Makita U.S.A., Inc. Career Opportunities
Lab technician: power tools
(0 = none, 5 = expert)




















Are you legally authorized to work permanently in the United States for any employer WITHOUT requiring a visa or sponsorship?
Do you currently live within a reasonable and realistic commute distance of Fremont, CA?
Lab technician: UL certification testing
(0 = none, 5 = expert)




















Please note that this position is no longer available.
If you would like to be considered for similar opportunities now or in the future, feel free to apply and/or set up a notifier for yourself.
Lab Technician - Regulatory / Compliance Testing
CA - Fremont
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Opportunity Snapshot

As a member of our relatively small compliance testing group, you’ll be in a position to make a significant impact on our entire organization. We take compliance very seriously, with a lab that has a CSA Category Certification and SMT Program and are also approved  under the UL Data Acceptance Program, after training you'll become a part of these activities.  At the same time, if you’re a potential fit for this position, you’ll recognize that there is an element of “kid in a candy store” here: you’ll leverage your creativity developing methodologies and building fixtures to put power tool prototypes through a battery of tests. You'll enjoy the satisfaction that comes with knowing that your testing activities help ensure the safety of our products for customer use. Quick question for you - click here

While you’ll join a group that has many years of experience with Makita, we’ll welcome your fresh insights and new ideas. We’re growing, and your success in this role could make you a candidate for other positions including supervisory roles. This role requires a combination of mechanical, electrical, and electronics aptitude, as well as innovation and a “can do” attitude.

You’ll join a great company whose commitment to quality and performance has earned us a strong reputation within the contractor community -- visit any construction site around the world, and you're sure to encounter a variety of Makita tools. This reputation has grown consistently over the past 99 years and is certain to endure for many years to come as we continue to lead the industry with the introduction of high quality, innovative -- and well-tested -- tools.

Makita is a worldwide leader in the professional power tool industry. Over the past 99 years we've built a reputation for using the finest raw materials, the most advanced manufacturing equipment, and the most rigorous quality testing in the industry. Headquartered in La Mirada, CA, Makita U.S.A. has been bringing Makita's best-in-class engineering advantage to professional power tool users in America since 1970.

Pictured: the tools in this four-piece combo kit take advantage of an advanced LXT lithium-on battery; the 30-Minute Rapid Optimum Charger communicates with the battery's built-in chip throughout the charging process to optimize battery life.

The Requirements

To meet the basic qualifications for the role of Lab Technician - Regulatory / Compliance Testing, you must have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship. Quick question for you - click here To be a strong fit for the role, you should also have:
  • Education beyond high school (such as college, accredited schools, trade schools, seminars, or military); AS degree in an electrical field preferred 
  • 2+ years of experience as a Lab Technician, preferably within the power tool industry (or a combination of 2 years of electronics coursework and work experience)
  • Mechanical aptitude 
  • An understanding of electrical circuitry as well as electronics 
  • The ability to diagnose complex problems that may occur during testing or test fixture building by defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions 
  • Knowledge of power tool operation and repair 
  • Excellent communication skills 
  • Flexibility and adaptability 
  • High energy and positive attitude 
We have two openings for Lab Technicians - Regulatory / Compliance Testing at the Fremont location. Quick question for you - click here We will consider candidates at the Lab Technician level and Senior Lab Technician level.

The Role

Reporting to the Lab Supervisor, you’ll join a team that includes two Electrical Engineers, another Lab Technician, the department Secretary (the glue that holds us all together!) and the Manager of the Regulatory and Compliance Dept. We are part of Makita’s larger R&D organization, but we report directly to the corporate office, and we communicate daily with R&D leaders in Japan. We are specifically located at the Fremont facility to be near Underwriters Laboratories so we can maintain a solid line of communication. It is highly likely that the team will grow again soon, and we are looking for leadership talent as well as technical aptitude.

In a nutshell, you’ll build test fixtures and perform UL, CSA, and some comparative tool and accessory testing, and contribute to the development of test fixtures and methodologies. Quick question for you - click here The workload tends to come in waves. When a new tool comes in, you may be assigned a full test project and subsequently spend the next couple of weeks conducting 30 to 40 separate tests. Alternately, you may be involved with two to five partial test projects at a given time. In between testing, we develop jigs and other equipment we need for the lab, such as often-used test fixtures, which may include pneumatic systems, circuitry and relays. 

