Engineering Technician II (Ultra High Vacuum)

Twenty-Six Defense; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9/80 schedule

401(k) program

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Life Insurance

Paid PTO

Parental Leave

Employee Referral Program

Voluntary Benefits

TRICARE Supplement

Job summary

Twenty-Six Defense, a Roanoke-based division of a national defense leader, seeks a hands-on engineering technician for weekend night shift. The role focuses on maintaining night vision equipment, tooling, and process improvements while ensuring safety and quality.

You will work with manufacturing teams to optimize yield and productivity, perform maintenance, and support training. A background in engineering and Lean/Six Sigma tools is preferred.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent work experience in an engineering field.
• Minimum 2+ years in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and follow procedures; strong problem solving and analytical skills.
• Proficient with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook; good oral and written communication.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and comply with safety regulations (OSHA/EPA).
• Willingness to work off-shift schedules and obtain security clearance.
• Experience training others and improving processes with Lean/Six Sigma concepts.

Responsibilities

• Assist in daily operations and maintenance of manufacturing equipment and processes for night vision product manufacture.
• Interact with equipment and operators; build/repair tooling and disposition non-conforming product.
• Identify cost reduction opportunities and lead process improvements to boost yield and productivity.
• Train production staff to improve work processes and product quality; ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

Skills

2+ years experience

Analytical abilities

Verbal and written communication

MS Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Outlook

Team collaboration

Interpersonal and organizational

Training others

Security Clearance

OSHA/EPA/Fire Regulations

Off-shift availability

Education

Associate degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

MS Access

Minitab/JMP

Cornerstone

Visual Studio

Python

JSL (JMP scripting)

AutoCAD/ProE

Job description

Company InformationTwenty-Six Defense, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leading provider of high-performance products, system solutions, and aftermarket support services focusing on the defense, homeland security, and commercial aviation markets. With facilities throughout the U.S., Twenty-Six Defense supports those who contribute to the national security of the United States. Twenty-Six Defense is wholly owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT and TASE: ESLT), a global high-technology company engaged in a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial applications.

Company InformationTwenty-Six Defense, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leading provider of high-performance products, system solutions, and aftermarket support services focusing on the defense, homeland security, and commercial aviation markets. With facilities throughout the U.S., Twenty-Six Defense supports those who contribute to the national security of the United States. Twenty-Six Defense is wholly owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT and TASE: ESLT), a global high-technology company engaged in a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial applications. Fueled by more than 800 talented employees and a proud 65-year legacy of night vision production excellence, Twenty-Six Defense’s Warfighter Systems business is rooted in the heart of Virginia’s Roanoke Valley. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll find a unique blend of southern hospitality, outdoor adventure, and the energy of a thriving city – all alongside a purpose you can be proud of coming to work each day. As a world leader in low-light sensor technology, the Warfighter Systems team is engineering the future of image intensifiers and night vision goggle systems as we enter a new era of the networked battlespace. Trusted by the U.S. and nearly 100 allied countries, our technology supports those in harm’s way during the most critical moments, with one goal in mind: bring them home safely. The work our employees perform each day plays a direct role in national security, and our shared purpose is what truly makes Warfighter Systems so extraordinary. Join our collaborative team, where each voice is valued, and you can thrive, develop, and make a real impact!

Weekend Night Shift (6PM to 6AM)

Shift Differential and Sign-on Bonus

Job DescriptionPrimarily responsible for assistance in daily operations and maintenance of manufacturing equipment/processes for manufacture of night vision image intensifiers. This is a hands‑on engineering technician position. The individual can expect to spend >80% of their time interacting with the equipment and operators, building/repairing mechanical tooling, and dispositioning non-conforming product. Other work includes but would not be limited to: optimization of manufacturing processes, implementation of cost reduction opportunities (yield and productivity improvements, waste elimination) and training production employees to improve work processes and product quality. Generally, individual works to minimize or eliminate safety, quality, delivery, inventory, and production issues. A successful candidate will have proficiency in the use of hand and machine tools, precision gauges, test instruments, and process equipment and will be able to read, understand, and follow procedures. Have an understanding and skills in effectively applying Lean and Six Sigma tools to reduce waste and improve efficiency. Candidate will perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in an Engineering field (Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, etc.) or related work experience
• 2+ years of technical experience in a manufacturing environment
• Strong analytical abilities and trouble‑shooting techniques
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• PC proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook is required
• Must have the ability to work effectively within a team
• Good interpersonal and organizational skills are required
• Experience training others
• Ability to obtain Security Clearance
• Must be able to comply with OSHA, EPA, Fire Regulations, Company Policies and Procedures
• Able to work an off-shift schedule

Preferred Skills

• Experience with assembly/review/inspection of mechanical assemblies
• Experience with ultra‑high vacuum equipment
• Experience working in cleanroom environments
• Experience writing MS Access queries
• Experience with statistical analysis software: Minitab, JMP, Cornerstone, etc.
• Experience with coding and scripting development: Visual Studio (VB.net, C#, C+. etc.), Python, JSL (JMP scripting language), or similar
• Experience with process improvement
• Six Sigma certification (Yellow, Green, Black Belt)
• ProE experience - AutoCAD program

Off-shifts Are

• “D” shift = Friday – Sunday nights (6pm – 6am)
• Engineering schedules can be flexible if needed (i.e. start times/end times)

Here Are Some Of The Great Benefits We Offer

• Most locations offer a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off
• Competitive compensation & 401(k) program to plan for your future
• Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage with qualified wellness discounts
• Basic Life Insurance and Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available
• Flexible Vacation & PTO
• Paid Parental Leave
• Generous Employee Referral Program
• Voluntary Benefits Available: Longer Term Care, Legal, Identity Theft, Pet Insurance, and more
• Voluntary Tricare Supplement available for military retirees

Why Roanoke, Virginia?

• Lower cost of living
• Family-friendly area
• Career and economic growth
• Scenic beauty
• Outdoor enthusiast’s dream

This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not an employment contract. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Twenty-Six Defense is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

• For Virginia-based positions only* In accordance with Virginia DOL requirements, the listed salary range reflects the anticipated base pay range for this role. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including skills, experience, education, certifications, business needs, internal equity, and geographic location. Compensation may vary in different locations based on market conditions and cost‑of‑labor considerations.