Southwest Research Institute logo

PRINCIPAL TECHNICIAN - Mechanical & Electrical Assembly

Southwest Research Institute
  • San Antonio, TX
    Today

    Job Description

    Who We Are:

    Join an independent R&D company as a skilled technician to assemble, maintain, and repair experimental equipment to aide in solving national security problems. Join our team and receive an additional $500.00 in your first paycheck (minus applicable taxes).

    Objectives of this Role:
    • Lead the integration, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, and field deployment of advanced electrical, mechanical, avionics, and custom R&D systems supporting national security and aerospace programs.
    • Independently plan and execute complex, non-routine, and highly customized technical assignments across the lifecycle of experimental and production-representative systems.
    • Serve as a senior technical resource to engineers, scientists, project leaders, clients, vendors, and other support organizations by applying broad knowledge of technical standards, principles, processes, and practices.
    • Develop and implement original technical solutions, including adapting or modifying procedures, equipment, tooling, and test methods to address unique project requirements
    • Lead, coordinate, and sequence technical activities while mentoring and training technicians and supporting laboratory, field-deployable, and airborne UAS systems.
    Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:
    • Lead mechanical and electrical assembly, system integration, troubleshooting, repair, maintenance, and performance testing of avionics and custom R&D systems in laboratory and field environments.
    • Plan and conduct field testing, operational inspections, deployments, and repairs in diverse outdoor conditions, including hot and cold weather, rain, dust, and other challenging environments.
    • Select, adapt, and operate electrical, mechanical, avionics, and electronic test equipment to diagnose issues, characterize system performance, validate requirements, and support acceptance testing.
    • Coordinate multiple technical assignments and project resources, maintain laboratory and field equipment readiness, and ensure work is completed safely, accurately, and in the proper sequence.
    • Document technical results and recommendations; manage parts, materials, tools, and equipment inventories; and provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to less-experienced staff.
    Requirements:
    • Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
    • Relevant Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical certifications and/or Associate degree is preferred. Current Part 107 Drone Pilot License desirable or ability/willingness to obtain.
    • 10-15 years: Experience in mechanical and electronics assembly, avionics maintenance, systems integration, systems testing, electromechanical systems, or a related technical field; equivalent military, apprenticeship, journeyman, or technical training may be considered.
    • Comprehensive knowledge of electrical wiring, crimping, soldering, connectors, cabling, mechanical assembly, technical drawings, schematics, test procedures, and applicable test equipment.
    • Willingness to travel and perform and/or lead field work in hot and cold weather, dusty environments, rain, and other challenging outdoor conditions. Obtain and maintain any required training, certifications, licenses, or security credentials.
    • Demonstrated experience to independently troubleshoot, repair, modify, and maintain complex, customized systems and to develop practical solutions to non-routine technical problems.
    • A valid/clear driver's license is required.

    Numbers & Facts

    LocationSan Antonio, TX
    IndustryEngineering Services
    Company Size2,000 to 2,499 employees
    Year Founded1947
    Websitehttp://www.swri.org/

    Benefits

    Paid Sick Days, Parking, Professional Development, Employee Referral Program, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Events, Retirement / Pension Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Health Care on Site, Merchandise Discounts, Military Leave, On Site Cafeteria

    About Company

    We are R&D problem solvers providing independent, premier services to government and industry clients. Our multidisciplinary nature allows us to rapidly assemble diverse teams to tackle problems from multiple directions. We push the boundaries of science and technology to develop innovative solutions that advance the state of the art and improve human health and safety. Operating as a nonprofit since our 1947 inception, we work in the public’s best interest and toward the betterment of mankind.  At SwRI, we tirelessly pursue innovation and excellence in science and technology for the betterment of humankind. We support work on nearly 4,000 client projects at any given time through a wide range of technical competencies with 2,574 staff members in nine technical divisions. Client services include, but are not limited to, Automotive and Transportation, Biomedical & Health, Chemistry & Materials, Computers and Electronics, Defense & Security, Earth & Space, Energy & Environment, and Manufacturing & Construction. 