While we have many fixtures (we call them jigs) in place, often you’ll build what you need, primarily from wood, plastic, metal, and your own creativity. You’ll enjoy a good deal of variety in terms of both testing and the challenges you’ll take on. Here are a few examples of the kinds of projects you’ll work on:
  • The building of a test chamber in which we cause a grinding wheel to burst to ensure that a grinding wheel guard is effective in protecting the user.  
  • You might build a pneumatic jig to actuate a switch under load for a large number of cycles to ensure reliability.  
  • We often run temperature tests by mounting the tools to Dynos or eddy current brakes and monitor temperatures by means of thermocouples to component parts such as windings, housing, wiring, and switches on tools.  
  • A test fixture for circular saws designed to make 3000 cuts in different materials for the purpose of testing the lower blade guard closing times. 
The testing you’ll perform will fall under the UL Client Data Submittal Testing program and under the CSA Category Program. During projects you’ll interact with project engineers and office staff internally, as well as with UL/CSA engineers and technicians. You’ll also assist in maintaining our UL historical tool inventory and, down the road, help train new Technicians.

You can expect to interact with auditors from the third party agencies, and it won't be uncommon that during the audit someone from the agency to look over your shoulder while you are performing your testing and other duties. This is always done with tact and diplomacy, and the ideal candidate will be comfortable with our regulated environment. 

Why Makita

Great work environment: The Regulatory Compliance team isn’t hung up on titles and we all pitch in and help one another. Everyone brings unique talents, and we believe the team is stronger than the sum of each individual’s strength.

High impact: It’s not unusual for our team to affect the entire company; recently a member of our team discovered an opportunity for improvement that has been incorporated into the design of all tools Makita produces worldwide.

Autonomy: We’ll look to you to achieve your goals independently but also to know when to ask for help and take advantage of the experience and expertise of your teammates. We’ll also encourage you to expand your skills and knowledge by pursuing areas of interest to you.

Pride: You'll be part of a team creating the power tools of choice for professionals, using the finest raw materials, the most advanced manufacturing equipment, and the most rigorous quality testing in the industry.

Professional & career growth: You'll have ample opportunities to learn and further develop your talent as well as continue to grow your career. Whether you want to stay in R&D, or move into a management role, once you prove yourself, you'll find opportunity within Makita. 

Excellent compensation: In addition to a competitive salary, we offer one of the most generous benefits packages in our industry, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; a 401(k) and profit sharing plan.

Pictured: Makita created the industry's first 18V Lithium-Ion line-up of cordless tools in 2005 with the groundbreaking 18V LXT® Series. Today, Makita offers over 65 LXT tools with solutions for trades from concrete to commercial, automotive to residential construction, and they're all powered by one fast-charging 18V Lithium-Ion battery.

Keys to Success

This is a role with a tremendous amount of variety that will require a "jack of all trades" personality. You'll wear many hats in this position. For example, one day you may be meeting with Senior Leadership, while the next you'll be breaking down boxes or recycling  tested tools. 

Additionally, to be an outstanding Lab Technician, you will:
  • Take a proactive approach to your projects, such as finding better ways to achieve your goals or reviewing data sheets for information that just doesn’t look right. 
  • Maintain a can-do attitude as you take on new challenges. 
  • Push beyond a test failure and, rather than simply reporting that it failed, re-evaluate your process to ensure you didn’t make any mistakes, try to determine what went wrong, and take this insight to the project engineer. 
  • Bring a motivation for constant improvement; in many ways this role is exactly what you make of it, and your initiative can make the difference between a job and a career. 
  • Embrace the team’s collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence. 
If this sounds like the right mix of challenge and opportunity for you, and you meet the minimum qualifications, we want to hear from you!

About Makita

Makita cordless tools are steadily emerging as the fastening system of choice within the assembly and manufacturing industries. While manufacturing processes were once dominated by air tools, manufacturers are recognizing the many advantages of using Makita cordless tools, such as reduced energy costs, more freedom and increased safety at the workplace. To meet the needs of today's manufacturers, Makita has developed a full range of assembly and manufacturing cordless power tools that are designed for precise torque accuracy. Makita cordless tools are your cost saving solutions.

Makita owes its reputation for manufacturing and distributing outstanding quality power tools to the drive and determination for excellence that began over 99 years ago as a manufacturer of electric motors. In 1958 we introduced our first electric tool, and today we are one of the world's largest power tool manufacturers, with nine manufacturing facilities globally and a selection of more than 350 superior and innovative tools.

Believing that the motor is the heart of any power tool, we take great pride in our motor expertise. We spare no expense in producing the most powerful, efficient and best performing motors available for each tool, carefully selecting only the best quality raw materials, employing the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the world, and using the most stringent manufacturing processes and quality control in the industry. To make certain that our quality standards are upheld, constant testing is performed during machining and assembly processes, including a final run-test under power before leaving the factory to ensure optimum performance.

Our success comes not only from producing top quality tools, but also from our unparalleled customer service. From our customer service representatives to our extensive sales team to our R&D group, we are dedicated to delivering complete customer satisfaction. Makita USA is headquartered in La Mirada, California.

