Laboratory Technician – SDR Development

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Laboratory Technician in our California team, you will report to the Senior Electronics Engineer. You will work closely with test engineers and other system, hardware, FPGA, and software engineers in the development of a next-generation software-defined radio for space applications.

You will be tasked with microelectronics hand-soldering, harness and cable assembly fabrication, lab and equipment setup, to general facility support including lab organization, basic maintenance, and coordination with facilities staff.

Specific duties include (but are not limited to):

• Perform precision assembly and rework of electronic hardware, including microelectronic printed circuit assemblies (PCAs), cable harnesses, coaxial/RF interconnects, and mechanical assemblies, in accordance with applicable workmanship standards (e.g., IPC J-STD-001, NASA-STD-8739 series);
• Perform inspection of assembled hardware using microscopes and measurement tools to verify workmanship, solder quality, and compliance with drawings and specifications;
• Apply bonding and finishing processes including conformal coating, polymeric staking, conductive epoxies, structural adhesives, and cleaning/packaging in accordance with process specifications and contamination control requirements;
• Manage inventory of electronic components, parts, consumables, and lab materials, including tracking, storage conditions, and replenishment needs, and maintain accurate build and test documentation;
• Assemble and maintain laboratory infrastructure, including test benches, flight hardware cabinets, racks, cabling, and facility support systems (e.g., AC power distribution) in accordance with safety and electrical standards;
• Support engineering test activities including setup, execution, and teardown of functional, RF performance, and environmental tests (vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, EMI/EMC);
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation and test systems (e.g., oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, power supplies), including RF signal routing, attenuation chains, and basic calibration setups;
• Operate environmental test equipment (e.g., thermal chambers, TVAC systems) and develop or maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions;
• Support calibration tracking and basic maintenance of laboratory equipment and test instrumentation;
• Maintain compliance with quality, safety, and configuration control processes, including hardware traceability, labeling, serialization, and documentation;
• Maintain ESD-safe work environments and adhere to cleanroom or controlled-environment protocols in accordance with flight hardware requirements;
• Provide feedback to engineering on manufacturability, testability, and drawing discrepancies;
• Execute assigned tasks independently while coordinating priorities with test engineers and lab leadership.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Associate’s degree in Electronics Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, or equivalent practical experience (e.g., military or industry training);
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience in electronic assembly, rework, and lab support in a production or R&D environment;
• U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Residency is required;
• Excellent written and oral communication in English;

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• Team player and a “Do what it takes” attitude;
• Demonstrated proficiency in hand soldering and rework of through-hole and surface-mount components;
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, and bills of materials (BOMs);
• Experience in fabricating cable harnesses and coaxial assemblies, including crimping, stripping and connectorisation
• Experience with electronic test equipment and supporting functional, RF and environmental testing activities;
• Knowledge of ESD handling and contamination control practices for sensitive or flight hardware;
• Experience in maintaining organized inventory of electronic components, parts, and lab consumables;
• Ability to follow detailed work instructions, procedures, and quality standards with high attention to detail;
• Strong documentation skills, including maintaining build records, test logs and discrepancy reports;
• Working knowledge of electrical safety practices and AC power systems;
• Ability to lift 20-40 lbs, stand for extended periods, and perform fine-motor tasks (e.g., microscope soldering) for prolonged durations;
• Understanding of flight hardware build processes (work instructions, travelers, as-built lists, etc.);
• Ability to work autonomously, taking full ownership of tasks and priorities while ensuring alignment with team objectives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment;
• Analytical mind, as well as a continuous learning attitude;
• Effective communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with engineering and quality teams;

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Background in Space or Defense industries will be considered as a plus;
• Knowledge of AIT methodologies used by NASA, ESA, or similar organizations;
• IPC J-STD-001 and/or IPC-A-610 certification (current or previously held);
• Familiarity with aerospace workmanship and test standards (e.g., NASA-STD-8739, GEVS, ECSS);
• Experience working with spaceflight or high-reliability hardware (aerospace, defense, medical, etc.);
• Experience operating environmental test equipment such as thermal chambers or thermal vacuum (TVAC) systems;
• Experience with RF hardware, communications systems, or software-defined radio (SDR) architectures;
• Experience with configuration management, documentation systems, and contamination-controlled environments for flight hardware;
• Familiarity with lab asset tracking systems or PLM/ERP tools (e.g., Agile, Windchill, SAP);
• Basic scripting or data handling skills (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or Excel) for test support;
• Experience drafting or maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs) or work instructions;
• Knowledge of OSHA safety practices and hazardous material handling (SDS compliance).

IMPORTANT NOTICE

To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

ARGOTEC OFFERS

• Annual incentive pay is based upon performance and commensurate with the level of the position.
• Generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 100% match up to 8%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, this announcement is aimed at both sexes, under laws 903/77 and 125/91, and to people of all ages and all nationalities, under legislative decrees 215/03 and 216/03. Argotec is committed to fostering an inclusive, accepting, and diverse environment free of discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.