Entry Level Environmental Science Jobs in Decatur, AL

The Entry-Level Environmental Test Technician is responsible for performing hands-on setup, execution, and teardown of environmental and climatic tests on customer test articles. This role works closely with test engineers and senior technicians to ensure test procedures are followed precisely, testing standards are met, and lab safety protocols are maintained.

Salary: $21- $24/hr DOE 

1. Test Setup & Execution

• Assist with mounting customer equipment under test (EUT) onto test fixtures, climatic test setups and inside environmental chambers.

• Install and wire test instrumentation, including accelerometers, thermocouples, strain gauges, and pressure transducers, following engineering wiring schematics.

• Operate environmental test equipment, including temperature/humidity chambers, thermal shock chambers, altitude chambers, and salt fog units under supervision.

2. Data Collection & Documentation

• Monitor test runs and record operational parameters, environmental chamber logs, and time-history data.
• Document physical test setups with clear, detailed photo-documentation prior to, during, and after testing.
• Maintain accurate lab logbooks, equipment run-sheets, and test tracking logs in accordance with ISO 17025 quality management standards.
• Report any test anomalies, out-of-tolerance conditions, or equipment malfunctions immediately to the lead test engineer and supervisors.

3. Laboratory Maintenance & Housekeeping

• Perform routine preventative maintenance, cleaning, and inspection of laboratory equipment, chambers, and hydraulic/pneumatic systems.
• Maintain organization and calibration status of laboratory hand tools, cabling, sensors, and fixture hardware.
• Ensure strict adherence to lab safety policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and proper hazardous material handling.

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required. Associate degree in Electronics Technology, Mechanical Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET), or vocational technical certification strongly preferred.

• Experience: 0-2 years of experience in a hands-on mechanical, electrical, or automotive technician role. Previous lab exposure is a plus, but entry-level candidates with mechanical aptitude are encouraged to apply.

• Technical Skills:

- Basic proficiency with hand tools, torque wrenches, and basic shop equipment.- Familiarity with electrical measurement tools (multimeters, wiring crimpers).- Basic computer literacy (MS Office, data logging software).- Ability to read and interpret basic mechanical drawings, wiring diagrams, and written test instructions.

• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work comfortably in a high-noise laboratory environment (PPE provided).

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to 'Make tomorrow safer than today'.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming "the world's most trusted testing partner".

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.