Assembly Technician I

About us 

Backburner Labs is an engineering consulting and contract manufacturing company that helps hardware companies bring their products to life. Our primary focus is engineering services—we work alongside our customers' teams to solve design challenges, optimize products for manufacturability, and get from concept to production-ready as efficiently as possible. When it's time to build, we provide end-to-end manufacturing support including assembly, testing, and full-scale production. 

Our customers range from medical device innovators to consumer electronics companies who need a partner that understands both the engineering and the manufacturing side of the equation. We're a small, hands-on team where everyone wears multiple hats and has real ownership over their work. If you're looking for a place where you can see the direct impact of what you do, solve interesting problems, and work with a variety of products and technologies, we'd like to hear from you. 

Quick Facts

• Founded: 2019  
• Company: ~50 people (full-time and contract employees)  
• Current location: St Paul - St Anthony Park area 
• Future location: Minneapolis - Prospect Park area (we have leased a 43,000 sq ft building) 
• Revenue: doubled every year for 5 years (more details shared later) 
• Client retention: 93% 

About the Role 

We're looking for an Assembly Technician I to join our manufacturing team. This is an entry-level, hands-on role: you'll assemble and wire custom electromechanical products by following work instructions, assembly drawings, and detailed guidance from senior technicians. It's an ideal opportunity for someone with strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail who wants to grow their skills in a small, hands-on manufacturing shop. 

You'll work under close supervision at first, building units with hand tools, power tools, and assembly equipment while keeping your work area clean, organized, and safe. As you gain experience, you'll take on more complex builds and greater independence. 

Details:

• Reports to: Manufacturing Operations Manager
• Team: ~5
• Status: Full-time Contractor
• Contract rate: $18 - $25 an hour
• Interview process: (~10 days):
  • Head of Talent - video call
  • Interview and facility tour - in person
    • Interview and Q&A with Manufacturing Operations Manager
    • Meet peers
  • Decision

• This is a full-time, on-site position. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. 

What You'll Do 

Production & Assembly (primary responsibility) 

• Assemble mechanical enclosures, brackets, and mounting hardware in accordance with work instructions and assembly drawings. 

• Install and route wire harnesses, cables, and connectors. 

• Perform basic through-hole soldering, crimping, and wire terminations. 

• Install PCBAs, sensors, displays, and other components into assemblies as directed. 

• Apply labels, fasteners, and adhesives as specified. 

• Use hand tools, power tools, and basic measuring tools accurately and safely. 

• Ask questions and seek guidance from senior technicians when instructions are unclear. 

Quality & Documentation 

• Perform basic visual inspection of your work against drawings and specifications. 

• Assist with system checkout and functional testing of assembled units. 

• Flag defects, damaged parts, or quality issues to a lead or supervisor. 

• Record completed work and keep accurate, legible production records. 

Facility Operations 

• Keep work areas, benches, and shared spaces clean and organized. 

• Help stage, kit, and organize production materials, parts, and tools. 

• Assist with basic inventory and stocking of production supplies. 

What We're Looking For 

• High school diploma or GED; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Mechanical aptitude and strong manual dexterity. 

• Comfortable using hand tools and power tools; willingness to learn soldering, crimping, and wire terminations. 

• Able to read and follow assembly drawings, work instructions, and basic schematics (or willingness to learn). 

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistent quality. 

• Able to follow directions, work as part of a team, and take feedback well. 

• Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Office). 

• Reliable and punctual; comfortable with repetitive tasks and standing for extended periods. 

Nice to Have 

• Some prior experience in assembly, manufacturing, production, or a skilled trade. 

• Vocational or trade school coursework in electronics, electrical, or mechanical fields. 

• Basic soldering or wiring experience. 

• Familiarity with ESD handling procedures. 

• Experience in a low-volume or prototype manufacturing environment. 

Physical Requirements 

• Regularly use hands to handle components and reach with hands and arms. 

• Frequently sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear. 

• Regularly lift up to 10 lbs, frequently lift up to 25 lbs, occasionally lift up to 50 lbs. 

• Specific vision abilities include peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 

ALL ARE WELCOME

We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome people of all backgrounds and believe different experiences, perspectives, and ideas make our team and our work better. If you're excited about the role, we encourage you to apply.

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