Test Technician III

U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) required per ITAR definition.

About the role

The Test Technician III independently supports and leads the development, build, integration, deployment, and sustainment of complex electro-mechanical test equipment and tooling for advanced unmanned systems supporting defense and commercial applications. The role partners closely with engineering teams, provides technical leadership in fabrication and rapid prototyping, and contributes to design improvement, validation, and process optimization efforts.

Responsibilities

• Assembly and integration of electro-mechanical test systems, tooling, and fixtures.
• Sustaining electromechanical, automated test equipment and fixtures on the production floor as well as supplier sites.
• Assist test equipment and tooling designers from initial concept through build, test, and customer deployment.
• Take ownership of a significant portion of test equipment fabrication, validation, deployment, and process improvements.
• Experienced with assembly and PCBA test methods.
• Design and implement circuit boards, including component selection, schematic capture, board layout, board bring-up, and documentation.
• Conduct mechanical, electrical, troubleshooting, repair, and testing of integrated systems.
• Operate and maintain shop equipment and tools (hand tools, power tools, solder irons, manual lathe and mills, 3D printers, etc.), track projects, and order materials.
• Instruct and teach Engineering team members on using shop equipment safely, properly, and effectively.
• Provide specialized rapid prototyping fabrication and assembly services to build prototype product hardware.
• Meet scheduled timelines and, in some cases, aggressive deadlines to have hardware ready for project milestones.
• Provide planning assistance for rapid prototyping activities to support overall product development project goals and milestones.
• Effectively document important processes and build techniques for successful readiness of equipment and transition of responsibilities.
• Lead technician support to engineering projects.
• Fabrication of development test fixtures, tools, or molds.
• Provide product design feedback to the engineering team to improve product performance, manufacturability, safety, reliability, and cost.
• Ensure laboratory and machine shop areas and equipment are safe, clean, in good working order, and organized for all engineering staff to efficiently work.
• Maintain and participate in explosives safety program.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED equivalent and/or equivalent certificate from a technical school.
• Experience in designing the following types of parts: machined parts, simple composite parts, sheet metal parts, wire & cable assemblies, mechanical assemblies.
• Minimum 4-6 years of experience designing complex electro-mechanical assembly systems.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in creating engineering drawings in compliance with ASME Y14.100 Engineering Drawing Practices, Y14.5 Dimensioning and Tolerancing, and other applicable ASME Y14 series standards.
• Some experience with SolidWorks EPDM.
• Experience in designing tooling or test equipment is preferred.
• Understanding of engineering configuration management processes and material properties.
• Hands-on skills such as soldering, circuit prototyping, wiring, etc.
• General proficiency with Microsoft Office Software and general computer skills.
• Analyze designs for potential improvement in terms of efficiency, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles, manufacturing processes, and material selection.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well with others across disciplines.
• Familiarity with PCB design process.
• Opportunity to receive FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot's license (not required).
• In-depth experience with 3D additive manufacturing technology desired.
• Competency in interpreting instructions given by the engineering team (verbal or written), asking for clarity where needed, and updating or generating documentation, which could include drawings and procedures.
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties.
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products.

Schedule

• This role requires weekly travel from Salt Lake City, UT to Simi Valley, CA for training for the first 30 days of employment. Travel, lodging, meals, and ground transportation will be provided.
• After the training period, the position is based in Salt Lake.
• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off).

Pay

The salary range for this role is $21 - $31 per hour.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401K with company matching.
• Paid holiday shutdown.

Physical Demands

• Manual dexterity and ability to effectively use machining tools, both manual and automated.
• Use of soldering iron to assist with electrical assembly.
• Ability to move and/or carry heavy equipment and lift up to 50 pounds as well as objects of varying sizes and shapes for setups and assemblies.
• Ability to meet California laws governing the acceptable use of a respirator.
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and/or telephone keyboard.
• Work in a manufacturing environment.

Environmental Conditions

Work is in an office and manufacturing environment, climate controlled through central air conditioning/heating.