Manufacturing Automation Technician

RF/Microwave Test Handler Technician

Mini-Circuits designs, manufactures and distributes integrated circuits, modules, and sub-systems for high-performance radio frequency (RF) and microwave applications. With design, sales and manufacturing locations in over 30 countries, Mini-Circuits' products are used in a range of wired and wireless communications applications. Our products are also used in detection, measurement and imaging applications, including military communication, guidance and electronic countermeasure systems, commercial, scientific, military land, sea and aircraft;

automotive systems, medical systems, and industrial test equipment. Mini-Circuits' sells its products to over 20,000 customers globally through our direct sales force, applications engineering staff, sales representatives, as well as through our extensive website.

Position Summary:

Support the building, maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of automated test handlers, fixtures, and supporting equipment for RF and Microwave component production. This role is responsible for executing hands-on tasks including assembly, debug, and preventative maintenance to ensure high equipment uptime, test reliability, and production efficiency.

Salary Range: $34.00 - $38.00 per hour

Job Function:

• Fixture Build & Assembly Support
• Assemble test fixtures including mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic components per engineering drawings and documentation.
• Perform wire harness assembly, cable routing, and electrical box builds to support automation systems.
• Execute hand soldering of RF components, connectors, and fine-pitch electrical connections.
• Operate and maintain 3D printers to fabricate fixture components and prototypes, including post-processing and dimensional verification.
• Troubleshoot and repair test fixture issues including RF/DC contact, grounding, continuity, and mechanical alignment problems.
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and automation system issues.
• Perform machine setup, tuning, and adjustment including sensors, vision systems, and pneumatic actuation parameters.
• Execute preventative and corrective maintenance on automated systems and fixtures, including documentation and spare parts support.
• Support engineers with root cause analysis and corrective actions for recurring issues.
• Fabrication, Machine Shop & Continuous Improvement
• Perform light machine shop operations including drilling, tapping, deburring, and basic fabrication using standard shop equipment (e.g., drill press, band saw, grinders).
• Fabricate and modify fixture components, brackets, mounts, and tooling to support production and engineering needs.
• Use precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers) to verify part dimensions and fit.
• Support fixture changeovers, rapid prototyping, and iterative design improvements in collaboration with engineers.
• Identify and recommend improvements to fixture design, serviceability, and overall system reliability.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment in the automation and shop areas.

Qualification:

• Technical degree, certification, or equivalent hands-on experience in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 2–5 years of relevant technician experience in manufacturing, automation, or test environments preferred.
• Experience with electro-mechanical assembly, integration, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, wiring diagrams, and electrical schematics.
• Proficiency in hand soldering, including through-hole and fine-pitch components.
• Familiarity with basic pneumatic systems (cylinders, regulators, tubing, flow control).
• Experience using standard lab and shop tools (multimeter, power supplies, crimp tools, hand tools).
• Experience supporting automated or robotic systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with vision systems (e.g., Keyence, Cognex) and basic tuning/adjustments.
• Exposure to RF test fixtures or high-frequency component handling preferred.
• Experience with 3D printing technologies (FDM/SLA) and basic CAD file usage.
• Experience with basic machine shop operations (drilling, tapping, cutting, deburring, light milling/lathe work…