Electronics Technician (Warranty Technician)

Electronics Technician (Warranty Technician)Department Name: Quality - 4000Location: St. Charles, IL - NMOAReports To: Warranty Lab Group ManagerJob Codes/Grades: FLSA Status: Non-ExemptObjectivePerform detailed physical, electrical, and mechanical root-cause analysis on automotive warranty returns while extracting and analyzing customer warranty data. This role bridges physical bench diagnostics and data trend analysis to confirm failure modes, validate supplier liability, track No Trouble Found (NTF) rates, and provide actionable technical feedback to Quality Engineering, Production, and OEM customers (Ford, GM, Honda).Essential ResponsibilitiesLaboratory Diagnostics & Root Cause Analysis• Perform comprehensive electrical, mechanical, and visual root-cause failure analysis on returned electronics (ECUs, switches, sensors, modules) from customer assembly plants and dealerships.• Set up, program, and operate laboratory test and analytical equipment, including digital oscilloscopes, spectrum/network analyzers, function generators, digital multimeters, power supplies, environmental temperature chambers, and the X-ray system.• Conduct solder joint evaluations, component de-soldering/cross-sectioning, and non-destructive X-ray inspections to detect latent component, PCB, or assembly defects.• Design, modify, and fabricate specialized benchtop test harnesses, load boxes, and fixture modules to simulate in-vehicle network and electrical environments.• Support internal Quality Assurance and Return to Vendor/Assembly (RTA) teams by troubleshooting line rejects and performing critical first-article inspections.Warranty Data Analytics & Claims ReconciliationNidec Mobility AmericaForm: Job Description• Query, extract, and reconcile claim records from OEM customer portals (e.g., Ford AWS, GM SupplyPower, Honda Q-Web) against physical serial numbers, barcode traces, and manufacturing date codes.• Cross-reference dealership technician repair narratives, trouble codes (DTCs), and labor operations with physical bench findings to identify misdiagnosed or "No Trouble Found" (NTF) parts.• Maintain, audit, and improve the internal Warranty Failure Log and returns database, ensuring all failure classifications, fault codes, and test parameters are meticulously recorded.• Build and update monthly warranty Pareto charts, claim distribution models, and failure trend analyses in Excel to track parts-per-million (PPM) defect rates and field performance.• Detect emerging field failure spikes early and issue immediate quality alerts to Quality Engineering, Design/Development, and Plant Operations to initiate containment.Cross-Functional Reporting & Quality Engineering Support• Coordinate and verify routine calibration of precision measuring tools and lab gages (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, torque tools).• Support occasional field trips, audits, or sorting activities at customer assembly plants and sub-tier supplier locations as required.Experience & Qualifications• Technical Experience: 3+ years of hands-on electronics inspection, troubleshooting, or electronic lab technician experience (automotive Tier 1 or Tier 2 electronics manufacturing strongly preferred).• Schematic & Circuit Proficiency: 3+ years of proven ability to read, interpret, and trace complex electrical schematics, PCB layouts, assembly drawings, and wiring diagrams down to the component level.• Lab Instrumentation: Demonstrated proficiency operating digital oscilloscopes, function generators, bench power supplies, multimeters, and network/spectrum analyzers. Prior experience with an industrial X-ray systems is a strong asset.• Data Analysis & Software Skills: Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency required (pivot tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, conditional formulas, data filtering/sorting, and Pareto/trend chart generation). Experience with Power BI or statistical software (Minitab) is an advantage.• Automotive Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with OEM warranty claims processes, automotive warranty portals (Ford AWS, GM SupplyPower, Honda Q-Web), or AIAG core tools (8D problem-solving, PPAP, FMEA) is preferred.• Measurement & Calibration: Familiarity with mechanical inspection hand tools (calipers, micrometers, dial indicators) and gage calibration tracking.• Aptitude: Strong analytical problem-solving skills, solid arithmetic/algebra capabilities, and the written communication skills necessary to produce clear engineering-grade reports.Nidec Mobility AmericaForm: Job DescriptionEducation: High School or Equivalent Certifications: • Automotive Industry specific Quality Training Certification(s) the following training courses at time of hire –or – to be included within eighteen months of hire (while supported by Department peers for guidance), as identified by the chart below:Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: • Ability to troubleshoot analog and digital circuitry on micro-controller based embedded systems; from a systems level and down to the PCB component level. • Basic knowledge of the micro-controller function and operation within an embedded system.• High proficiency reading / understanding electrical schematics, drawings, component datasheets, and product design specifications.• Ability to effectively function in a fast-paced laboratory environment where critical thinking and excellent problem solving skills are required.• Ability to work independently in a self-sufficient manner; and work successfully as an integral part of a cross-functional team.• Ability to multi-task and work efficiently with multiple priority changes throughout the work day.• High organization / detail orientation with excellent writing / verbal communication skills.• Excellent interpersonal skills when interacting with customers and department team members.Nidec Mobility AmericaForm: Job Description• Proficient with Microsoft Office software: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio, and Access.• Willingness to work extended hours, as needed with minimal notice, or an occasion weekend when technical issues have been escalated and resolutions need to be provided immediately.• Expertise with ISO 9001 / IATF 16949.• Effective internal / external auditing skills preferred.Travel: up to 10%; Occasional travel - sometimes with less than a 24-hour notice Physical Demands (Special Considerations): While performing the duties of this job, the employee consistently is required to use hands to handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. The employee is occasionally required to kneel, bend and crawl. The employee will on occasion lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds. Keywords: Automotive, Electronics, TS16949, ISO9001, Warranty, Relay, Switch, Lab, Inspection, QMS, oscilloscope, multimeter, calipers, micrometers, height gauges, X-Ray