The first question on most invention disclosure forms asks for the identification of all inventors. This may seem an easy question, but often is not. U.S. patent law is very specific about who may be awarded a patent. The definition of an inventor employed by the patent office is that person or persons who have contributed to the conception of the invention. The core of a patent is the claim or claims.
Claims define the scope of the patent and describe very clearly and specifically the new invention.
To be an inventor, one must have conceived the idea described in at least one claim. To be sole inventor one must have conceived the ideas encompassed in all claims. No, unless in the process of drafting or fabricating the prototype this technician contributes something new and heretofore unthought of. Another area that may be troublesome is that of authorship. Authorship on a publication first detailing the invention does not necessarily convey inventorship.