Senior Pilot Production Technician, Electromechanical

About the Company

We are a renewable energy and ocean technology company committed to rapidly developing and deploying technologies that will ensure a sustainable future for Earth by unlocking the vast energy potential of its oceans. Our focus is on capturing civilizational levels of ultra-low-cost renewable energy for applications including computing and affordable renewable fuels delivered to shore.

The company is a public benefit corporation headquartered in Portland, Oregon and backed by leading venture capitalists, philanthropic investors, university endowments, and private investment offices. We operate as an idea meritocracy in which the best ideas change the company’s direction on a regular basis. 

Our staff have worked at organizations such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Boeing, Tesla, Apple, Virgin Orbit, Astra, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, New Relic, Bridgewater, Raytheon, Disney Imagineering, and the US Army and Air Force, as well as research universities, startups, and small companies across a range of industries.

About the Job

Our core technology is the node, a device that produces energy in the ocean’s harshest conditions for years at a time without human maintenance or intervention.

We are getting ready to build fleets of these Nodes, and that means standing up a manufacturing system that can produce the hulls as well as the internal subsystems at scale. The Pilot Production team will be the first crew whose primary focus is producing components utilizing mass production techniques. We will help to test, define, refine, and document the processes so that Panthalassa can rapidly scale into mass production. This team is data- and process-driven, improvement focused, and willing to step in wherever needed.

The Senior Pilot Production Technician will assist in defining how all of the components in the node are being manufactured and/or assembled. This includes creating and editing documentation on process steps with a focus on quality and clarity. The senior technician will be setting the standard and training the team as we hire and grow. 

Key Responsibilities

• Complete top level electronic assemblies as well as rework/modify PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) where needed 
• Acceptance test of all electronic assemblies (electrical and final, as well as vibe and thermal) 
• Assemble depth-rated enclosures and bulkhead panel wiring
• Ensure safe operation of all equipment
• Lead or assist in root cause analysis for production non-conformances
• Work collaboratively with Engineering and Development teams to incorporate lessons learned as well as track and resolve issues
• Assist in the development of testing procedures for components and assemblies
• Assist in developing production KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)
• Track and ensure on-time completion of tasks as required to meet production goals
• Assist in the creation of training programs and work instructions
• Lead and/or assist in workstation design and floor layout to optimize safety, quality, and efficiency
• Determine and maintain proper inventory of tooling and supplies as needed for efficiency
• High-skill soldering, component replacement, board bring-up, and (low-quantity) board rework
• Assist in the implementation and maintenance of the MES (Manufacturing Execution System)
• Establish and document preventative maintenance schedules for production equipment

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in a fast-paced production environment
• Have significant hands-on experience completing electronic assemblies including rack build-outs as well as testing, and troubleshooting PCBAs
• Strong knowledge of tools and equipment used in electronics fabrication and testing (soldering iron, optical microscope, common hand tools, digital multimeter, oscilloscopes, adjustable power supplies)
• Have experience working in environments with high voltage electronics 
• Working knowledge of electrostatic discharge (ESD) best practices
• Experience with vibration and thermal testing systems
• Experience creating written work instructions/documentation
• Strong understanding of production metrics, data, and goal setting
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical schematics 
• Experience with factory production software (ERP, MRP, QMS, MES, etc.)

Desired Qualifications

• Experience leading/training team members
• Experience with 3D modeling software (NX, Fusion, or SolidWorks)
• Associate's degree or certifications in electronic engineering technology, mechatronics, or manufacturing technology
• Experience with HALT and HASS testing systems
• Experience with leak testing systems including helium mass spectrometer

The above qualifications are desired, not required. We encourage you to apply if you are a strong candidate with only some of the desired skills and experience listed.

Requirements  

You will be required to be on your feet for up to 10 hours per day and occasionally lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds. You should be comfortable occasionally working in elevated work areas, including on ladders and platforms, with appropriate safety equipment. Forklift training will be offered.

You will occasionally be asked to help other teams within the company, such as prototyping, facilities, office management, and logistics.

Work Hours

Typically 8am to 4pm, Monday-Friday. Shift can be flexible with potential overtime.

Compensation and Benefits

If hired for this full-time role, you will receive:

• Cash compensation of $40.00 - $55.00 per hour.
• Equity in the company. We’re all owners and if we’re successful, this equity should be far and away the most valuable component of your compensation.
• A benefits package that helps you take care of yourself and your family, including:
  • Flexible paid time off
  • Health insurance (the company pays 100% of gold level PPO plan for full time employees, their partners, and dependents)
  • Dental insurance (the company pays 100% for full time employees and 100% for their partners and dependents)
  • Vision insurance (the company pays 100% for full time employees, their partners, and dependents)
  • Disability insurance (the company pays 100% for a policy to provide long term financial support if you become disabled)
  • Ability to contribute to tax-advantaged accounts, including 401(k), health FSA, and dependent care FSA
• Relocation assistance to facilitate your move to Portland (if needed).

Location

This is an on-site position. Our offices, lab, and shop are located in Portland, Oregon.