Engineering Technician

Motive Companies • Full-time • Tustin, California • 1w ago

Details:

The Engineering Technician supports ACT's engineering and research & development teams by independently building, modifying, testing, and troubleshooting electrical and electromechanical prototypes. This role is primarily electrical in nature, with secondary mechanical assembly responsibilities, and is based in an engineering lab environment rather than a production line. The technician works closely with engineers while receiving minimal written or verbal instruction and is expected to execute tasks independently, analyze results, and report findings clearly. This position requires strong hands-on skills, sound technical judgment, and the ability to perform failure analysis, debug complex issues, and document results.

Details:

Responsibilities:

Prototype Build, Assembly, and Testing

Build, modify, and test electrical and electromechanical prototypes to support engineering and R&D activities.
Perform PCB soldering and rework, including through-hole and surface-mount components.
Assemble electrical subassemblies, enclosures, chassis, and prototype systems.
Fabricate and assemble cables, connectors, and wire harnesses.

Electrical Debug, Failure Analysis, and Rework

Perform component replacement, rework, and repair as directed by engineering or based on documented procedures.
Support validation and verification testing of prototypes and engineering builds.
Perform hands-on electrical debugging and failure / behavior analysis of circuits, assemblies, and systems.
Identify root causes of electrical, functional, or performance issues and support corrective actions.

Firmware Programming and Diagnostics

Perform basic firmware flashing and configuration of electronic assemblies using computers and approved programming tools.
Load, update, and verify firmware images on boards and systems as part of prototype bring-up, testing, and debug.
Use diagnostic and interface tools to support troubleshooting and validation.

Lab Equipment and High-Voltage Work

Safely operate laboratory equipment including bench power supplies, oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, electronic loads/load banks, and related test equipment.
Support testing and troubleshooting of electrical systems, including work around high-voltage equipment up to approximately 1,000 volts, following established safety procedures and engineering guidance.

Mechanical Assembly and Fixture Support

Perform light mechanical work such as drilling, tapping, basic milling, fastening, and mechanical assembly.
Build simple test jigs and fixtures by following engineering instructions, drawings, or schematics.

Documentation, Reporting, and Communication

Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, blueprints, and basic CAD drawings.
Accurately document work performed, test results, observations, and issues.
Complete reports, logs, and work records independently and communicate findings back to engineers and supervisors.
Clearly communicate technical, design, or process issues verbally and in writing.

Engineering Support

Work closely with electrical and mechanical engineers to support R&D experiments, design iterations, and testing.
Receive minimal written or verbal instruction and independently perform assigned duties with a high degree of accountability.
Assist with organization and maintenance of the engineering lab and test areas.

Skills / Other:

Strong hands-on electrical fabrication and assembly experience in an engineering or R&D environment.
Proven soldering and rework skills across a wide range of components, from small passive and surface-mount devices to larger power components such as MOSFETs, connectors, and high-current devices.
Experience performing electrical debugging, behavior analysis, and failure investigation.
Comfortable performing basic firmware flashing, configuration, and diagnostic activities using a computer and approved tools
Comfortable using software tools such as:
CAD tools (for viewing and interpreting drawings)
ERP / PLM systems (for job tracking, BOMs, and work orders)
Microsoft Office tools for documentation and reporting
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage multiple tasks.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
High attention to detail, workmanship quality, and safety awareness.

Education/ Training:

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Technical school, associate degree, and equivalent hands-on industry experience.
IPC soldering certifications (e.g., IPC-A-610, J-STD-001) are strongly preferred.

Experience:

Minimum 5 years of relevant experience as an electrical, electronics, or engineering technician.
Demonstrated experience fabricating, assembling, testing, and reworking electrical and electromechanical equipment.
Experience supporting prototype builds, electrical debug, and validation testing in an engineering or R&D environment.
Experience working with high-voltage or high-power electrical systems is strongly preferred.
Experience with charging systems, power electronics, material handling equipment, or EV chargers is a plus, but not required.

Pay: $29-$33/hr

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