Technician

Pivotal Systems; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Pivotal Systems is seeking skilled technicians for assembly, testing, calibration, and troubleshooting of precision gas flow controllers at our Fremont, CA site. Roles range from Technician II to Lead Technician, with emphasis on building processes, fixtures, and quality standards during ramp to volume production.

Qualified applicants should have 5–10 years in precision assembly/test, strong schematic reading, and a track record of problem-solving in controlled environments.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of hands-on precision assembly and test experience.
• Ability to read drawings and schematics.
• Experience with controlled environments and documentation.
• Willingness to work shifts including weekends.

Responsibilities

• Assemble precision components per work instructions and BOMs.
• Perform functional testing, calibration, and verification.
• Troubleshoot failures to root cause across systems.
• Record builds and results in MES/ERP and quality systems.
• Support yield, cycle time, throughput, and 5S.
• Collaborate with engineers to improve fixtures and tooling.
• Follow ESD, cleanliness, and safety practices for process gases.
• Own escalated issues and training for technicians.
• Lead shift activities and capacity planning as needed.

Skills

Soldering

Troubleshooting

Reading schematics

Teamwork

Education

Associate degree in electronics

Tools

MES/ERP

Test equipment

Job description

Assembly, Test & Calibration Technician

Technician II / Senior Technician / Lead Technician

Pivotal Systems | Fremont, CA | On-site | Full-time

About Pivotal Systems

Pivotal Systems designs and manufactures advanced gas flow control and metrology solutions for semiconductor process tools. Our products help leading chipmakers achieve tighter process control, higher yield, and greater uptime. We are building a new Fremont factory to produce gas flow controllers for Tier 1 semiconductor customers.

The Role

We are hiring experienced technicians at three levels to assemble, test, calibrate, and troubleshoot precision gas flow controllers from first builds through volume production. You will help establish the processes, fixtures, and quality standards for a new factory. Level will be based on experience, technical depth, and demonstrated ownership.

Technician II: Independently performs documented assembly, test, and calibration; resolves common failures; maintains accurate records; and meets yield and cycle-time targets. Typically 5+ years of relevant experience.

Senior Technician: Handles complex builds and troubleshooting, trains technicians, and gives engineering structured feedback on instructions, fixtures, and manufacturability. Typically 7+ years of relevant experience.

Lead Technician: Leads a shift or build area, coordinates priorities, mentors technicians, upholds quality and safety standards, and drives yield and throughput improvements. Typically 8–10 years of relevant experience, including leadership or training.

Key Responsibilities

• 
  Assemble precision components and subassemblies to work instructions, drawings, and BOMs in a controlled environment.
• Perform functional testing, calibration, and final verification using automated and manual test stations.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, flow-path, and test-system failures to root cause.
• Record builds, test results, nonconformances, and rework accurately in MES/ERP and quality systems.
• Support first-pass yield, cycle time, throughput, equipment readiness, 5S, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with manufacturing, test, and quality engineers to improve instructions, tooling, fixtures, and designs.
• Follow ESD, cleanliness, and safety practices for process gases and pressurized systems.
• Senior/Lead: Own escalated and recurring technical issues, corrective actions, and technician training.
• Lead: Assign daily work, manage handoffs and shift reporting, support staffing and capacity planning, and elevate quality or safety issues.

Required Qualifications

• 5–10 years of hands‑on precision assembly and test experience, ideally in semiconductor capital equipment, mass flow controllers, vacuum/fluidics, instrumentation, or similar products.
• Technical troubleshooting ability using schematics, meters, and data to identify root cause.
• Quality-first mindset and experience with documented procedures, traceability, and controlled environments.
• Working knowledge of electronics and mechanical assembly, including soldering, torque practices, wiring, connectors, and leak checking.
• Ability to read drawings, schematics, and work instructions; clear communication and effective teamwork.
• Reliability and flexibility to work shifts, including weekends, during the factory ramp.
• Senior/Lead: Experience solving recurring technical problems and training or mentoring technicians.
• Lead: Experience leading a manufacturing team, shift, or build area and improving yield, cycle time, and throughput.

Preferred Qualifications

• 
  Flow calibration, pressure/flow metrology, mass flow or pressure controller experience.
• Vacuum or gas delivery systems, helium leak testing, and handling of wetted
• LabVIEW, Python, MES/ERP, SPC, lean manufacturing, NPI, or factory start-up exposure.
• Technical certification or associate degree in electronics, mechatronics, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Working Conditions

On-site in Fremont in a cleanroom and ESD-controlled environment. Shift and weekend coverage are required during ramp. Must be able to stand for extended periods, lift up to [25] lbs, and work safely with compressed and process gases.