Assembly Technician

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technological innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems, and we prioritize partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions... that work.

The SARA High Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM) is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and imaginative Assembly Technician to support research and development activities by offering assembly and fabrication support to the DoD, DoE, and their contractors in Colorado Springs, CO. The candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn with talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on long-standing programs and new programs supporting our customers. Our small group will allow the candidate to experience, contribute, and collaborate in a multidisciplinary nature from conception all the way through to production.

The Assembly Technician will have a good understanding of industrial painting, materials, and processes, good mechanical skills, and understanding of electrical assembly. An ideal candidate will be comfortable and capable of working on their own, capable of both following detailed work instructions and be able to complete technical assembly work with limited documented instructions. Having knowledge of soldering processes and electrical assembly verifications is a plus but not required. This position is common to SARA and all SARA's manufacturing environments. Candidates will have the opportunity to move within the company and be assigned to jobs as needed.

Core Responsibilities:

• Capable of using production level mechanical and fabrication assembly tools which may include but not be limited to: assembly aids, measurement tools, both hand tools and power tools, torque wrenches, and other tools needed to perform necessary job functions
• Work closely with Inventory team to ensure parts and supplies are available in a timely manner to complete work on schedule
• Able to read and follow detailed work instructions
• Work closely with QA/QC team to immediately report non-compliance with technical drawings and/or work instructions
• Interact with all levels of engineering staff and outside vendors
• Provide feedback for process improvements, or process risks that could lead to inconsistencies in the final product
• Focused work in multiple areas across SARA depending on needs at the time
  • Assembly - Electrical
    • Capable of working in an Electric Static Discharge (ESD) controlled environment
    • Capable of using production level electrical assembly tools which may include but not be limited to: soldering tools, voltage meter, assembly aids, measurement tools, both hand tools and power tools, and other tools needed to perform necessary job functions
    • Verify quality of parts and assemblies using measurement and diagnostic tools
  • Painting
    • Painting and associated tasks to prepare products
    • Maintain equipment and associated tools for consistent paint application
    • Perform proper surface preparation including but not limited to: cleaning, sanding, chemical treatment, and priming
  • Assembly - Mechanical
    • Self-motivated and able to move between tasks effectively with limited directive
    • Comfortable working with hands and working in busy and production-based environments
    • Excellent verbal communication skills
    • Keep work areas clean and organized (floors, workbenches, equipment, tools, etc.)
• Perform other duties and projects, as assigned

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 5 - 7 years of relevant job experience in an industrial, production, manufacturing, assembly, etc. environment
• Must be able to pass and maintain 'pass' status on OSHA-approved Pulmonary Fitness Test (PFT) in order to wear a respirator for prolonged periods of time, if applicable
• High attention to detail
• Ability to complete assigned tasks and special assignments using documented work instructions with minimal supervision
• Ability to read and understand engineering schematics and technical drawings
• Ability to understand and follow work instructions
• Ability to safely work with electrical assembly tools and equipment
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD Secret or Top Secret security clearance
• May require moderate physical effort, involving standing, sitting and use of hands while performing duties, carrying or lifting up to 30+ pounds
• Working environment is both indoor and outdoor, reasonably clean, well-lighted and well-ventilated; moderate physical and electrical hazards may exist

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in relevant technical field
• 8 - 15 years of relevant production, industrial, manufacturing, etc. experience
• Professional painting experience in either automotive or marine painting applications
• IPC-J-STD-001 Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies
• IPC/WHMA-A-620 Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies
• Ability to assemble and manufacture against IPC Class 3 standards
• Capable of reading and understanding technical drawings
• Overhead crane operating experience
• Forklift driving experience
• Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance

SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
• A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
• Tuition & certification reimbursement
• Flexible work schedules
• Discretionary Employee bonuses
• 401(k) match/profit sharing
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Pay Range:

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $20 to $30 (hourly USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA's total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.

Application Deadline: 7/10/2026

SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.