Electrical Systems Technologist – Defense Electronics

Keystone Distinction Group; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Keystone Distinction Group in Milwaukee NE WI is seeking an Electrical Systems Technologist to bridge design and production for defense electronics. The role focuses on high-reliability assembly, diagnostic depth, and hands-on engineering until final production.

You will work with a lean, mission-driven team in a veteran-owned environment, travel up to 20 days/year for field validation and client installs, and leverage IPC/AS9100D standards.

Qualifications

• Hands-on electronics depth with PCB soldering and bench assembly.
• Ability to read complex electrical schematics and interconnects.
• Proven independent diagnostic capabilities without heavy oversight.
• Willingness to travel up to 20 days per year domestically.

Responsibilities

• Execute High-Reliability Assembly: Perform precision soldering and micro-assembly of multi-layer PCBs and specialized wire harnesses to strict IPC quality benchmarks.
• Diagnose Hardware Deviations: Isolate, trace, and repair circuit-level faults, hardware defects, and signal anomalies using oscilloscopes, meters, and signal generators.
• Support Engineering Design: Partner directly with design engineers during board layout reviews, prototype builds, bench validations, and manufacturing handoffs.
• Manage Technical Procurement Support: Assist with Bill of Materials (BOM) management, technical component sourcing, and vendor specification tracking for active builds.
• Maintain System Documentation: Prepare and update clean technical drawings, schematic revisions, assembly instructions, and component calculation records.
• Ensure AS9100 Compliance: Support facility quality processes, inspection logs, and environmental testing in strict accordance with AS9100D aerospace standards.

Skills

Electronics Soldering

PCB Assembly

Diagnostics & Troubleshooting

Schematic Reading

Independent Diagnostics

Bench Assembly

Education

Associate Degree in Electronics Technology

10+ years direct trades experience

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Meters

Signal Generators

SolidWorks

P-Spice

Altium

Eagle

Job description

Electrical Systems Technologist – Defense Electronics

Up to $70,000 Base Salary Greater Milwaukee / NE WI Corridor Direct-Hire

• COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: Up to $70,000 starting base salary (commensurate with bench assembly & diagnostic depth) + 401(k) retirement plan + full healthcare benefits package.
• WORK ENVIRONMENT: Established, veteran-owned defense & aerospace electronics manufacturer producing ruggedized systems for military and aviation platforms; mission-first, non-bureaucratic environment.
• BENCH & QUALITY FOCUS: High-reliability PCB assembly, precision micro-soldering, and board-level troubleshooting aligned with strict IPC standards and AS9100D aerospace quality frameworks.
• TRAVEL PROFILE: Up to 20 days per year of domestic travel for field validation, flight-line testing, and client installations.
• EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Associate Degree in Electronics Technology preferred (10+ years of direct trades experience fully valued in lieu of degree); US work authorization required.

If you are a skilled electronics technician or technologist looking to step away from repetitive assembly line work, this direct-hire seat provides an exceptional professional upgrade. The employer is a highly respected, veteran-owned aerospace and defense electronics manufacturer with a decade of consistent, high-velocity growth. Producing specialized, ruggedized electronic systems for elite military and aviation applications, they offer a non-bureaucratic, mission-first environment where your technical craftsmanship directly impacts every build.

Operating as part of a lean, agile engineering team, this role serves as the primary technical bridge between initial component design and physical production layout. Instead of handling a single repetitive task, you will touch every phase of the build cycle—from initial prototype creation to advanced engineering troubleshooting. Backed by an exceptionally stable defense backlog and a full corporate benefits package (including 401k), this role provides a clear, long-term path to advance into broader engineering responsibilities over time.

What You Will Be Doing (Daily Responsibilities)

• Execute High-Reliability Assembly: Perform precision soldering and micro-assembly of multi-layer PCBs and specialized wire harnesses to strict IPC quality benchmarks for prototype and production units.
• Diagnose Hardware Deviations: Isolate, trace, and repair circuit-level faults, hardware defects, and signal anomalies using oscilloscopes, meters, and signal generators.
• Support Engineering Design: Partner directly with design engineers during board layout reviews, prototype builds, bench validations, and manufacturing handoffs.
• Manage Technical Procurement Support: Assist with Bill of Materials (BOM) management, technical component sourcing, and vendor specification tracking for active builds.
• Maintain System Documentation: Prepare and update clean technical drawings, schematic revisions, assembly instructions, and component calculation records.
• Ensure AS9100 Compliance: Support facility quality processes, inspection logs, and environmental testing in strict accordance with AS9100D aerospace standards.

What We Are Looking For (Requirements & Qualifications)

• Hands-On Electronics Depth: Verifiable background as a dedicated electronics technician with demonstrated mastery in precision PCB soldering and benchtop assembly.
• Schematic & Diagram Literacy: Confident ability to read multi-page electrical schematics, wire harness diagrams, and system interconnect prints.
• Independent Diagnostic Capability: Proven skill in isolating circuit performance errors or assembly defects without reliance on heavy engineering oversight.
• Self-Directed Work Ethic: Proactive mindset comfortable prioritizing daily bench tasks, managing deadlines, and maintaining focus in a lean environment.
• Local Commute Access: Established permanent residence within a dependable daily commuting radius of the Greater Milwaukee / Northeast WI corridor.

Preferred Technical Assets (Bonus Skills)

• Defense & Military Hardware Exposure: Experience with NVIS (Night Vision Imaging System) technologies, photometric testing, or military-spec ruggedized enclosures.
• Design & Simulation Software: Exposure to SolidWorks, P-Spice circuit simulation, or PCB layout tools (Altium / Eagle).
• Military Aviation / Electronics Background: Prior military service specializing in avionics, radar, radio, or fire control system maintenance.