PRINCIPAL TECHNICIAN - Mechanical & Electrical Assembly

Southwest Research Institute Inc.; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute Inc. seeks an experienced technician to assemble, test, maintain, and repair advanced experimental equipment for national security and aerospace programs.

You will lead integration and field deployments, troubleshoot complex systems, and mentor junior staff in laboratory and outdoor environments. Requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent with 10–15 years in related fields, a valid driver's license, and willingness to travel.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent; relevant certifications or associate degree preferred.
• 10–15 years in mechanical and electronics assembly, avionics maintenance, or related field.
• Willingness to travel and perform field work in varied conditions; able to obtain security credentials.
• Valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Lead integration, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of avionics and custom R&D systems.
• Plan and conduct field testing and deployments in diverse outdoor conditions.
• Operate test equipment to diagnose issues and validate performance.
• Coordinate multiple tasks, manage inventories, and mentor junior staff.
• Document results and provide technical guidance to team.

Skills

Electrical assembly

Electronics

Mechanical

Avionics

Field deployment

Mentoring

Education

Associate degree or relevant certifications

Tools

Multimeter

Oscilloscope

Soldering tools

Crimping tools

Test equipment

Job description

Who We Are

Join an independent R&D company as a skilled technician to assemble, maintain, and repair experimental equipment to aide in solving national security problems. Join our team and receive an additional $500.00 in your first paycheck (minus applicable taxes).

Who We Are

Join an independent R&D company as a skilled technician to assemble, maintain, and repair experimental equipment to aide in solving national security problems. Join our team and receive an additional $500.00 in your first paycheck (minus applicable taxes).

Role

Objectives of this Role

• Lead the integration, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, and field deployment of advanced electrical, mechanical, avionics, and custom R&D systems supporting national security and aerospace programs.
• Independently plan and execute complex, non-routine, and highly customized technical assignments across the lifecycle of experimental and production-representative systems.
• Serve as a senior technical resource to engineers, scientists, project leaders, clients, vendors, and other support organizations by applying broad knowledge of technical standards, principles, processes, and practices.
• Develop and implement original technical solutions, including adapting or modifying procedures, equipment, tooling, and test methods to address unique project requirements.
• Lead, coordinate, and sequence technical activities while mentoring and training technicians and supporting laboratory, field-deployable, and airborne UAS systems.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical and electrical assembly, system integration, troubleshooting, repair, maintenance, and performance testing of avionics and custom R&D systems in laboratory and field environments.
• Plan and conduct field testing, operational inspections, deployments, and repairs in diverse outdoor conditions, including hot and cold weather, rain, dust, and other challenging environments.
• Select, adapt, and operate electrical, mechanical, avionics, and electronic test equipment to diagnose issues, characterize system performance, validate requirements, and support acceptance testing.
• Coordinate multiple technical assignments and project resources, maintain laboratory and field equipment readiness, and ensure work is completed safely, accurately, and in the proper sequence.
• Document technical results and recommendations; manage parts, materials, tools, and equipment inventories; and provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to less-experienced staff.

Requirements

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Relevant Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical certifications and/or Associate degree is preferred. Current Part 107 Drone Pilot License desirable or ability/willingness to obtain.
• 10-15 years: Experience in mechanical and electronics assembly, avionics maintenance, systems integration, systems testing, electromechanical systems, or a related technical field; equivalent military, apprenticeship, journeyman, or technical training may be considered.
• Comprehensive knowledge of electrical wiring, crimping, soldering, connectors, cabling, mechanical assembly, technical drawings, schematics, test procedures, and applicable test equipment.
• Willingness to travel and perform and/or lead field work in hot and cold weather, dusty environments, rain, and other challenging outdoor conditions. Obtain and maintain any required training, certifications, licenses, or security credentials.
• Demonstrated experience to independently troubleshoot, repair, modify, and maintain complex, customized systems and to develop practical solutions to non-routine technical problems.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.

Job Locations

San Antonio, Texas

For more information about this division, visit the Applied Power home page.

For benefits information at our San Antonio location, click here .

For benefits information at all other locations, click here .