Hardware Engineering Technician

Position Overview:

The Hardware Engineering Technician is responsible for the assembly, integration, testing, troubleshooting, repair, and qualification of complex mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and optical systems used in advanced manufacturing equipment. This role supports the full product lifecycle, from prototype development and new product introduction (NPI) through pilot builds and production release, while ensuring system performance, quality, and reliability. Working closely with engineering and manufacturing teams, the technician provides technical feedback to improve product designs, assembly processes, and documentation, participates in continuous improvement initiatives, and contributes to the successful execution of cross-functional projects. The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical professional with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of working independently in a fast-paced, high-precision manufacturing environment while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Assemble mechanical, electrical, optical, and pneumatic systems.
• Test, troubleshoot, and repair subsystems built by third party suppliers.
• Perform system integration assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and repair.
• Perform System process qualification.
• Guide new product introduction to manufacturing from prototype through pilot and production release (2 large multi-year projects and several multi-month CIP projects in progress).
• Create, review, redline, and/or update assembly, testing, and calibration documentation.
• Provide assembly feedback (redlines) to engineering for the improvement of design, instructions, and documentation.
• Initiates and participates in process improvement activities as approved and directed by supervisor.
• Participate in and support department projects and company initiatives as required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years working in a manufacturing or related engineering environment, ideally in capital equipment manufacturing.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and optical assemblies and systems.
• Electrical Skills
• Understands circuits and able to troubleshoot power, resistance, current issues in a circuit.
• Knowledge of sensors (pressure transducer, oxygen sensors, VFDs, etc.)
• Mechanical Skills:
  • Assembly of linear stages and guide systems.
  • Hands-on technician familiar with machining, forming, and welding processes.
  • Troubleshooting mechanical systems, including pump/VFD, pneumatic control, pressure and fluid flow (cooling systems, linear motion and control systems)
  • Mechanical assembly actions which involve lifting up to 50 lbs., climbing ladders, and occasionally performing tasks in confined spaces.
  • Use of forklift, gantry, or other equipment to lift heavy items/assemblies in excess of 3000 lbs. in a safe and precise manner. Protection of personnel and equipment is always paramount.
  • Electrical Skills:
    • Build and assemble cable harnesses from schematics and cable drawings.
    • Build and assemble electrical enclosures with components from schematics and drawings.
    • Pneumatic Skills:
      • Reading schematics, piping, and instrumention diagrams to build and troubleshoot systems by tracing a signal from start to finish through multiple cables, sensors, and control modules.
      • Assembling piping systems with pumps, sensors, valves, filters, etc. of new development products on existing and new tools.
      • Optical Skills:
        • Knowledge on how to clean and handle optics correctly
        • Ability to learn the assembly and adjustment of precision optics.
        • Learn to evaluate optical path of laser equipment with test tools, cameras, and software.
        • Computer Skills:
          • Proficiency using windows operating systems, navigating file trees, installing software and drivers.
          • Proficiency troubleshooting local networks, using IP and ModBus networking protocols.
          • Excellent time management skills with attention to detail
          • Ability to work independently with a high degree of accuracy
          • Demonstrated analytical, organizational, and communication skills
          • Ability to solve problems, multi-task and work in fast paced environment
          • Experience working as an independent contributor and as a member of the team