and electrical equipment in a laboratory, prototyping, or testing environment as a Test Technician.

• Hands-on experience setting up tests, performing tests, recording results, and reporting testing outcomes, with the ability to clearly describe this process from past work.

• Experience working with electric vehicle batteries, particularly lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, or equivalent experience in electrical-based testing in a laboratory setting.

• Proficiency using electrical testing equipment and measurement tools for battery and electrical system testing.

• Experience with battery testing, including thermal, destructive, or abuse testing of batteries or related components.

• Ability to work with electric vehicle battery systems and heat shields, including tests involving overheating, overcharging, and puncture-related abuse.

• Strong attention to detail when charging batteries, configuring test setups, and verifying instrumentation such as thermocouples and load cells.

• Capability to process numerical data and video feeds and compile them into structured technical reports.

• Ability to follow detailed procedures and safety protocols consistently and accurately.

• Effective communication skills for collaborating with team members, participating in meetings, and reporting issues.

• Solid understanding of laboratory safety practices, including safe handling of electrical and mechanical equipment.

• Ability to maintain a clean, organized work area and manage multiple tests in a structured manner.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• An associate degree, Bachelor of Science, or technical diploma in an engineering or technical field.

• Experience with electric vehicle battery testing, particularly lithium-ion battery systems.

• Background in automotive electrical testing or similar electrical testing environments.

• Experience with battery thermal runaway testing or other destructive and abuse testing methods.

• Familiarity with designing or contributing to the design of test fixtures and setups.

• Experience working within an R&D environment alongside engineers and other test technicians.

• Comfort working with vendors and contributing to cost estimation for test projects or equipment.

• Ability to manage inventory of testing supplies and follow purchasing procedures.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple test programs or tasks simultaneously.

• Comfort working with sealed test chambers and remotely executed tests in controlled environments.

Work Environment

The role is based in an office environment that includes multiple laboratory areas and a shop. The BTR Test Technician primarily works in a sealed testing room that houses two sealed test chambers used for battery thermal runaway testing. Tests are executed remotely from outside the testing room, providing controlled and safe monitoring conditions. The facility offers a clean, well-organized workspace and includes a dining area with vending machines and drink dispensers. The technician supports a small R&D Product Team consisting of Test Engineers and Test Technicians, typically a team of approximately six to eight people. The environment emphasizes safety, adherence to health and environmental protocols, and collaboration across the testing team, with regular opportunities to work on varied tests and projects within the laboratory.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Plymouth, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Plymouth,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 26, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.