Pictured: Makita's product line is quite diverse; this 64 cc gas-powered chainsaw, for example, features a rugged cast cylinder and low-noise operation.

Opportunity Snapshot

As a member of our relatively small compliance testing group, you’ll be in a position to make a significant impact on our entire organization. We take compliance very seriously, with a lab that has a CSA Category Certification and SMT Program and are also approved  under the UL Data Acceptance Program, after training you'll become a part of these activities.  At the same time, if you’re a potential fit for this position, you’ll recognize that there is an element of “kid in a candy store” here: you’ll leverage your creativity developing methodologies and building fixtures to put power tool prototypes through a battery of tests. You'll enjoy the satisfaction that comes with knowing that your testing activities help ensure the safety of our products for customer use. Quick question for you - click here

While you’ll join a group that has many years of experience with Makita, we’ll welcome your fresh insights and new ideas. We’re growing, and your success in this role could make you a candidate for other positions including supervisory roles. This role requires a combination of mechanical, electrical, and electronics aptitude, as well as innovation and a “can do” attitude.

You’ll join a great company whose commitment to quality and performance has earned us a strong reputation within the contractor community -- visit any construction site around the world, and you're sure to encounter a variety of Makita tools. This reputation has grown consistently over the past 99 years and is certain to endure for many years to come as we continue to lead the industry with the introduction of high quality, innovative -- and well-tested -- tools.

Makita is a worldwide leader in the professional power tool industry. Over the past 99 years we've built a reputation for using the finest raw materials, the most advanced manufacturing equipment, and the most rigorous quality testing in the industry. Headquartered in La Mirada, CA, Makita U.S.A. has been bringing Makita's best-in-class engineering advantage to professional power tool users in America since 1970.

Pictured: the tools in this four-piece combo kit take advantage of an advanced LXT lithium-on battery; the 30-Minute Rapid Optimum Charger communicates with the battery's built-in chip throughout the charging process to optimize battery life.

The Requirements

To meet the basic qualifications for the role of Lab Technician - Regulatory / Compliance Testing, you must have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship. Quick question for you - click here To be a strong fit for the role, you should also have:
  • Education beyond high school (such as college, accredited schools, trade schools, seminars, or military); AS degree in an electrical field preferred 
  • 2+ years of experience as a Lab Technician, preferably within the power tool industry (or a combination of 2 years of electronics coursework and work experience)
  • Mechanical aptitude 
  • An understanding of electrical circuitry as well as electronics 
  • The ability to diagnose complex problems that may occur during testing or test fixture building by defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions 
  • Knowledge of power tool operation and repair 
  • Excellent communication skills 
  • Flexibility and adaptability 
  • High energy and positive attitude 
We have two openings for Lab Technicians - Regulatory / Compliance Testing at the Fremont location. Quick question for you - click here We will consider candidates at the Lab Technician level and Senior Lab Technician level.

The Role

Reporting to the Lab Supervisor, you’ll join a team that includes two Electrical Engineers, another Lab Technician, the department Secretary (the glue that holds us all together!) and the Manager of the Regulatory and Compliance Dept. We are part of Makita’s larger R&D organization, but we report directly to the corporate office, and we communicate daily with R&D leaders in Japan. We are specifically located at the Fremont facility to be near Underwriters Laboratories so we can maintain a solid line of communication. It is highly likely that the team will grow again soon, and we are looking for leadership talent as well as technical aptitude.

In a nutshell, you’ll build test fixtures and perform UL, CSA, and some comparative tool and accessory testing, and contribute to the development of test fixtures and methodologies. Quick question for you - click here The workload tends to come in waves. When a new tool comes in, you may be assigned a full test project and subsequently spend the next couple of weeks conducting 30 to 40 separate tests. Alternately, you may be involved with two to five partial test projects at a given time. In between testing, we develop jigs and other equipment we need for the lab, such as often-used test fixtures, which may include pneumatic systems, circuitry and relays. 

While we have many fixtures (we call them jigs) in place, often you’ll build what you need, primarily from wood, plastic, metal, and your own creativity. You’ll enjoy a good deal of variety in terms of both testing and the challenges you’ll take on. Here are a few examples of the kinds of projects you’ll work on:
  • The building of a test chamber in which we cause a grinding wheel to burst to ensure that a grinding wheel guard is effective in protecting the user.  
  • You might build a pneumatic jig to actuate a switch under load for a large number of cycles to ensure reliability.  
  • We often run temperature tests by mounting the tools to Dynos or eddy current brakes and monitor temperatures by means of thermocouples to component parts such as windings, housing, wiring, and switches on tools.  
  • A test fixture for circular saws designed to make 3000 cuts in different materials for the purpose of testing the lower blade guard closing times. 
The testing you’ll perform will fall under the UL Client Data Submittal Testing program and under the CSA Category Program. During projects you’ll interact with project engineers and office staff internally, as well as with UL/CSA engineers and technicians. You’ll also assist in maintaining our UL historical tool inventory and, down the road, help train new Technicians.

