Join us as we empower the world to work out, creating healthier lives together.

Are you passionate about fitness, hands-on innovation, and bringing fitness equipment to life? Life Fitness / Hammer Strength is looking for a skilled and detail-oriented R&D Prototype Technician to support the development of industry-leading strength and cardiovascular fitness equipment products. Reporting to the Mechanical Engineering Manager, you’ll work closely with engineering teams to build prototypes, fabricate components, and support testing that helps shape the future of fitness.

Description

As a Research and Development Technician, you will work with the Mechanical Engineering Manager, Reliability Manager, and engineering teams to build a wide variety of strength and cardiovascular fitness equipment prototypes and support testing activities.  The foundational skills required are welding, metal fabrication, automation, product assembly, and problem solving in a safe, quality, and productive manner.  The R&D Technician must collaborate with engineering teams for coordination of fabricated components, prototype logistics, and test fixture automation.  The R&D technician must work with test engineering to develop test methods, construct testing fixtures, and supervise ongoing testing.

Responsibilities

Perform wide variety of research and development activities, including prototype building and testing supportMaintain a clean and safe work environmentManage multiple prototype and testing projects simultaneouslyRead engineering drawings for fabricated components, weldments, and assembliesTranslate drawing bill of materials into production work ordersFabricate and modify metal components using machinery including end mill, drill press, lathe, band saw, grinders, hand tools, etc.Produce a wide variety of weldments in a safe, accurate and productive manner working with shop tools (without production weld jigs and fixtures)Support fabrication of test fixtures and execution of product test plans under supervision of validation engineersAssembly of prototype products, testing fixtures, etc.Packaging, palletizing, shipping coordination of prototypesCollaborate with other R&D technicians, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, validation engineering and production teamsReports to manager, mechanical engineeringOther duties as assigned by manager

Qualifications and Skills

Required

Understanding of safe shop practicesHigh School Diploma or equivalentMechanical aptitude, ability to adjust and solve problemsOne (1) year of experience in production (MIG) weldingKnowledge of the use and set up of MIG welding equipment, oxyacetylene torch, sander, grinder, hand tools, and measurement equipmentAll applicants are required to take GMAW skills test which will consist of one single pass weld on a 1/8” steel butt vertical downAbility to operate metal fabrication shop tools including end mill, drill press, lathe, band saw, grinders, hand tools, etc.Ability to operate hand tools, gauges, torque wrenches and equipment necessary for productionAbility to read measurement tools (tape measure, caliper, dial indicator, load cell, etc.)Knowledge of mechanical, electronic, and pneumatic components and systemsFamiliarity with the use and safe handling of laboratory equipment and shop tools.Ability to work independently in a team environmentAbility to perform basic math computationsAbility to use Microsoft Office tools with good verbal, writing, and organizational skills to provide documentation and data to Engineers.

Preferred

Three (3) years of experience in production (MIG) weldingWelding certificate, diploma, or associates degreeMetal fabrication certificate, diploma, or associates degreeBasic Microsoft suite skills (outlook, word, excel)Basic CAD understanding / skills (Solidworks preferred)Raspberry Pi / Python, IDEC PLC Programming for automationStrain gauge installation, instrumentation, and implementationProcedure or test creation, documentation, and documentation revisionsSix Sigma – Yellow, Green, or Black Belt, 5S, or Continuous Improvement / Lean

At Life Fitness / Hammer Strength, we think customer first, play as one team, and raise the bar on fitness innovation—in the gym and in every corner of our facilities. We persevere and get it done, with a clear purpose to inspire each other to live healthier lives. If you’re ready to bring out the best in people while powering the future of fitness manufacturing, we invite you to apply. 

Want to take the next step in your career? Life Fitness / Hammer Strength takes pride in our talented employees and believes in providing opportunities for further growth and advancement. We encourage you to test your strengths, push your limits, and unleash your potential. If you feel the position is right for you, we invite you to apply. We’ll work with you closely to support you throughout the hiring process. If your CV/ resume shows that your skills and experience have synergy with the job description, then we’ll hop on a call to get to know you and your experience and discuss the position in more detail. If it’s not the right opportunity this time, we’ll always let you know.  

At Life Fitness / Hammer Strength, we believe in taking care of our team with a comprehensive total rewards package that includes competitive pay and a range of valuable benefits. The salary range for this position, intended for U.S. applicants, is $56,100 - $77,200 annually.This role is categorized as non-exempt and eligible for overtime in accordance with applicable law.The actual salary will vary based on applicant’s education, experience, skills, and abilities. The salary range reflected is based on a primary work location of Owatonna, MN and the actual salary may vary for applicants in a different geographic location.

Life Fitness / Hammer Strength offers a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time team members, including, but not limited to: a 401(k) savings plan with 4% employer match; medical, dental and vision insurance, parental, medical and military leaves of absence, paid time off, including 12 paid holidays throughout the calendar year, paid vacation days beginning at 13 days annually, paid sick leave as provided under state and local paid sick leave laws, company paid short-term disability and optional long-term disability, health savings account, health care and dependent care reimbursement accounts, employee and dependent life insurance and supplemental life and AD&D insurance, hospital indemnity; identity protection, legal services, adoption assistance, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, employee discounts, and an employee assistance program that includes free counseling sessions.  Eligibility for benefits is governed by the applicable plan documents and policies.

Life Fitness / Hammer Strength is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. Life Fitness / Hammer Strength complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding employment, recruitment and hiring. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

There continues to be a significant increase in phishing attempts across all industries where fraudsters are impersonating real employees and sending fictitious job offers to applicants in a scheme to obtain sensitive information. Please note that Life Fitness/Hammer Strength will never ask for your financial information at any part of the interview process, including the post-offer stage, and will only correspond through “@lifefitness.com” or "@indoorcycling.com" domain email addresses or “lifefitness@myworkday.com” for U.S. opportunities.  

Life Fitness/Hammer Strength does not accept applications, inquiries or solicitations from unapproved staffing agencies or vendors.