PRINCIPAL TECHNICIAN - SR. TECHNICIAN - Manufacturing of Space Flight Electronics

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) Space Sector seeks a meticulous Fabrication Technician to support flight aerospace PCB fabrication and inspection for spacecraft instrumentation and avionics.

Role emphasizes soldering to IPC-J-610 with Space Addendum, documentation, and strict adherence to safety and quality standards; day shift with possible evening/weekends as project demands.

Qualifications

• 5+ years: Electronic Circuit Board Assembly.
• IPC-J-Standard training/certification.
• Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) handling/training/certification.
• NASA 8739 training/certification.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate flight aerospace circuit boards to standards.
• Lead forming of electronic parts using hand tools and automated equipment.
• Attention to detail for prolonged periods and magnification tasks.
• Inspect and monitor in process circuit boards for solder paste printing and placement quality.
• Maintain documentation and follow structured work instructions.
• Work with Process Engineering to develop and qualify new processes and equipment installations.
• Day shift with occasional evenings/weekends as project schedule requires.
• Follow safety guidelines and produce Division Operating Procedures as needed.

Job description

Who We Are

A team of engineers and technicians in SwRI's Space Sector who facilitate space science research through the fabrication and inspection of electronic printed circuit boards for spacecraft instrumentation, avionics, and electronics. By joining our team, you will receive an additional $500 in your first paycheck, minus taxes.

Who We Are

A team of engineers and technicians in SwRI's Space Sector who facilitate space science research through the fabrication and inspection of electronic printed circuit boards for spacecraft instrumentation, avionics, and electronics. By joining our team, you will receive an additional $500 in your first paycheck, minus taxes.

Role

Objectives of this Role:

• Function as a contributing member of a Fabrication team.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Solder Surface Mount and through hole components to IPC-J-Standard 610 with Space Addendum.
• Understand mechanical and electrical documents including drawings, schematics and operating manuals.
• Problem-solving skills with excellent troubleshooting and reasoning.
• Strong Computer skills and use of MS Office, Linux a plus.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Perform electronic circuit board fabrication to flight aerospace standards.
• Lead forming of electronic parts using hand tools and automated equipment.
• Attention to detail for prolonged periods of time and regularly perform work that requires magnification.
• Fabricate, inspect and monitor in process circuit boards for quality, proper solder paste printing, component placement and solder reflow.
• Strong manual dexterity for use of tools and performing work on small components requiring fine finger manipulation and hand steadiness.
• Must be able to work to structured work instructions and to document all work performed.
• Operate at a level that meets or exceeds quality and productivity standards for the work area.
• Work with Process Engineering to develop and qualify new processes and new equipment installations.
• Day shift position with occasional need to work evenings and weekends based on project schedule requirements.
• Follow safety guidelines.
• Correct, update and generate Division Operating Procedures as needed.
• Perform polymeric operations including conformal coating and staking.

Requirements:

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Associates degree in related field or relevant vocational training preferred.
• 5+ years: Electronic Circuit Board Assembly. IPC-J-Standard training/certification. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) handling/training/certification. NASA 8739 training/certification.
• 5+ years: Automated manufacturing equipment set-up, operation, maintenance and repair.
• 5+ years: Knowledge of standard electronic assembly procedures such as tinning and lead bending.
• 3+ years: Knowledge of electronic components.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Requirements

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 Space Systems home page.