Production Technician, Lab

Researchinnovations.Com; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance coverage

401k with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Research Innovations, Inc. (RII) is seeking a Production Technician for the SIGINT/EW lab to prototype and produce rugged hardware for government missions. You will work with engineers to move prototypes to field-ready units while maintaining strict quality controls.

The role requires hands-on experience in aerospace/defense manufacturing, familiarity with MIL-STD standards, and the ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance. IPC-J-STD-001 and IPC/WHMA-A-620 certifications are preferred.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in Aerospace/Defense manufacturing.
• Familiar with MIL-STD and ruggedization processes.
• Ability to build complex wire harnesses and terminate RF connectors.
• U.S. security clearance required or ability to obtain one.
• Certified in IPC-J-STD-001 and IPC/WHMA-A-620.

Responsibilities

• Build and inspect high-reliability cable assemblies with MIL-Spec connectors.
• Collaborate daily in the lab to prototype and produce hardware.
• Assist ruggedization for field-ready units and lab integration.
• Troubleshoot assemblies and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain organized lab spaces, tools, and safety procedures.

Skills

Aerospace/defense experience

RF cable assemblies

MIL-STD familiarity

Wire harness assembly

Security clearance

Lab prototyping (3D printing)

Salt water/corrosion knowledge

High reliability/low volume

Education

IPC-J-STD-001 certification

IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification

Tools

3D printing

Laser cutting

Job description

Position Title: Production Technician

Location: Alexandria

Clearance Requirement: Candidate must have the ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance

Employment type: Full Time

Research Innovations, Inc. (RII) is breaking through the big, slow status quo with transformative technology that fundamentally improves the world. We build advanced software solutions for government and military missions, applying agile development and user-centered design to solve complex, mission-critical problems.

RII is seeking an experienced Production Technician to join our SIGINT/EW team. We need a hands‑on specialist with experience in the aerospace or defense industry who understands military standards and ruggedization. You will work directly in the lab alongside our engineering leads to prototype and produce hardware that solves unique and challenging problems. You will also be expected to assist the lab manager with daily tasks and responsibilities.

You will be expected to support high‑stakes manufacturing processes and uphold strict quality controls to support one of RII's most successful core values: Get s#it done.

Complex Cable & Harness Assembly

• Build and inspect high-reliability cable assemblies, including MIL Spec connectors, RF cabling, and integrated data cables, ensuring strict adherence to applicable standards.
• Perform shield termination on RF cables and verify continuity and isolation to prevent signal interference.
• Execute water and dust proofing techniques for cable assemblies to ensure durability in harsh environments.

Lab Collaboration & Production

• Collaborate daily in the lab with engineering and design teams to bridge the gap between initial prototypes and field-ready units.
• Contribute to the ruggedization of sensitive hardware, ensuring components can withstand specific applications such as impact, heat, or salt water.
• Assist in tracking incoming inventory and sourcing integration pieces to keep lab operations running smoothly.

Quality Assurance & Standards

• Troubleshoot failures in assemblies and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Conduct product testing to verify manufacturing quality, ensuring compliance with industry and safety standards.
• Assist manage daily operations of the hardware development and prototyping lab environment.
• Assist maintain organized workspaces, tools, equipment, and test areas to support engineering productivity.
• Assist develop and enforce lab safety procedures, security protocols, and operational best practices.
• Assist ensure lab readiness to support rapid prototyping, integration, and testing activities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Must have prior experience in Aerospace, Defense, Military Avionics, or Satellite/UAV manufacturing.
• Experience in manufacturing small form factor electronics or cable assembly.
• Strong familiarity with military standards (MIL-STD), ruggedization processes, and environmental protection (waterproofing, corrosion resistance).
• Demonstrated ability to build complex wire harnesses and terminate RF connectors.
• A U.S. security clearance.
• Current or prior certification in IPC-J-STD-001 (Soldering) and IPC/WHMA-A-620 (Cable & Wire Harness).
• Experience with a variety of prototyping equipment including 3D printing and laser cutting.
• Understanding of different materials and coatings for specific applications, such as impact or salt water corrosion.
• Background in high reliability/low volume environments.

Benefits

We also offer all employees comprehensive benefits including: flexible work schedules, health insurance coverage, paid time off, 401k with a company match, paid parental leave, access to wellness programs and much more. You get this all from day one, and all paid for by RII.

Culture & Environment

It’s all part of another of our core values: Stay human. It’s why our comfortable and colorful offices such as our headquarters, include a community game room, pantry, massage chair, and an escape room, among other amenities. It’s why we have community ambassadors and regular community events.

EEO Statement

Research Innovations Incorporated is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.