You can expect to interact with auditors from the third party agencies, and it won't be uncommon that during the audit someone from the agency to look over your shoulder while you are performing your testing and other duties. This is always done with tact and diplomacy, and the ideal candidate will be comfortable with our regulated environment. 

Why Makita

Great work environment: The Regulatory Compliance team isn’t hung up on titles and we all pitch in and help one another. Everyone brings unique talents, and we believe the team is stronger than the sum of each individual’s strength.

High impact: It’s not unusual for our team to affect the entire company; recently a member of our team discovered an opportunity for improvement that has been incorporated into the design of all tools Makita produces worldwide.

Autonomy: We’ll look to you to achieve your goals independently but also to know when to ask for help and take advantage of the experience and expertise of your teammates. We’ll also encourage you to expand your skills and knowledge by pursuing areas of interest to you.

Pride: You'll be part of a team creating the power tools of choice for professionals, using the finest raw materials, the most advanced manufacturing equipment, and the most rigorous quality testing in the industry.

Professional & career growth: You'll have ample opportunities to learn and further develop your talent as well as continue to grow your career. Whether you want to stay in R&D, or move into a management role, once you prove yourself, you'll find opportunity within Makita. 

Excellent compensation: In addition to a competitive salary, we offer one of the most generous benefits packages in our industry, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; a 401(k) and profit sharing plan.

Pictured: Makita created the industry's first 18V Lithium-Ion line-up of cordless tools in 2005 with the groundbreaking 18V LXT® Series. Today, Makita offers over 65 LXT tools with solutions for trades from concrete to commercial, automotive to residential construction, and they're all powered by one fast-charging 18V Lithium-Ion battery.

Keys to Success

This is a role with a tremendous amount of variety that will require a "jack of all trades" personality. You'll wear many hats in this position. For example, one day you may be meeting with Senior Leadership, while the next you'll be breaking down boxes or recycling  tested tools. 

Additionally, to be an outstanding Lab Technician, you will:
  • Take a proactive approach to your projects, such as finding better ways to achieve your goals or reviewing data sheets for information that just doesn’t look right. 
  • Maintain a can-do attitude as you take on new challenges. 
  • Push beyond a test failure and, rather than simply reporting that it failed, re-evaluate your process to ensure you didn’t make any mistakes, try to determine what went wrong, and take this insight to the project engineer. 
  • Bring a motivation for constant improvement; in many ways this role is exactly what you make of it, and your initiative can make the difference between a job and a career. 
  • Embrace the team’s collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence. 
If this sounds like the right mix of challenge and opportunity for you, and you meet the minimum qualifications, we want to hear from you!

About Makita

Makita cordless tools are steadily emerging as the fastening system of choice within the assembly and manufacturing industries. While manufacturing processes were once dominated by air tools, manufacturers are recognizing the many advantages of using Makita cordless tools, such as reduced energy costs, more freedom and increased safety at the workplace. To meet the needs of today's manufacturers, Makita has developed a full range of assembly and manufacturing cordless power tools that are designed for precise torque accuracy. Makita cordless tools are your cost saving solutions.

Makita owes its reputation for manufacturing and distributing outstanding quality power tools to the drive and determination for excellence that began over 99 years ago as a manufacturer of electric motors. In 1958 we introduced our first electric tool, and today we are one of the world's largest power tool manufacturers, with nine manufacturing facilities globally and a selection of more than 350 superior and innovative tools.

Believing that the motor is the heart of any power tool, we take great pride in our motor expertise. We spare no expense in producing the most powerful, efficient and best performing motors available for each tool, carefully selecting only the best quality raw materials, employing the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the world, and using the most stringent manufacturing processes and quality control in the industry. To make certain that our quality standards are upheld, constant testing is performed during machining and assembly processes, including a final run-test under power before leaving the factory to ensure optimum performance.

Our success comes not only from producing top quality tools, but also from our unparalleled customer service. From our customer service representatives to our extensive sales team to our R&D group, we are dedicated to delivering complete customer satisfaction. Makita USA is headquartered in La Mirada, California.

Pictured: Makita's product line is quite diverse; this 64 cc gas-powered chainsaw, for example, features a rugged cast cylinder and low-noise operation.
Makita U.S.A., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact the Human Resources Department at cbrown@engage2excel.com.
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