IBM Apprenticeship: Power Card Lab Technician Role in Poughkeepsie | Entry-Level Electronics Career
IBM Careers: Power Card Lab Technician Apprentice | On‑Site in Poughkeepsie, NY
Launch Your Electronics Engineering Career with IBM Apprenticeship
Position Title: Power Card Lab Technician Apprentice
Job Location: Poughkeepsie, New York, United States
Company: International Business Machines Corporation (IBM)
Employment Type: Supplemental 2 – Fixed Term (Long‑Term)
Position Level: Entry‑Level (Early Professional)
Work Arrangement: On‑site only
Department: Infrastructure & Technology – Power Systems
Shift: General Daytime
Projected Salary: USD 41,325 – 45,458/year
Job ID: 19116
Posted On: May 12, 2025
Why This Opportunity Is Exceptional
Are you an electronics enthusiast ready to launch your career? IBM’s Power Card Lab Technician Apprenticeship in Poughkeepsie provides a launchpad into semiconductor testing and power system hardware. Unlike traditional entry-level roles, this apprenticeship is a Department of Labor–registered program, blending structured learning and mentorship with hands-on experience. Graduates earn a nationally recognized credential and position themselves for a full-time career with one of the world’s most respected technology companies.
About IBM’s Power Systems Business
IBM’s Power Systems are high-performance servers designed to handle demanding workloads—from cognitive AI and cloud environments to enterprise systems and supercomputing. Behind every Power processor is a rigorous lab testing protocol, ensuring reliability and performance. By joining this apprenticeship program, you’ll play a critical role in upholding IBM’s hardware excellence through advanced testing techniques and innovative lab procedures.
Role Overview: Power Card Lab Technician Apprentice
As an apprentice, you’ll work alongside seasoned engineers in IBM’s secure labs and test floors. You’ll bring knowledge of electrical fundamentals and laboratory equipment to life by:
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Developing and executing test plans for Power processors, transistor cards, and storage hardware.
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Operating state-of-the-art lab equipment, including multimeters, oscilloscopes, and chip-characterization tools.
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Supporting safety protocols and learning how to handle delicate electronic samples safely.
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Capturing, analyzing, and sharing test data with senior engineers to validate design performance.
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Interpreting electrical characteristics, helping to identify defects or anomalies and executing basic repairs when needed.
Apprenticeship Highlights
1. Structured Hands-On Learning
Over 12 months, you’ll progress through a curriculum designed to build your electronics skills. Training covers:
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Lab safety and certification
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Test strategy development
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Data analysis fundamentals
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Characterization and fault diagnosis
You’ll refine these through mentored projects, working as part of a cohort alongside fellow apprentices.
2. Industry-Recognized Credential
Upon completion, you’ll receive a Department of Labor credential, validating your lab and equipment skills—enhancing your competitiveness for future roles at IBM or elsewhere.
Who Should Apply?
This role is ideal for individuals who:
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Have a High School Diploma or GED (Associate’s Degree preferred).
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Possess basic electronics knowledge—AC/DC currents, soldering, ohm’s law, and signal theory.
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Are comfortable with lab tools like multimeters, oscilloscopes, and power supplies.
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Demonstrate curiosity and problem-solving skills.
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Prefer learning in a hands-on, team-based environment.
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Can commit to a year-long, on-site program in Poughkeepsie without sponsorship.
First-Year Experiences
During your first year, you will:
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Assist in hardware validation for Power processors.
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Learn how to set up test fixtures and calibration routines.
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Perform data collection and analysis, comparing results to technical specifications.
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Maintain lab equipment, manage inventory, and follow safety standards.
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Attend training sessions in electronics theory, equipment handling, and data reporting.
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Collaborate with senior engineers to identify and address anomalies.
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Capture well-structured reports summarizing test results and observations.
Over time, you’ll be entrusted with more sophisticated tasks—like repair diagnostics, test plan development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of the apprenticeship, you’ll gain:
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Hands-on experience with electronic lab tools and hardware test procedures.
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Skills in data analysis, interpretation, and problem-solving in electronics.
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Knowledge of lab safety, protocols, and compliance standards.
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Familiarity with Power processor architectures and server-class systems.
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Experience working within cross-functional technical teams.
Post-Apprenticeship Opportunities
Graduates can apply for full-time roles such as:
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Lab Technician or Validation Engineer– continuing in Power hardware testing.
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Electronics Test Engineer – designing test plans and executing complex validation.
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Field Service Technician – deploying and verifying hardware in customer environments.
IBM often gives priority to high-performing apprentices in open positions.
Why Choose an IBM Apprenticeship
A. Earn While You Learn
You’ll gain real-world experience while earning a competitive wage and benefits—no school debt incurred.
B. Career Pathways
IBM apprentices frequently transition into full-time technical roles with a clear career progression plan.
C. Mentorship & Community
Work closely with engineers, technology specialists, and fellow apprentices in a high-tech environment.
D. Long-Term Potential
Poughkeepsie is home to IBM’s Power development center—your role contributes to industry-shaping technologies and systems.
E. Professional Accreditation
The DOL credential gives credibility across the electronics and semiconductor industries.
What Sets This Apprenticeship Apart
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It’s a DOL-registered program, with defined competencies and credentials.
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It’s on-site only: immersive learning through direct lab access.
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You’ll engage in multi-disciplinary collaboration across mechanical, electrical, software, and test teams.
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Career growth potential extends beyond test labs—into roles in product development, field service, and engineering.
Life @ IBM
1. Supportive Community
Join a culture that encourages curiosity, mentorship, and teamwork.
2. Professional Development
Access IBM’s online learning portals, certifications, and skills training courses.
3. Inclusive Environment
IBM champions diversity—creating space for all backgrounds, experiences, and voices.
4. Innovation at Scale
Contribute to systems that support AI, hybrid cloud, enterprise security, and more.
Equal Opportunity Advocate
IBM hosts an inclusive workspace—evaluating all candidates without bias related to race, gender, disability, religion, or veteran status. If you need accommodation during recruitment, let us know.
Application Process
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Ensure you meet basic eligibility: On-site in Poughkeepsie, must work legally without sponsorship.
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Apply through IBM’s career portal—Job ID 19116.
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Provide a resume showcasing any electronics or team-based experience.
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Engage in interviews focused on electronics fundamentals, motivation, and hands-on problem-solving.
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Begin apprenticeship cohort—starting with training, then progressing through lab rotations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is relocation support offered?
A: No. Applicants must be able to commute or relocate independently to Poughkeepsie.
Q: What prior skills are expected?
A: A high-school diploma and fundamental electronics understanding—experience with soldering tools, AC/DC theory, and lab measurements is helpful but not mandatory.
Q: Can this lead to full-time employment?
A: Yes. Completion and a strong performance record may qualify apprentices for full-time roles at IBM.
Final Word
If you’re passionate about electronics, highly motivated, and eager to enter a structured, credentialed apprenticeship program, IBM’s Power Card Lab Technician role is your gateway to a meaningful technical career. Gain hands-on lab experience, learn from experts, and help drive the next generation of Power processor innovation.
🔎 Apply today—become an IBMer and start your electronics journey in Poughkeepsie!