Senior Engineering Technician

Company Overview:

Second Order Effects (SOE) is an engineering consultancy that transforms uncertainty into fully functional hardware and software. We work on projects at various stages of development and scope; we perform analysis, build prototypes, and take products to market. Our cross-disciplinary team solves critical problems across numerous industries, including automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, industrial automation, biomedical, green energy, and marine. Our designs control rocket engines, manage satellite communications, generate safety-overrides for self-driving cars, and are enjoyed by consumers around the world.

Founded in 2016, Second Order Effects has 90+ employees (and counting!) in offices in El Segundo, California and Redmond, Washington. We've worked with 90+ clients on 250+ projects as a partner, on a retainer, or on demand, all of which have no involvement with weapons.

How do we do this? We prioritize others, build the right thing, welcome difficulty, and play the long game. Learn more at soeffects.com!

Team Overview:

SOE's Technical Operations team helps to turn complex ideas into reality by providing hands-on support to our clients and engineering core. The team employs a diverse array of skills to ensure the successful execution of projects, including soldering, PCBA rework, prototyping, and assembly. On this team, you will be exposed to a wide variety of problems, take ownership over process improvement initiatives, and will create a better workplace for everyone at SOE.

Job Overview:

As a Senior Engineering Technician, you will take ownership over the prototyping, production, and testing of projects across multiple industries and will subsequently enable the successful execution of these projects. The best-paths forward on SOE projects often need to be learned and invented on the spot, so ideally you will be a tenacious problem-solver who is passionate about taking ownership of tasks and carrying them through project completion. In this role, you will also help to build out the Technical Operations team’s capabilities by providing technical mentorship, creating process improvements, and developing infrastructure.

What You Will Do:

• Assemble, solder, inspect, program, and test electronic components (e.g., PCBAs, test racks, and custom hardware), wiring harnesses, and other assemblies
• Assist in the design, build, analysis, and testing of electronic and electro-mechanical systems and related subsystems
• Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams to design and prototype solutions to technical problems; assist engineers with assembling, testing and modifying hardware
• Troubleshoot faulty equipment and repair to full functionality
• Create and document procedures for testing, assembly, and related processes
• Review tasks for quality and conformance to documented standards
• Champion safe work practices and improve all safety procedures
• Maintain a constant improvement and waste reduction mindset
• Mentor other employees in both technical and general areas
• Come up with creative solutions to complex problems

What You Will Need:

• High school diploma or GED with:
  • Some application of technical skills outside of the classroom (examples: laboratory, research, extracurricular project teams, volunteering, personal projects, or internships)
  • Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, and Trade School certification
• OR 5+ years of experience in a professional or Military technical role (please submit Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) document if this applies to you)
• Expertise with electronic test equipment (DMM, supplies, oscilloscopes); familiarity with environmental test systems
• Expertise in soldering electronic components (down to 0201 package size) and wires; Clear knowledge of materials and process
• Ability to read, understand, and edit technical drawings
• Ability to interface with diverse engineering teams and understand/interpret engineering terminology
• Ability to use computer programs (e.g., Office suite, Messaging/chat, File explorers/repositories, Web browsers, Wikis, etc.)
• Ability to read reports and identify trends in failure modes
• Understanding of mechanical assembly and rework, including basic hand tools
• Experience with manufacturing processes (e.g., PCBA manufacturing, machining, conformal coat, etc.)
• A willingness to share knowledge and mentor with the goal of growing our collective strengths and capabilities
• Ability to take detailed notes that can be referenced at a later date
• Desire to learn

What Would Be Useful:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM field with experience applying skills outside of the classroom (e.g., laboratory, research, extracurricular project teams, volunteering, personal projects or internship)
• Experience with 1 or more programming languages for testing or test automation (e.g., Python, R, etc.)
• Expertise in documenting and implementing complex and difficult rework in the electrical and/or mechanical realms
• Experience in understanding how engineering disciplines interact (e.g., Hardware, Mechanical, Firmware, and Software)
• Experience in team-based design and build projects (e.g., Formula SAE, FIRST Robotics, Solar Car, CubeSat, Rover Challenge, etc.)
• Experience with automated test systems or qualification testing for aerospace or automotive products
• Experience with CAD/CAM software, and/or 3D-printing
• Experience interfacing with technical customers
• Proficiency in creating technical instructions and documentation for engineering systems
• IPC CID, CID+ certification

Additional Requirements:

• Applicant must be willing to work 40 hours a week on-site in El Segundo, California, USA
• Applicant must be eligible to work on ITAR projects
• Job Type: Full-time (Salary)

ITAR Requirements:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship at this time.

Benefits:

• Compensation range of $95,000-$125,000 + equity incentive plan
• 100% employer-paid health insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision) for employees + 50% dependent coverage
• Flexible paid time off policy + 11 paid holidays + 12 paid sick days
• 401(k) retirement account and employer matching (Safe Harbor 4%)
• Hybrid working arrangements
• Paid parental leave
• Relocation assistance available if 50+ miles away from the office
• Electric Vehicle (EV) charging ports
• Casual dress code
• Daily catered lunches, snacks, and accessible kitchen
• & more!

If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply!

Second Order Effects is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SOE is governed on the basis of excellence and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.