    TECHNICAL DIVISIONS

    • Applied Physics-Developing advanced electronic and microelectronic devices, power supplies, voice and data communication systems, robot test services, and payloads
    • Applied Power-Using physical science research and applied engineering to produce sensors, instruments, and hardware used worldwide.
    • Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses-Resolving technical and regulatory issues related to a potential geologic repository for spent nuclear fule and high-level radioactive waste.
    • Chemistry and Chemical Engineering-Performing research and technical services using chemistry and chemical engineering technology.
    • Defense and & Intelligence Solutions-Providing advanced direction finding and tracking systems through geolocation system development.
    • Fuels and Lubricants Research-Performing fuels and lubricants research activities to meet regulatory and competitive goals.
    • Intelligent Systems-Providing engineering services in resaerch and development of complex systems and equipment.
    • Mechanical Engineering-Improving safety, reliability, efficiency and life of new or existing mechanical components or systems.
    • Powertrain Engineering-Designing and developing vehicle and engine components to achieve performance and emissions goals.
    • Space Science & Engineering-Developing and managing advanced scientific payloads aboard satellites and sounding rockets.

    PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

    Innovation in science and technology has been a hallmark of Southwest Research Institute since its earliest days. It's no exaggeration to say we are committed to advancing science and applying technology to benefit government, industry, and all humankind. That is our mission. Our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach allows us to successfully solve clients' most challenging problems. Today, we are a leader among independent, nonprofit research and development organizations. Our staff of 2,574 scientists, engineers, analysts, and support staff members continues to accomplish outstanding fundamental and applied engineering and research for clients from diverse segments of government and industry. Adam L. Hamilton, P.E, President and CEO

    IN THE COMMUNITY
    Our staff is expert at developing solutions that help build a better tomorrow today; and that practical, innovative spirit carries through to our community interactions. Staff members generously donate time and outher resources to support food drives, blood drives, and other
    outreach programs. 
    HONORS AND AWARDS
    Southwest Research Institute has earned 43 R&D 100 awards since 1971. Each year R&D Magazine recognizes developments regarded as among the 100 most significant technical accomplishments. The Chicago Tribune dubbed the program "the Oscars of Invention". 

    Skills

    • Acceptance Testingunmatched
    • Aerospace and Defenseunmatched
    • Assemblers Technologyunmatched
    • Assembly Equipmentunmatched
    • Avionicsunmatched
    • Driver's Licenseunmatched
    • Electrical Wiringunmatched
    • Electricityunmatched
    • Electromechanical Systemsunmatched
    • Electronicsunmatched
    • Electronics Assemblyunmatched
    • Equipment Maintenance/Repairunmatched
    • Field Trialsunmatched
    • Groundskeepingunmatched
    • High School Diplomaunmatched
    • Identify Issuesunmatched
    • Integration Testingunmatched
    • Laboratoryunmatched
    • Laboratory Equipmentunmatched
    • Machine Toolunmatched
    • Maintenance - Electricalunmatched
    • Maintenance Servicesunmatched
    • Materials Managementunmatched
    • Mechanical Assemblyunmatched
    • Mentoringunmatched
    • Performance Testingunmatched
    • Problem Solving Skillsunmatched
    • Procedure Developmentunmatched
    • Production Systemsunmatched
    • Quality Assurance Methodologyunmatched
    • Requirements Validation/Verificationunmatched
    • Research & Development (R&D)unmatched
    • Schematicsunmatched
    • Solderingunmatched
    • System Integration (SI)unmatched
    • System Testunmatched
    • System Validationunmatched
    • Systems Administration/Managementunmatched
    • Technical Drawingunmatched
    • Technical Leadershipunmatched
    • Technical Trainingunmatched
    • Technical Writingunmatched
    • Test Equipmentunmatched
    • Testingunmatched
    • Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)unmatched
    • Willing to Travelunmatched
    • Wire Harnessunmatched

    Level up your application

    Professional resume templates

    Browse dozens of recruiter approved resume templates, layouts and formats. Choose your favorite and make it your own in minutes.

    Free resume templates

    Resume Builder

    Improve your existing resume or start from scratch and create a standout, ATS-friendly resume. Add job-specific content, download and apply.

    Resume Builder