Engineering Technician – Electronics & Hardware Testing

Comrise; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Comrise is seeking a hands-on Engineering Technician to support the assembly, integration, testing, troubleshooting, and documentation of high-power microwave and accelerator hardware in a research and development lab.

The ideal candidate holds an Associate degree or technical training and has experience with electronics, mechanical assemblies, and lab instrumentation; reading schematics is essential. This 12-month contract is onsite in California.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical training in Engineering Technology, Electronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, Physics, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly, electronics, electrical systems, or lab equipment.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, drawings and specifications.
• Experience troubleshooting electrical or electronic hardware.
• Willingness to follow safety procedures around high-voltage equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, integrate, and test high-power microwave and accelerator hardware, including RF structures and pulsed-power systems.
• Perform precision mechanical assembly, alignment, and installation of accelerator and RF components.
• Set up and operate test stands, data acquisition systems, and lab instrumentation.
• Use oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, power meters and other test instruments.
• Support high-voltage and pulsed-power testing with established safety procedures.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, drawings, specifications and procedures.
• Troubleshoot hardware issues and document results and configurations.
• Identify component specs and assist with sourcing electrical parts.
• Document assembly procedures and test results.

Skills

Hands-on hardware

Electrical schematics reading

Troubleshooting

Lab safety

Documentation

Education

Associate degree or technical training in Engineering Technology, Electronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, Physics, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

Network analyzers

Power meters

Test equipment

Job description

Engineering Technician – Electronics & Hardware Testing

Work Arrangement: 100% Onsite

Pay Rate: $25–$28/hour

Employment Type: Contract

Contract Duration: 12 months

Position Overview

We are seeking a hands-on Engineering Technician to support the assembly, integration, testing, troubleshooting, and documentation of advanced electrical, electronic, RF, and mechanical hardware in an R&D laboratory environment.

The ideal candidate will have an Associate degree or technical training and practical experience working with electrical/electronic systems, mechanical assemblies, laboratory test equipment, and engineering documentation. Candidates should be comfortable reading electrical schematics and engineering drawings, troubleshooting hardware, and working safely around high-voltage equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assemble, integrate, and test high-power microwave and linear accelerator hardware, including RF structures, waveguides, and pulsed-power systems.
• Perform precision mechanical assembly, alignment, installation, and integration of accelerator and RF components.
• Set up and operate test stands, data acquisition systems, and laboratory instrumentation.
• Use equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, power meters, and other electrical test instruments.
• Support high-voltage and pulsed-power testing while following established safety procedures.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, circuit diagrams, engineering drawings, specifications, and written procedures.
• Troubleshoot electrical, electronic, mechanical, and system‑level hardware issues.
• Diagnose component failures and support root‑cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Identify component specifications and assist with sourcing and ordering electrical parts such as breakers, contactors, relays, connectors, and related hardware.
• Document assembly procedures, test results, troubleshooting activities, and as‑built configurations.
• Follow laboratory, electrical, high‑voltage, radiation, and other applicable safety protocols.
• Support continuous improvement of laboratory procedures, assembly processes, and testing methods.
• Collaborate closely with engineers, scientists, and other technical team members.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical training in Engineering Technology, Electronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, Physics, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related field; equivalent hands‑on technical experience may be considered.
• Hands‑on experience with mechanical assembly, electronics, electrical systems, or laboratory/test equipment.
• Strong ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, engineering drawings, and technical specifications.
• Experience troubleshooting electrical or electronic hardware.
• Comfortable working hands‑on with complex hardware in a laboratory, manufacturing, R&D, or industrial environment.
• Ability to use basic electrical/electronic test equipment.
• Ability to follow detailed technical procedures and safety requirements.
• Must be able to qualify for required safety authorizations, including radiation and high‑voltage work.
• Ability to lift and move equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Strong attention to detail, documentation, and safety.
• Demonstrated employment stability and a consistent work history are strongly preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with RF, microwave, high‑voltage, pulsed‑power, or accelerator systems.
• Experience in an R&D, aerospace, defense, semiconductor, or scientific laboratory environment.
• Experience with LabVIEW for test stand operation, data acquisition, automation, or control.
• Experience with PCB schematics and circuit diagrams.
• Experience troubleshooting electronic circuits at the board or system level.
• Experience with data acquisition systems and automated test equipment.
• Experience specifying and ordering electrical components such as breakers, contactors, relays, switches, and connectors.
• Experience collaborating with engineers and scientists on hardware development and testing.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on Engineering or Electronics Technician who enjoys working directly with sophisticated hardware. You should be comfortable reading schematics, assembling and troubleshooting electrical/electronic systems, using test equipment, identifying components, and following strict laboratory and electrical safety procedures.

Candidates from aerospace, defense, semiconductor, electronics, RF, scientific instrumentation, industrial automation, or advanced manufacturing environments are encouraged to apply.

• 12‑month contract with potential for extension based on business needs and performance
• Regular work with electrical, electronic, mechanical, and high‑voltage hardware
• Safety training and required authorizations will be provided