Engineering Technician

Socket.dev; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking an experienced Engineering Technician to join our advanced electromechanical prototype lab in San Francisco. You will assemble, wire, and fabricate prototypes, develop test setups, and perform diagnostics on automated systems.

The role requires meticulous data collection, process improvement, and mentoring junior staff. You will contribute to safeguarding lab safety protocols and maintaining calibration of equipment while collaborating with engineers to drive rapid

Qualifications

• Must have 10+ years hands-on experience as a technician in testing, manufacturing, prototyping, or R&D environments.
• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Extensive hands-on use of diagnostic equipment and measurement tools.
• Experience with CAD-based fixture design for prototyping (NX/CATIA).

Responsibilities

• Assemble, integrate, and modify complex electromechanical prototypes and test fixtures.
• Perform high-precision wiring, harness assembly, and custom wiring.
• Fabricate prototypes using milling, turning, drilling, 3D printing, and related methods.
• Develop test setups, execute plans, and troubleshoot advanced systems.
• Collect data, analyze results, and generate summary reports for engineering teams.
• Identify opportunities to improve lab SOPs, processes, and work instructions.
• Calibrate and maintain lab equipment, tools, and inventory.
• Provide mentorship and training to junior technicians and operators.
• Adhere to robotics lab safety protocols and manage laboratory inventory.

Skills

Engineering drawings

Schematics interpretation

Diagnostics tools

Measurement tools

CAD design

Fixture design

Machining methods

Lab safety

Motor & sensor interfaces

Problem solving

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Associate degree in Engineering Technology

Vocational certification

Equivalent practical/military experience

Tools

NX

CATIA

LabVIEW

Python

Job description

Role Description

We are looking to recruit an exceptional Engineering Technician to work on advanced electromechanical prototype systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Assembly: Build, integrate, and modify complex electromechanical prototypes, assemblies, and test fixtures based on engineering schematics, blueprints, verbal directions and your own intuition. This will include prototypes and small volume production.
• Wiring: Perform high-precision soldering, harness assembly, crimping, and custom wiring.
• Fabrication: Milling, turning, drilling, cutting, 3D printing, drilling to modify prototype components quickly.
• Testing & Diagnostics: Develop test setups and execute test plans. Perform advanced troubleshooting on mechanical, electrical, or automated systems to pinpoint root causes of issues and failures.
• Data Collection & Analysis: Record detailed technical data, analyze test results, and generate clear summary reports for engineering teams.
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve lab efficiency, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and build/test work instructions.
• Equipment Maintenance: Calibrate and maintain lab equipment, tools, and inventory to ensure safety and operational readiness.
• Mentorship: Provide guidance, technical support, and training to junior technicians and operators.
• Lab management: Adhere to and enhance robotics lab safety protocols (e.g., E-stops, laser safety), maintain equipment calibration, and manage component inventory.

Qualifications & Requirements

Must-have:

• Technical Skills:
• Strong proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Hands-on mastery of diagnostic equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, multimeters)
• Strong proficiency with measurement tools (calipers, micrometers height gauge etc.).
• Practical CAD experience and fixture design for prototyping (NX/CATIA).
• Solid understanding of machining and manufacturing methods.
• Solid understanding of safety standards and standard lab protocols.
• Solid understanding of BLDC/stepper motors, servo drives and sensor interfaces (CAN, EtherCAT, Serial,Ethernet).
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, strong attention to detail.
• Clear written and verbal communication, and a collaborative mindset.
• Experience: 10+ years of hands-on experience as a technician in testing, manufacturing, prototyping, or R&D environments.
• Education: Associate degree in Engineering Technology (Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, etc.), vocational certification, or equivalent practical/military experience.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with CNC machining processes
• Experience with lab automation tools (e.g., LabVIEW, basic scripting/Python).
• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., IPC standards, Machining/CNC, ISO quality standards).
• Prior experience in a fast-paced R&D or rapid prototyping environment.