Engineering Technician
About Critical Loop
Critical Loop is shaping the next generation of energy systems by building the integrated edge grid of the future. Specializing in advanced energy management and battery control systems, Critical Loop empowers businesses and communities to seamlessly unite distributed energy resources for faster, more reliable, and affordable grid access. With deep expertise in grid modernization and a passion for creating resilient, responsive energy solutions, Critical Loop drives innovation at the intersection of technology and energy.
Position Summary
Critical Loop is looking for an experienced Engineering Technician to join our Product Development team and support the build, integration, and testing of next-generation energy hardware.
This is a highly hands-on role for someone who is comfortable moving between the shop floor and the test environment. You’ll build and wire prototype electromechanical systems, set up and run development tests, troubleshoot issues alongside engineers, and help turn early designs into repeatable, high-quality builds.
You won't be working at a single station doing the same assembly every day. One day you may be wiring a prototype system from an electrical drawing, and the next you may be setting up instrumentation for a development test or working directly with engineering to diagnose and document a build issue.
Responsibilities
Build, wire, and assemble prototype electromechanical skids, control cabinets, switchgear, and subassemblies from engineering drawings, schematics, work orders, and work instructions.
Perform HV/LV wire routing, harnessing, crimping, terminations, connector installation, fastening, and torquing to specification.
Set up and operate bench and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test equipment, including inverters, load banks, DAQ systems, sensors, oscilloscopes, power meters, and power analyzers.
Execute development and validation testing and capture clean, accurate, and traceable test data for engineering.
Read and interpret electrical drawings, wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, GD&T, BOMs, and work instructions.
Identify build and test issues, troubleshoot problems, and work directly with engineering to determine root causes and next steps.
Verify and redline drawings and work instructions based on actual build and test experience.
Document nonconformances and provide clear feedback that improves future designs, builds, and processes.
Maintain organized lab tools and instrumentation and ensure required calibration is current.
Follow established safety practices when working around high-voltage and high-energy systems, including LOTO, arc-flash PPE, and ESD requirements.
Partner closely with Electrical & Controls Engineering, Production/Build, Test, Quality, and Field Service teams.
Required Qualifications
5+ years of experience as an Engineering Technician, Test Technician, Electromechanical Technician, Prototype Technician, Integration Technician, or similar hands-on technical role.
Experience building and/or testing precision electromechanical hardware to print in industries such as energy/BESS, EV/battery, automotive, aerospace, or industrial hardware.
Strong ability to independently read and build from engineering drawings, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, GD&T, BOMs, and work instructions.
Hands-on experience with precision assembly and electrical harnessing, including torque specifications, crimps, terminations, connectors, routing, labeling, and fasteners.
Experience setting up test instrumentation and collecting reliable, traceable data using equipment such as DAQ systems, sensors, oscilloscopes, power analyzers, and load banks.
Working knowledge of electrical safety practices, including LOTO and appropriate PPE when working around high-voltage or high-energy equipment.
Ability to work on-site in Long Beach/Torrance and lift approximately 50 lbs.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working within a formal quality system such as AS9100 or IATF 16949, including FAI, traceability, nonconformance documentation, ECOs, and redlines.
IPC/WHMA-A-620 or J-STD-001 experience or certification.
Soldering and electrical rework experience.
Experience with battery energy storage systems, EV battery/powertrain systems, aerospace hardware, or other high-power electromechanical systems.
Basic comfort working with test data in Python or spreadsheets.
Valid California driver's license.
Work Authorization We are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.
At Critical Loop, we're committed to rewarding and supporting our team. Our benefits package includes equity ownership through stock options, giving you a stake in our success, along with comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, and vision) through an HRA with a generous allowance. We also provide a retirement savings plan and unlimited paid time off so you can recharge and maintain work-life balance.
Critical Loop is an equal opportunity employer. We're committed to building a diverse team and creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.