Engineering Technician

turtlebox; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary lunch

Paid time off

Health benefits

401k matching

Discounts on Turtlebox products

Job summary

Turtlebox is seeking an Engineering Technician for their Houston lab to help build and test rugged outdoor audio products. You will hand-solder PCBAs, run 3D prints, and assemble prototypes while supporting engineering, industrial design, and QA. This role emphasizes hands-on work across electrical and mechanical tasks with minimal travel.

The position offers growth within a dynamic, entrepreneurial team focused on quality and real-world performance in demanding environments.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years hands-on technical experience in electronics or prototyping.
• Ability to move between electrical and mechanical tasks.
• Proficient with standard lab equipment and schematics.

Responsibilities

• Build working prototypes from schematics and design briefs.
• Hand-solder PCBAs and assemble prototype units.
• Run 3D prints and create mechanical mockups for review and testing.
• Support test fixtures, lab setup, and documentation of results.
• Assist with EVT/DVT/PVT build activities hands-on.

Skills

Hands-on

Electronics

Soldering

3D printing

Education

Associate degree

Tools

Oscilloscope

Multimeter

Power supply

Calipers

Soldering iron

Job description

About Turtlebox Audio

The first Turtlebox was born out of necessity. After breaking every “loud” product on the market through routine outdoor use, the idea of the Turtlebox was born in our garage, not as a business but just for personal use. Nothing else could get the job done.

Most portable speakers aren’t actually meant for the outdoors and can’t withstand the elements, the ones that can aren’t loud enough to be heard. When you’re at the beach or on an ATV, you need sound to carry in order to hear it over the wind, waves, and boat engines, you need a Turtlebox.

We soon realized that there was a huge need for the Turtlebox among likeminded adventurers and our journey began to set out to make the world’s loudest most rugged outdoor portable speaker.

Click here for a peek inside our workplace!

Job Title: Engineering Technician

Role Overview:

At Turtlebox, we build speakers that are meant to be used — not babied. Muddy job sites, boat docks, beach days, tailgates. Our products get thrown in trucks, dunked in water, and pushed in conditions that would break most consumer electronics. None of that happens by accident — it happens because every design gets built, tested, and touched by people who know what they're doing before it ships.

We're looking for an Engineering Technician who is genuinely good with their hands and comfortable moving between whatever the team needs. Some days that's hand-soldering a PCBA. Some days it's running a 3D print, finishing a mockup for the ID team, or executing a test plan for validation. This role supports Engineering, Industrial Design, and Quality — not just one function. You're not the architect, but you're the reason the architecture becomes real. This is a Houston lab role with minimal travel, and if you're a few years into your career and want to be at the center of a real product development team, it's a strong place to grow.

Key Responsibilities:

Build and Prototype

• Build working prototypes from schematics, design briefs, and direction from the engineering team
• Hand-solder PCBAs, perform component-level rework, and assemble prototype units from scratch
• Run 3D prints (FDM and SLA), post-process parts, and build mechanical mockups for ID review and functional testing
• Support CMF sample prep — surface finish evaluations, color and material mockup preparation
• Build and modify test fixtures, jigs, and rigs to support development and validation
• Keep the lab clean, organized, and well-stocked — know where everything is

Test and Validate

• Execute test plans from the engineering and validation teams — capture data accurately and flag anomalies
• Run electrical tests using oscilloscopes, multimeters, logic analyzers, power supplies, and spectrum analyzers
• Support physical and environmental testing — drop, IP ingress, thermal — using lab equipment and defined protocols
• Document results clearly so engineers can act on them; document failures so problems don't repeat
• Support EVT, DVT, and PVT build activities hands‑on at every stage

Troubleshoot and Debug

• Diagnose component‑level failures on PCBAs — root cause, not just symptoms
• Support root cause analysis on mechanical and assembly failures — not everything that breaks is electrical
• Help the engineering team work through complex hardware and firmware issues methodically

Support Quality and Manufacturing Readiness

• Assist with incoming component inspection and acceptance testing
• Perform teardown and root cause analysis on warranty returns — identify failure mode, document findings, and support corrective action
• Help develop and refine test procedures and work instructions for manufacturing environments
• Step in wherever the team needs hands — the work doesn't always fit neatly in a job description

Qualifications:

• 2–4 years of hands‑on technical experience — electronics, mechanical assembly, prototyping, equipment repair, or equivalent
• Able to flex across electrical and mechanical tasks without being locked into one lane
• Proficient with standard lab equipment: multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, calipers
• Able to read and follow schematics, engineering drawings, and assembly documentation
• Competent hand soldering — SMD and through‑hole; fine‑pitch rework a plus
• Familiar with 3D printing or willing to learn — FDM experience preferred
• Takes direction well, executes independently, and writes down what you find
• Curious about how things work — you figure things out instead of waiting to be told

Preferred Experience:

• Consumer electronics, audio, or outdoor product experience
• Military electronics background (Army 94-series, Navy ET/FC, Air Force 2E or equivalent)
• Associate degree or certificate in Electronics Technology, Mechanical Technology, or related field
• Experience with battery systems or basic power circuits
• Basic firmware familiarity — able to flash firmware or run a script with guidance
• Any exposure to IPC‑A‑610 workmanship standards
• Basic CAD familiarity for viewing files and preparing print geometry (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar)

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• This position involves working in a traditional work environment, 5 days a week
• Must be able to lift 50lbs
• Must be able to work in multiple environments. Indoor and outdoor environments, depending on job details.
• Must be legally authorized to work in Texas without requiring visa sponsorship.

Why Join Turtlebox?:

• Be part of a fast‑growing premium outdoor audio brand with strong momentum in wholesale and D2C.
• Coworkers who are as passionate about music and adventure as you are.
• Thrive in an entrepreneurial culture with room for creativity, ownership, and innovation.
• Complimentary lunch every day.
• 12 annual holidays plus Paid Time Off.
• Comprehensive health benefits & 401k matching.
• Awesome discounts to complete your Turtlebox collection!

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