Prototype and Test Technician

JEM Engineering; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

JEM Engineering in the United States designs and builds custom antenna systems for government, military, and commercial customers. This role focuses on turning sketches or verbal ideas into working prototypes using machining, soldering, and assembly.

You will work with engineers to interpret designs, learn RF and antenna testing procedures, and contribute to first-article builds in our shop and anechoic chamber.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical/vocational training or associate degree a plus.
• Hands-on experience fabricating prototypes or hardware from drawings or verbal instructions.
• Soldering and cable/connector assembly experience a plus; PCB work a plus.
• Willingness to learn RF/antenna theory and testing techniques.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to interpret drawings or sketches.

Responsibilities

• Build prototype mechanical and electro-mechanical assemblies from sketches or verbal direction using shop equipment.
• Solder and assemble cables/connectors; build, troubleshoot, and repair PCBs as needed.
• Support aerospace antenna programs with low-volume and first-article builds, ensuring quality workmanship.
• Collaborate with engineers to interpret design intent and overcome fabrication challenges.
• Learn RF and antenna testing procedures and progress toward independent test responsibilities.
• Perform tests in benchtop setups and in the anechoic chamber, and keep a clean, safe work area.

Skills

Hands-on fabrication

Read sketches/drawings

Machining experience

RF/antenna curiosity

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in related field (a plus)

Tools

Bandsaw

Drill press

Milling machine

CNC routers

3D printers

Job description

Company Description

JEM Engineering specializes in designing and developing custom antenna systems for government, military, and commercial applications. JEM has worked with customers ranging from the US Army, Navy, NASA, and large aerospace prime contractors to small commercial businesses. As an AS9100-certified and award-winning organization, JEM Engineering offers rapid in-house customization, taking products from concept to completion efficiently. The company provides top-quality RF testing services for both passive and active devices. Using advanced facilities such as a Spherical Near to Far-Field Chamber and a Tapered Chamber, JEM Engineering covers frequency ranges from 80 MHz to 40 GHz, including CDMA, WCDMA, and GSM active bands. Team members have the opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions that support critical communication systems.

Role Description

Do you enjoy building things? Have you built furniture, robots, drones, race cars, or model aircraft? Do you like figuring out how things work? If so, we'd like to teach you how to build advanced aerospace antennas. If you'd rather build one-of-a-kind hardware than run the same part a thousand times, this is your bench. We're looking for someone who can take a rough sketch, a set of drawings, or a quick conversation and figure out how to build prototypes and hardware bound for land, sea, air and even space programs. You'll cut, machine, 3D-print, solder, and assemble your way from concept to working hardware, building and troubleshooting cables, connectors, and printed circuit boards along the way. We’ll teach you antenna and RF fundamentals and get you running tests on benchtop instruments and in our anechoic chamber. If you take real pride in your workmanship and like figuring things out with your hands, we want to talk to you.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical/vocational training or an associate’s degree in a related field a plus.
• Hands-on experience building or fabricating prototypes or hardware from drawings, sketches, or verbal instructions, using general shop equipment (bandsaw, drill press, mill, etc.); experience with CNC routers and/or 3D printers a plus.
• Soldering and cable/connector assembly experience a plus; experience building, testing, or repairing printed circuit boards a plus.
• Comfortable learning new software, machinery, and test equipment; no prior RF or antenna knowledge required, but willingness to learn is essential.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret drawings or sketches and work out a practical build approach independently.
• U.S. citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card) status required due to ITAR/export control regulations; eligibility for a U.S. government security clearance a plus.

Essential Functions

• Builds prototype mechanical and electro-mechanical assemblies from sketches, drawings, or verbal direction, using shop equipment, CNC routers, and 3D printers.
• Solders and assembles cables and connectors, and builds, troubleshoots, or repairs printed circuit boards as needed.
• Supports aerospace antenna programs with low-volume, first-article, and prototype builds, taking pride in workmanship and attention to detail.
• Collaborate with engineers to interpret design intent, work through fabrication challenges, and suggest practical build approaches.
• Learns and applies RF and antenna theory and testing procedures under the guidance of engineering staff, progressing toward independent test responsibilities.
• Performs antenna testing using benchtop instruments and the anechoic chamber, recording and reporting results.
• Maintains a clean, organized, and safe work area, and performs routine equipment maintenance. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/ Abilities

• Strong hands-on fabrication skills and mechanical problem-solving ability.
• Ability to read and interpret sketches, drawings, and verbal instructions, and translate them into working hardware.
• Comfortable in learning new machinery (CNC routers, 3D printers) and software tools.
• Curiosity and eagerness to learn RF and antenna theory and testing techniques.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple prototype builds at once. Ability to communicate clearly with engineers and other technical staff.

Advancement opportunities are available.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.