Electronics Technician Intern

OceanComm, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 30,307 - 41,328; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedule

Access to prototyping equipment

Close mentorship

Job summary

A technology-driven underwater firm in Chicago seeks an intern to join their engineering team. This hands-on role involves building undersea drones and intelligent sensors while working closely with experienced engineers. Responsibilities include PCB assembly, testing, and integrating systems at-sea. Ideal candidates are pursuing an associate degree in a related field and have hands-on electronics experience. The position offers professional training and mentorship, competitive hourly pay, and opportunities for full-time employment following graduation.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience through coursework or projects in electronics assembly.
• Willingness to learn surface mount soldering and rework.
• Ability to lift 35 lbs regularly.

Responsibilities

• Help ramp up manufacturing of modems and ensure quality through testing.
• Build and troubleshoot printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs).
• Help integrate modems into undersea drones and test the systems at-sea.

Skills

Electronics assembly

Soldering

Troubleshooting PCBAs

CAD/CAM software

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Progress towards an associate degree in Electronics, Electromechanical Technology, or Mechatronics

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Digital multimeters

CNC mill

3D printers

Job description

Join OceanComm’s engineering team and help build undersea drones, intelligent sensors, and other cutting‑edge undersea technology. This is a hands‑on role for students in electronics, electromechanical technology, mechatronics, or related technical programs who want real experience with PCB assembly, test setups, troubleshooting, and field deployment. You’ll work closely with experienced engineers and technicians, receive training, and contribute to products used in defense, offshore energy, and oceanographic research. Many of our past interns have gone on to join OceanComm full‑time, and if you perform well, you will be considered for a full‑time role after graduation.

About Us

Underwater, the wireless transfer of a single picture used to take an hour. We brought to market wireless modems that transfer data 100 to 1000 times faster. Legacy modems were basically status/command links; our modems can control undersea drones with live video feedback, a game changer for exploring the underwater world. Because radio waves attenuate quickly underwater, our modems use sound waves to communicate.

What You Will Do

• Help ramp up manufacturing of our modems and ensure quality through testing
• Design, build, and script semi‑automated test setups
• Build and troubleshoot printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), proprietary sensors and other electro‑mechanical hardware
• Help integrate our modems into undersea drones and other cutting‑edge maritime systems and test the integrated systems at‑sea
• Design and machine mounts and housings using CAD/CAM software and a CNC mill
• Handle multiple priorities, organize workload, and meet deadlines
• Be an active participant in continuous improvement activities, provide feedback on ways we can improve our manufacturing operations
• Help build a positive and collaborative team culture that promotes product knowledge and skills development
• Keep the workspace clean, organized, and safe for yourself and your colleagues

Progress towards an associate degree in Electronics, Electromechanical Technology, Mechatronics, or a related technical field, with an emphasis on micro‑electronics

• Hands‑on experience through coursework, projects, or work in electronics assembly, soldering, and use of basic electrical test equipment
• Willingness to learn and expand your skillset in surface mount soldering and rework, PCBA troubleshooting, machining, and computer scripts
• Willing to travel up to 20% of the time
• Ability to work on a boat to deploy and operate modems at‑sea
• Ability to lift 35 lbs regularly
• U.S. Person

What Will Put You Ahead

• Experience in surface mount soldering and rework
• Experience troubleshooting PCBAs using standard electrical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, and digital multimeters
• Experience with computer‑aided design, 3D printing, and/or machining
• Experience developing computer scripts, for example, to interface with lab equipment or automate tests
• Experience reworking BGAs
• Experience working with electrical systems up to 400 VDC
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting complex PCB schematics, mechanical drawings, equipment specs and test procedures

• Close mentorship and continuous professional training
• Flexible work schedule with core hours
• Access to advanced prototyping and manufacturing equipment, including a CNC mill, cobot, and a range of 3D printers

Compensation

The pay range for this position is $22–$30 per hour. Actual pay will depend on the candidate’s experience and skills demonstrated during interviews and other evaluations.

OceanComm is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vet.