Electronics Lab Technician

Electronics Lab Technician
Palo Alto, CA
Contract: 1 year
100% ONSITE
SCHEDULE: 8 5 / 9 6 M F (with flexibility depending on business needs)

Role Summary
The Electronics Lab Technician will support the Electrical Hardware team in the build, rework, testing, and validation of ECUs, PCBAs, harnesses, and engineering prototypes.

The core of this role is proficient soldering and SMT rework, complemented by mechanical assembly and hands-on power and thermal testing of engineering hardware.

This is a high-breadth role: the technician will work across board-level rework, unit assembly, hardware flashing, and scripted test execution alongside design engineers in a fast-paced product development environment. It is an excellent opportunity for a proactive, communicative technician looking to expand their skill set well beyond the soldering bench.

Core Responsibilities

• Perform PCBA modifications including SMT component rework, soldering/de-soldering, and blue-wire modifications per IPC-A-610 Class 3, including fine-pitch ICs and 0402 packages.
• Build wire harnesses per IPC/WHMA-A-620 standard.
• Perform mechanical assembly of ECU modules, prototype hardware, test boxes, and fixtures per engineering drawings and specifications.
• Execute power and thermal testing of electronic assemblies using power supplies, e-loads, power analyzers, thermal chambers, thermocouples, and data acquisition equipment.
• Flash firmware/software onto ECUs and development hardware; execute test scripts and collect and report results.
• Conduct functional and circuit block testing of electronic assemblies and engineering prototypes.
• Troubleshoot failures to root cause; clearly document findings, test results, and procedure updates.
• Proactively communicate test status, blockers, and results to engineers and the lab manager.

Additional Responsibilities (Periodic)

• Manage lab equipment: inventory, calibration tracking, and routine maintenance.
• Support lab organization, clean-up, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on experience performing SMT reworks and soldering in an electronics/engineering lab.
• Ability to solder fine-pitch ICs and 0402 components to IPC Class 3 workmanship.
• Experience with wire harness fabrication.
• Experience with mechanical assembly per engineering drawings (hand and power tools, fasteners, torque specs).
• Experience performing power and/or thermal testing of electronic hardware.
• Experience flashing hardware (ECUs, dev boards, or similar) and comfortable executing scripts from a command line.
• Proficiency with lab test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and e-loads.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and component datasheets.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; documents work clearly and keeps stakeholders informed.
• Self-driven, with a demonstrated interest in learning new skills and taking on broader responsibilities.
• Technology/technician degree or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Experience with MS Office tools (Outlook/Excel/Word/PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications

• Electric vehicle (EV) experience.
• Python scripting (writing or modifying scripts, beyond execution).
• Experience with CAN communication networks and tools.
• High-voltage system testing experience.
• Familiarity with Jira or similar project tracking tools.
• IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620, IPC-7711/7721, or J-STD-001 certifications.

Additional Requirements

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced development environment with flexible hours when needed.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety.
• Hands-on, proactive mindset with a willingness to fill gaps and solve problems.