Engineering Technician I

Engineering Technician Are you a hands-on problem solver who enjoys building, testing, and improving technology? We are seeking an Engineering Technician to play a key role in the development and release of innovative products. In this position, you will work closely with engineers throughout the product lifecycle, supporting everything from prototype builds and testing to product improvements and final release activities. The ideal candidate enjoys working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is comfortable taking on a variety of technical challenges. You will contribute directly to product development by assembling hardware, executing tests, collecting data, troubleshooting issues, and providing valuable feedback that helps improve both products and processes. This role offers the opportunity to collaborate across multiple teams, including Manufacturing, Purchasing, Software Engineering, Support, and Design Verification Testing (DVT), while gaining exposure to cutting-edge hardware development projects. Essential Functions The responsibilities listed below represent the core functions of this position. Additional duties may be assigned as needed. Product Development & Engineering Support Build, assemble, and modify prototypes, engineering samples, and occasional production units throughout the hardware development process. Support engineers with product validation, testing, troubleshooting, and design improvement efforts. Assemble custom cable assemblies using tools such as wire strippers, cutters, and crimpers. Fabricate and modify simple mechanical components, including sheet metal and machined parts, using drills, cutters, sheet metal brakes, end mills, rivet tools, and related equipment. Provide hardware support to cross-functional teams, including DVT, Software Engineering, and Manufacturing. Execute a variety of validation and reliability tests, including life-cycle and thermal testing, and assist with basic host-server script execution when required. Document test results, hardware issues, and observations, and provide feedback to support product improvements and design reviews. Participate in pilot programs and hardware evaluations, contributing insights that help drive successful product releases. In addition to engineering-related activities, the Engineering Technician may: Maintain and track engineering and prototype inventory, ensuring accurate transfers into manufacturing inventory when needed. Coordinate with Shipping and Receiving to support inbound and outbound product shipments. Perform basic electronic rework and component modifications using soldering equipment. Assist with troubleshooting and diagnosing mechanical, electrical, and system-level product issues. Support continuous improvement initiatives across engineering and manufacturing processes. Qualifications & Experience To be successful in this role, candidates should demonstrate strong technical aptitude, attention to detail, and a passion for hands-on work. Required Skills & Qualifications 3+ years of relevant technical, manufacturing, engineering, or laboratory experience. Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills across hardware, software, and network-connected systems. Mechanical aptitude with experience assembling equipment and working with hand tools. Experience creating cable assemblies and using crimping tools. Basic fabrication and machining experience, including drilling, cutting, forming sheet metal, and similar tasks. Ability to use rivet tools and assemble mechanical subassemblies. Basic soldering and electronics rework skills. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage inventory and maintain accurate records. Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality. Preferred Qualifications Experience working with storage systems, server hardware, or related technologies. Familiarity with end mills or other light machining equipment. Experience supporting product development, validation, or prototype environments. Education Required High School Diploma or GED. Preferred Associate Degree in Electronics, Engineering Technology, Mechanical Technology, or a related technical field. Equivalent combination of education, technical training, and hands-on experience will also be considered. Why Join Us? Work directly with engineers to bring new products from concept to reality. Gain hands-on experience with prototype development, testing, and product validation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams across engineering, software, manufacturing, and operations. Make a visible impact on products and processes used by customers around the world. Grow your technical skills in a dynamic and innovative engineering environment. Location: Candidates must reside within commuting distance of our Boulder, CO office. Relocation assistance is not available. Only local candidates will be considered Candidate AI Usage Policy AI is a part of our daily work at Spectra, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided. Compensation: $34-42/ hour. While this compensation range is a good faith and reasonable estimate, a candidate's actual salary will be competitive within the range based on a variety of factors including the candidate's knowledge, skills, and experience. Benefits Medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with company matching Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options Short-term and long-term disability insurance Employee Assistance Program Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time Educational reimbursement Hybrid work options Application Window: Applications will be accepted until 9/25/2026 WHY SPECTRA? Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, Colorado, Spectra is an entrepreneurial, private company with more than 40 years of proven success preserving, protecting and defending the world's data. Spectra offers a challenging, flexible and creative work environment. Our culture is one that drives personal opportunity and advancement and rewards high performance while maintaining a high-quality work-life balance. We offer a casual, hybrid work environment with ample opportunity to learn and grow within the company. Work out on your own or with our trainer at one of the on-campus gyms; grab lunch or snacks onsite or challenge the CEO to a game of pinball; and grow your career with peers who are second to none. SPECTRA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Spectra is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we never discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other characteristics protected by applicable law