Engineering Technician

Job Description



About Us:

Introduction:

Protonex LLC, dba PNI Sensor based in Santa Rosa, Ca. seeks meticulous, process-oriented individual with a desire to continue to grow in a technical role. PNI Sensor is an engineering-driven sensor products company with products ranging from sensor components to IoT systems sold worldwide. The ideal candidate is disciplined, accountable, meticulous, has pride in their work product and is a team player.

PNI Sensor develops high-performance sensing and positioning technologies used in industrial, consumer, and advanced navigation applications. We value innovation, hands-on problem solving, and collaborative engineering.

Position Summary:

PNI Sensor is seeking a motivated, hands-on Engineering Technician to support hardware development, testing, debugging, and product validation activities. This role is intended for a high-potential individual who will grow into a Senior Engineering Technician position within approximately two years while working closely with our Senior Hardware Engineer. The ideal candidate is a self-sufficient, multi-discipline technician who enjoys working directly with hardware and solving technical problems. This position requires hands-on experience across electronics, mechanical assembly, wiring harnesses, instrumentation, soldering/rework, scripting, and testing. The candidate should be comfortable supporting both laboratory and remote field testing activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Debug and troubleshoot electronic hardware, prototype systems, and integrated sensor platforms

• Perform board-level troubleshooting and identify component- and system-level failures

• Support root cause investigations and recommend next steps to engineering teams

• Conduct first-pass analysis of test reports, failures, and collected data

• Assist with integration and troubleshooting of electromechanical systems

Soldering, Wiring & Rework:

• Perform precision soldering and component rework on PCB assemblies

• Build, modify, and troubleshoot wiring harnesses and cable assemblies

• Support prototype assembly, wiring, connector installation, and hardware modifications

• Perform SMT and through-hole component replacement and rework

Testing, Automation & Validation:

• Execute electrical, functional, environmental, and system-level testing

• Operate electronic lab equipment including oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and analyzers

• Support remote and field-based testing activities for sensor systems

• Assist with drone-based or mobile platform testing, equipment setup, and data collection

• Develop, modify, and execute Python-based test scripts and automation tools

• Record, organize, and summarize test results and engineering findings

Engineering Support:

• Work closely with the Senior Hardware Engineer on product development and validation activities

• Assist with prototype builds, fixture setup, and lab organization

• Support continuous improvement of test methods and engineering processes

• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams as needed

Desired Candidate Profile:

• Highly hands-on and comfortable working directly with electronics and mechanical systems

• A self-starter who can work independently with minimal supervision

• Curious, resourceful, and eager to learn

• Comfortable troubleshooting across multiple technical disciplines

• Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously

• Interested in both laboratory and field testing environments

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Associate degree or technical certification in Electronics Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, or related technical field

• Equivalent hands-on industry experience

Experience:

• 1-4 years of hands-on electronics technician or engineering lab experience preferred

• Experience with PCB assembly, soldering, and rework

• Experience building and troubleshooting wiring harnesses and cable assemblies

• Familiarity with electronics troubleshooting and debug techniques

Technical Skills:

• Ability to read schematics and engineering drawings

• Experience using standard electronic lab equipment

• Strong soldering and rework capability (SMT preferred)

• Familiarity with electronic instrumentation and sensor integration

• Basic to intermediate Python scripting capability for test automation or data collection

• Basic mechanical assembly and prototype integration experience

• Ability to troubleshoot electromechanical systems at both component and system level

• Strong documentation and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• IPC solder certification (IPC-A-610 or J-STD-001)

• Experience supporting prototype or R&D environments

• Experience with embedded systems or automated test systems

• Familiarity with drone systems, remote sensing platforms, or field testing environments

• Experience using Python for hardware testing or data acquisition

• Mechatronics background strongly preferred

Growth Opportunity:

This role is intended to develop into a Senior Engineering Technician position within approximately two years. The successful candidate will receive mentorship and hands-on development opportunities while working directly with senior engineering staff.

Compensation:

Estimated salary range: $80,000 - $95,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Must be a US Citizen - due to government contracts