Electrical Engineering Technician

Company Overview:

Second Order Effects (SOE) is an engineering consultancy that transforms uncertainty into fully functional hardware and software. We work on projects at various stages of development and scope; we perform analysis, build prototypes, and take products to market. Our cross-disciplinary team solves critical problems across numerous industries, including automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, industrial automation, biomedical, green energy, and marine. Our designs control rocket engines, manage satellite communications, generate safety-overrides for self-driving cars, and are enjoyed by consumers around the world.

Founded in 2016, Second Order Effects has 90+ employees (and counting!) in offices in El Segundo, California and Redmond, Washington. We've worked with 90+ clients on 250+ projects as a partner, on a retainer, or on demand, all of which have no involvement with weapons.

How do we do this? We prioritize others, build the right thing, welcome difficulty, and play the long game. Learn more at soeffects.com!

Team Overview:

SOE's Technical Operations team helps to turn complex ideas into reality by providing hands-on support to our clients and engineering core. The team employs a diverse array of skills to ensure the successful execution of projects, including soldering, PCBA rework, prototyping, harnessing, and assembly. On this team, you will be exposed to a wide variety of problems, take ownership over process improvement initiatives, and will create a better workplace for everyone at SOE.

Job Overview:

As an Electrical Engineering Technician, you will participate in the prototyping, production, and testing of projects across multiple industries (aerospace, automotive, robotics, etc.), subsequently enabling the successful execution of these projects. The best-paths forward on SOE projects often need to be learned and invented on the spot, so ideally you will be a tenacious problem-solver who is passionate about taking ownership of tasks and carrying them through project completion. In this role, you will help the team build out capabilities by learning new skills and concepts and communicating that knowledge to others.

What You Will Do:

• Assemble, solder, inspect, program, and test electronic components (e.g., PCBAs, test racks, and custom hardware), wiring harnesses, and other assemblies
• Assist in the testing of electronic and electro-mechanical systems and related subsystems
• Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams to design and prototype solutions to technical problems; assist engineers with assembling, testing and modifying hardware
• Troubleshoot faulty equipment and repair to full functionality
• Create and document procedures for testing, assembly, and related processes
• Provide feedback on test plans and technical drawings
• Review tasks for quality and conformance to documented standards
• Champion safe work practices and improve all safety procedures
• Maintain a constant improvement and waste reduction mindset
• Come up with creative solutions to complex problems

What You Will Need: 

• High school diploma or GED with:
  • Some application of technical skills outside of the classroom (examples: laboratory, research, extracurricular project teams, volunteering, personal projects, or internships)
  • Associate's Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, and/or Trade School certification
• OR 2+ years of experience in a professional or Military technical role (please submit Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) document if this applies to you)
• Familiarity with electronic test equipment (DMM, supplies, oscilloscopes, etc.) and environmental test systems
• Experience with soldering electronic components (through hole and SMT down to 0402 package size) and wires; basic understanding of materials and processes
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings
• Ability to interface with diverse engineering teams and understand/interpret engineering terminology
• Ability to use computer programs (e.g., Office suite, Messaging/chat, File explorers/repositories, Web browsers, Wikis, etc.)
• Ability to read reports and identify trends in failure modes
• Basic understanding of mechanical assembly and rework, including basic hand and power tools
• Ability to take detailed notes that can be referenced at a later date
• An organized approach to all aspects of work

What Would Be Useful:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM field (Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, etc.)
• Experience in using physical programmers to program boards
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