Laboratory Technician

Nextgen Technologies Inc; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Nextgen Technologies Inc. in Fremont, CA seeks a hands-on Lab Technician to support hardware builds, lab operations and reliability testing. You will assemble prototypes, modify complex electromechanical units, perform fine-pitch soldering under a microscope, and ensure traceability of components and documentation.

Strong attention to detail and ability to work with cross-functional teams are essential. The role requires experience with lab equipment, calibration, safety protocols, and the

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in Electronics, Mechatronics, or related field.
• A certificate or diploma from an accredited technical or vocational institution is also acceptable.
• 4+ years of directly relevant hardware/lab experience.
• 2+ years in a hardware development, electromechanical system development, or failure analysis lab.
• Advanced manual soldering and micro-soldering under a microscope.
• Strong proficiency with digital multimeters, continuity testers, and power supplies.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel and executing basic scripts.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data logging and component tracking.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering teams.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Assemble prototype units for time-zero and reliability testing.
• Build, modify, and rework complex electromechanical sample units.
• Perform fine-pitch manual soldering and SMT rework under magnification.
• Perform conformal coating, potting, and precision tape application.
• Solder wires and manually assemble cable and wire harnesses.
• Follow work instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Complete build travelers, assembly documentation, and maintain component serial number/lot ID traceability.
• Track, order, and organize electronic components, tools, and consumables.
• Schedule and track routine calibration of laboratory equipment.
• Maintain compliance with ESD, chemical handling/storage/disposal, and laser safety protocols.
• Maintain clean, organized and properly equipped laboratory workspaces.
• Develop and review test fixtures and support test/build processes.
• Design and assemble custom fixtures, wiring harnesses, and test boards.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and upgrade automated reliability test equipment.
• Install and configure test scripts on execution nodes.
• Initiate, monitor, and troubleshoot reliability tests.
• Support additional engineering and laboratory activities as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Cross-functional collaboration

Soldering

Data logging

Excel

Python scripting

Education

Associate degree in Electronics

Electronics certificate or diploma

Tools

Digital multimeters

Power supplies

Microscope

Soldering equipment

Python

Job description

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Lab Technician to support engineering and development activities involving hardware builds, laboratory operations, and reliability testing.

The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience with electromechanical systems, fine‑pitch soldering, lab equipment, test fixtures, and hardware assembly. This role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced engineering environment.

Key Responsibilities

Test Sample/System Builds

• Assemble prototype units for time-zero and reliability testing.
• Build, modify, and rework complex electromechanical sample units.
• Perform fine‑pitch manual soldering and SMT component rework under magnification/microscope.
• Perform conformal coating, potting, and precision tape application.
• Solder wires and manually assemble cable and wire harnesses.
• Follow work instructions (WIs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Complete build travelers, assembly documentation, and maintain component serial number/lot ID traceability.

Lab Infrastructure & Inventory Management

• Track, order, and organize electronic components, tools, and consumables.
• Schedule and track routine calibration of laboratory equipment.
• Maintain compliance with ESD, chemical handling/storage/disposal, and laser safety protocols.
• Maintain clean, organized, and properly equipped laboratory workspaces.

Reliability Test Fixture Development

• Develop and review test fixtures and support test/build processes.
• Design and assemble custom fixtures, wiring harnesses, and test boards.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and upgrade automated reliability test equipment.
• Install and configure test scripts on execution nodes.
• Initiate, monitor, and troubleshoot reliability tests.
• Support additional engineering and laboratory activities as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in Electronics, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
• A certificate or diploma from an accredited technical or vocational institution is also acceptable.
• Candidates without a qualifying degree or certificate must have at least 4 years of directly relevant hardware/lab experience.
• 2+ years of experience in a hardware development, electromechanical system development, or failure analysis laboratory.
• Advanced manual soldering and micro‑soldering skills, including fine‑pitch rework under a microscope.
• Strong proficiency with digital multimeters, continuity testers, and power supplies.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel and executing basic scripts.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data logging and component tracking.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional engineering teams.
• Comfortable managing multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current or prior IPC certifications, including:
• IPC J-STD-001
• IPC-A-610
• IPC/WHMA-A-620
• IPC-7711/7721
• Scripting experience, such as Python.
• Experience with MES, PLM, ERP, or structured database systems for tracking component serial numbers and lot IDs.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants.