Hardware Technician

Socket.dev; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Benefits

Job summary

LeoLabs in Menlo Park, California, is hiring a Hardware Technician to build and support the next generation of radar systems. You will split time between production builds, prototype development, and engineering assistance, turning new designs into working hardware while keeping labs and manufacturing running smoothly.

You will work with Mechanical, RF & Electrical, and Manufacturing teams through the hardware development lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years assembling complex electromechanical or electronic hardware.
• Experience reading engineering drawings and BOMs.
• Strong soldering and cable/mechanical assembly skills.
• Able to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues.

Responsibilities

• Assemble electromechanical assemblies, cable harnesses, and hardware from drawings.
• Support prototype, engineering, and production builds.
• Perform soldering, cable fabrication, mechanical assembly, and rework.
• Operate hand tools, shop equipment, and fixtures.
• Assist with hardware bring-up, testing, and integration.
• Inspect and verify hardware meets quality and configuration requirements.
• Organize labs, tooling, and inventory to support development.
• Document build issues and provide feedback to improve processes.
• Support field returns, repairs, and maintenance as needed.

Skills

Soldering

Cable assembly

Mechanical assembly

Reading drawings

Tool operation

Troubleshooting

Education

Associate degree

Technical certification

Tools

Arena PLM

NetSuite ERP

PCB rework

Drill presses

Band saws

IPC certification

Job description

Why LeoLabs?

At LeoLabs, we’re building the living map of activity in space. Through our proprietary global radar network and AI-enabled analytics platform, we collect millions of measurements daily on more than 25,000 objects in low Earth orbit (LEO). Our radar-powered intelligence protects billions in assets, monitors adversarial behavior, and ensures safe operations for commercial and government missions.

We’re not just building technology, we are redefining global security, safety, and transparency in space. As orbital activity accelerates and threats grow more complex, LeoLabs is a trusted partner for Space Domain Awareness, Space Traffic Management, and Satellite Operations for top-tier space operators and allied defense organizations.

If you're looking to work on mission‑critical challenges at the forefront of aerospace, national security, and AI, your impact starts here.

As a Hardware Technician, you will play a hands‑on role in building and supporting the next generation of LeoLabs radar systems. You'll split your time between production builds, prototype development, and engineering support, helping transform new designs into working hardware while keeping our labs and manufacturing activities moving efficiently. This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys building things, solving practical problems, and working closely with engineers.

You will support engineers across the Mechanical Engineering, RF & Electrical Engineering, and Manufacturing teams, contributing to every stage of the hardware development lifecycle. This is a full‑time, onsite position based in Menlo Park, California.

You will be responsible for:

• Assemble electromechanical assemblies, cable harnesses, and electronic hardware from engineering drawings, work instructions, and bills of materials
• Support prototype builds, engineering experiments, and production hardware builds
• Perform soldering, cable fabrication, mechanical assembly, and hardware rework
• Operate hand tools, shop equipment, and basic machine tools to fabricate or modify parts and fixtures
• Assist engineers with hardware bring‑up, testing, troubleshooting, and system integration
• Perform inspections and verify hardware meets quality and configuration requirements
• Help organize laboratories, production areas, tooling, and inventory to support efficient hardware development
• Document build issues and provide feedback that improves manufacturability and assembly processes
• Support field returns, repairs, and general hardware maintenance activities as needed

Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent practical experience
• 5+ years of experience assembling complex electromechanical or electronic hardware
• Experience reading engineering drawings, assembly instructions, and bills of materials
• Strong soldering, cable assembly, and mechanical assembly skills
• Experience using hand tools, power tools, and standard shop equipment
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical assembly issues
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced engineering and manufacturing environment
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. personnel security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting prototype hardware development
• Experience with PCB rework and fine‑pitch soldering
• Familiarity with PLM systems such as Arena and ERP systems such as NetSuite
• Experience operating drill presses, band saws, belt sanders, and other fabrication equipment
• IPC certification or equivalent electronics manufacturing experience
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, robotics, or industrial hardware programs

Within 1 month, you’ll:

• Complete onboarding and become familiar with LeoLabs' hardware development process, laboratories, and production workflows
• Learn current assembly procedures, tooling, and engineering documentation
• Begin supporting prototype and production hardware builds

Within 3 months, you’ll:

• Independently support engineering builds, production activities, and laboratory operations
• Become a trusted resource for assembly, rework, and prototype hardware
• Help improve assembly processes and documentation through hands‑on feedback

Within 6 months, you’ll:

• Support multiple hardware development efforts across engineering and manufacturing
• Build and rework complex hardware with minimal supervision
• Become a go‑to resource for solving day‑to‑day hardware challenges in the lab and production floor

Within 12 months, you’ll:

• Play a key role in supporting the development and production of LeoLabs radar hardware
• Help improve manufacturing efficiency, hardware quality, and engineering execution
• Be recognized as a trusted hands‑on contributor across the Hardware Engineering organization

Compensation

Salary offers are based on a combination of factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skills, and location. The base salary range for this position $96,000 + bonus + stock options + benefits

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. More information regarding ITAR can be found at DDTC’s website