Assembly Technician I - Entry Level

Backburner Labs, Inc; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Backburner Labs, Inc. in Saint Paul, MN, is hiring an entry-level Assembly Technician to join our hands-on manufacturing team. You will assemble enclosures, wire harnesses, and perform basic soldering under close supervision, following drawings and work instructions.

This is a full-time on-site role, Monday–Friday 8am–5pm, contractor rate $18–$25/hour. Requirements: high school diploma or GED, mechanical aptitude, good manual dexterity, the ability to read schematics, and strong attention to

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity.
• Ability to read assembly drawings and follow instructions.
• Willingness to learn soldering and crimping.
• Comfort with hand and power tools.

Responsibilities

• Assemble mechanical enclosures, brackets, and mounting hardware.
• Install and route wire harnesses and connectors.
• Perform basic soldering and wire terminations.
• Install PCBAs and other components.
• Maintain clean, safe work area and accurate production records.
• Follow instructions and seek guidance when unsure.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Manual dexterity

Reading drawings

Basic soldering

Basic wiring

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Reading schematics

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

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,optimizeproducts for manufacturability, and get from concept to production-ready as efficiently as possible. Whenit'stime 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'rea small, hands-on team where everyone wears multiple hats and has real ownership over their work. Ifyou'relooking 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'dlike 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 leaseda 43,000 sq ft building)
• Revenue: doubled every year for 5 years (more details shared later)
• Client retention: 93%

About the Role

We'relooking for an AssemblyTechnician Ito join our manufacturing team. This is an entry-level, hands-on role:you'llassemble and wire custom electromechanical products by following work instructions, assembly drawings, and detailed guidance from senior technicians.It'san ideal opportunity for someone with strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail who wants togrowtheir skills in a small, hands-on manufacturing shop.

You'llwork under closesupervision atfirst, building units with hand tools, power tools, and assembly equipment while keeping your work area clean, organized, and safe. As you gain experience,you'lltake 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: (~10days):
  • Head of Talent - video call
  • Interview and facility tour - in person
    • Interview and Q&A withManufacturing Operations Manager
    • Meet peers
  • Decision

Schedule

• 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.

• Assistwith system checkout and functional testing of assembled units.

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

• Record completed work and keepaccurate, 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, andtakefeedback well.

• Basic computerproficiency(Microsoft Office).

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

Nice to Have

• Some prior experience in assembly, manufacturing, production, ora skilledtrade.

• 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 usehands to handle components andreach withhands and arms.

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

• Regularlylift upto 10lbs, frequentlylift upto 25lbs, occasionallylift upto 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.