Electronics Assembly Technician (Vendor)

HRL Laboratories; Calabasas (CA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

HRL Laboratories is seeking a mechanically inclined technician to assemble and test electromechanical components for radar, communication, and phased‑array systems. You will follow detailed instructions, wire and solder leads, and prepare assemblies for final testing in a defense-focused environment.

The role requires experience winding coils, familiarity with AS9100/ISO facilities, and proficiency with inspection tools.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• J-STD-001 or IPC-A-610 soldering certification.
• Experience winding coils for transformers or magnetic assemblies.
• Familiarity with military/defense manufacturing environments or AS9100/ISO-certified facilities.
• Experience with electrical testing, insulation materials, or measurement tools (micrometers, calipers, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Follow detailed work instructions, travelers, and engineering documentation; accurately record production data and quality results.
• Assemble electromechanical components, wire connectors/cables, solder, and perform mechanical operations.
• Apply insulation materials, terminate and solder leads in accordance with J-STD-001, and perform necessary trimming and preparation steps.
• Conduct visual and dimensional inspections of wound coils; perform tests to verify compliance with quality requirements and engineering drawings.
• Cut, strip, bend, route, and secure wire leads using pliers, wire scrapers, and other hand tools.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area; adhere to HRL safety procedures and EHS requirements.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Safety compliance

Mechanical aptitude

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Technical School electronics training

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Soldering equipment

Job description

HRL Laboratories pioneers the next frontiers of physical and information science. Delivering transformative technologies in automotive, aerospace and defense, HRL advances the critical missions of its customers to help them remove limitations and create competitive advantage. HRL then transitions the work back to customers – ready for real‑world application. For more than 70 years, HRL’s rich portfolio of scientific discoveries and engineering innovations continues to build on each other — often in unexpected, profound and far-reaching ways. As a private company owned jointly by Boeing and GM, HRL prioritizes purpose over profit, significantly advancing the state of the art.

HRL Laboratories develops radiofrequency, millimeter-wave and electro‑optical sensors using state‑of‑the‑art materials and device fabrication processes to deliver agile, mission‑ready systems. Our high‑performance solutions are highly integrated, architecturally low cost, and optimized for size, weight and power efficiency while leveraging commercial, custom and novel mixed‑signal innovations.

This is a (fixed term contract, contract with a range, or contract to hire) position.

HRL Laboratories LLC is looking to hire a motivated candidate to join our mechanical assembly and integration team. This team works with HRL’s customers as well as other internal groups to develop and produce packaging solutions for the next generation of radar, communication, and phased array systems for defense, intelligence, aerospace, and automotive applications. This role is critical to the successful fabrication, assembly and testing of these systems.

Essential Duties:

• Follow detailed work instructions, travelers, and engineering documentation; accurately record production data and quality results.
• Assemble electromechanical components, wire connectors/cables, solder, and perform mechanical operations.
• Apply insulation materials, terminate and solder leads in accordance with J-STD-001, and perform necessary trimming and preparation steps.
• Conduct visual and dimensional inspections of wound coils; perform tests to verify compliance with quality requirements and engineering drawings.
• Cut, strip, bend, route, and secure wire leads using pliers, wire scrapers, and other hand tools.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area; adhere strictly to HRL safety procedures and EHS requirements.
• Collaborate with engineers, supervisors, and team members to resolve issues, improve processes, and support continuous improvement.
• Set up and operate test instruments for final product testing.
• Ensure accuracy and organization in all production and testing.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot technical issues in collaboration with the engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Ability to work independently and within a small, highly skilled team.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum High School Diploma or GED.
• J-STD-001 or IPC-A-610 soldering certification.
• Experience winding coils for transformers or magnetic assemblies.
• Familiarity with military/defense manufacturing environments or AS9100/ISO-certified facilities.
• Experience with electrical testing, insulation materials, or measurement tools (micrometers, calipers, etc.).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Technical School or Vocational School training in basic electronics or equivalent job experience.
• Proficiency in soldering, wiring, and using hand tools (calipers, voltmeters, etc.).
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues and follow complex test procedures.
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time, as well as physically capable of navigating a working laboratory to actively manage tasks.
• Must be able to lift 35 pounds at times.
• Able to wear Personal Protective Equipment, safety glasses and closed toe shoes.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to work flexible hours.
• U.S. citizenship
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Dow clearance at the secret level

Compensation and Benefits:

• Pay Range : $33.41 - $40.77 per hour
• Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location (California). The range displayed on each job posting reflects the target range for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At HRL, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment substance abuse testing.

If you would like more information about Equal Employment Opportunity as an applicant under the law, please go to Employees & Job Applicants | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

For our privacy policy please visit: www.hrl.com/privacy