Manufacturing Automation Technician

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.

$34.00 - $38.00 per hour

• 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.

• Perform light machine shop operations including drilling, tapping, deburring, and basic fabrication using standard shop equipment (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.

• 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 preferred).
• Ability to use precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges) for part verification.
• Familiarity with preventative maintenance systems and documentation practices.
• Strong hands‑on troubleshooting and problem‑solving ability.
• High attention to detail and quality workmanship.
• Ability to follow procedures while adapting to changing engineering and production needs.
• Strong communication skills with engineers and cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize in a fast‑paced environment.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and use hands…