JobsGenerac

Generator Tester - 1st Shift

Generac · Beaver Dam, WI

Posted Aug 25, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

Behavioral

Tell me about a time you found a defect during testing that other people had missed. What tipped you off?

attention to detail and whether they trust their own judgment over just checking boxes

Tell me about a time you had to fix something mechanical or electrical without anyone walking you through it.

independent troubleshooting ability and comfort working past a written procedure

Describe a time you worked closely with an engineer or quality team to resolve a recurring problem on a line.

ability to communicate technical issues clearly across functions, since the role explicitly interfaces with engineering and QA

Tell me about a time you trained someone else on a work instruction or standard procedure.

ability to transfer knowledge clearly, since senior testers are expected to train peers

Tell me about a time you had to follow a strict safety procedure even when it slowed you down or was inconvenient.

genuine commitment to safety discipline versus just saying the right thing

Technical

Walk me through how you'd test a generator that just came off the assembly line, from start to finish.

whether the candidate actually understands a structured test sequence versus just plugging things in randomly

What do you know about how a generator actually produces and regulates power, at a basic level?

baseline mechanical and electrical literacy needed to interpret test results, not just follow a checklist

Have you used any kind of test equipment, meters, or diagnostic software before? Walk me through one you're comfortable with.

hands-on familiarity with instrumentation versus purely classroom knowledge

For those of you with more experience: can you walk me through a root cause investigation you led, using something like 5 Why or 8D?

whether Tester III candidates actually have structured problem-solving experience versus just guessing at fixes

Have you worked in an ERP system like SAP, Oracle, or Dynamics before? What did you use it for day to day?

real transactional familiarity with ERP systems required at the higher tester levels

Situational

Say a generator fails a load test but the reading is right on the edge of spec. What do you do?

whether they escalate borderline calls properly instead of quietly passing or failing a unit on their own judgment

If a piece of test equipment starts giving you inconsistent readings in the middle of your shift, what steps do you take before flagging it?

practical troubleshooting sequence and whether they know when to stop and call for help versus keep testing

If you noticed a step in the test procedure was slowing things down without adding value, what would you do about it?

initiative around continuous improvement and whether they'd raise ideas rather than just comply silently

This role runs 5am to 3:30pm, Monday through Thursday, often standing, lifting, and moving heavy equipment. How do you feel about that pace and schedule?

realistic fit with the physical demands and shift structure before it becomes a problem after hire

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Generac.

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most. For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future. Ready to Power a Smarter World with us? Hours: 1st Shift Monday - Thursday 5AM - 3:30PM Pay: Tester I - $23.25/hour Tester II - $26.75/hour Tester III - $29.25/hour The Tester is expected to perform system tests conform to production and quality standards, analyze malfunction and perform repairs, adjustments or alterations as required, or refer for additional test/repair, ensure records are kept, confer with engineering, design and quality assurance. Major Responsibilities: • May resolve problems with assistance from peers or supervisor depending the level and complexity. Follows defined procedures and practices. • Learning the principles, practices, and processes in the function or discipline. Developing the business knowledge required of the full job. • Safely and proficiently perform maintenance related activities of equipment, buildings and grounds. • Assists with Diagnose and repair complex equipment breakdowns. • Suggest and implement improvements of existing equipment and/or designs to improve safety, quality, delivery and productivity. • Assist in designing, fabricating, and welding of mechanical structures, guards and special equipment as required. Attend training to learn techniques for maintenance of new and existing equipment. • Perform safe and effective operation of all equipment needed to perform job function • Provides technical support to project managers and engineers on projects. • Assists with rigging, lifting and relocating a variety of complex, heavy machines, equipment and components • Work is supervised daily or weekly with assignments that encompass a well-defined set of tasks. Follows established procedures, processes, or policies. Minimum Job Requirements: Tester I • High School diploma or equivalent • 0-2 years of experience Tester II • High School diploma or equivalent • Associates Degree, or Certification with 2-6 years' experience, or its equivalent. Tester III • High School diploma or equivalent • Associates Degree, or Certification with 2-6 years' experience, or its equivalent. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Tester I & II • Ability to effectively communicate • Contributes to identifying problems and implementing appropriate countermeasures. • Ability to identify problems • Basic PC knowledge • Basic knowledge of product testing and generator assembly. • Ability to perform basic reading, writing, and math functions. • Ability to perform basic mechanical assembly skills • Ability to effectively work in a team environment. • Models positive and professional work ethics. • Uses test procedures, test programs and written instructions to test product and / or subassemblies • Ability to effectively communicate • Contributes to identifying problems and implementing appropriate countermeasures. Tester III • Demonstrated experience in root cause problem solving (5 Why, 8D, PDCA, etc.) • Demonstrated experience effectively training other employees to work instructions/standard work • Previous experience using SAP or equivalent ERP system (Oracle, JD Edwards, Microsoft Dynamics) Other Duties as assigned and the following: • Ensure proper preventative maintenance in place for test equipment; provide suggestions on changes to PM schedules • Suggest and implement improvements to existing equipment and/or designs to improve safety, quality, delivery and productivity. • Uses initiative and judgment to lead problem solving and implementing appropriate countermeasures. • Work on assignments beyond product testing, participating in CI or NPI related initiatives. • Work with Engineering to enhance test procedures. • Act as a technical interface on product test, quality, and process issues with other areas. • Proficiently access information and perform transactions as needed within ERP system. “We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.”

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