Electronics Technician

About the role

The Caltech Space Radiation Laboratory (SRL) in Pasadena, CA, seeks a highly motivated and skilled Electronics Technician to support the engineering team in the fabrication, assembly, and testing of electronic hardware for the NASA Ultraviolet Explorer (UVEX) mission.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and rework prototype, engineering, and flight custom printed circuit boards (PCBs) and wire harnesses.
• Build and test electronic assemblies, including chassis, circuit boards, and cables.
• Procure supplies and materials. Maintain parts inventory.
• Cook up with internal shops, external vendors, and fabrication facilities.
• Aid in developing test procedures and execute associated testing and measurement activities.
• Document system designs, board travelers, test procedures, measurements, and results.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-disciplinary teams while working independently with minimal supervision when appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience: Minimum of 1 year of hands-on experience in electronic assembly, soldering, inspection, cleaning, and repair.
• Soldering Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to solder fine-pitch surface-mount components, perform PCB rework, and assemble wire harnesses.
• Testing & Troubleshooting: Experience using electronic test equipment, including multimeters, oscilloscopes, and power supplies, to troubleshoot and verify electronic assemblies.
• Quality Assurance: Ability to inspect solder joints and electronic assemblies using magnification tools and microscopes, perform required touch-ups or rework, and follow cable safe-to-mate procedures.
• Documentation & Assembly: Ability to read and interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, and assembly drawings; follow written procedures; and accurately document work performed and test results.
• Laboratory Environment: Ability to work in a cleanroom environment while following ESD and contamination control protocols, gowning procedures, and handling requirements for sensitive flight hardware.

Qualifications

• Education: An Associate's degree or technical certification in Electronics Technology.
• Experience: At least 5 years of hands-on experience in electronic assembly, soldering, inspection, cleaning, and repair.
• Certifications: Previous or current Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) certification. Previous or current IPC J-STD-001 or IPC-A-610 certification.
• Familiarity with spaceflight workmanship standards, including J-STD-001ES and NASA-STD-8739, is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with basic software tools: Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Skills

• Hands-on experience in electronic assembly, soldering, inspection, cleaning, and repair.
• Ability to work in a cleanroom environment.
• Experience using electronic test equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, and assembly drawings.
• Ability to document work performed and test results.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.
• Disability accommodations available.

Pay

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

Schedule

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents.