Senior Production Technician - Robotics & Aerospace

Company Overview

Near Earth Autonomy is creating a future where autonomous flight is commonplace and safe.  Our technology enables aircraft ranging in scale from sub-meter to full scale to fly autonomously for inspection and mobility applications. We are serious about system design, development, real-world testing, and delivering high-performance products to customers. We are looking for highly motivated individuals to help us realize this vision. Visit nearearth.aero to learn more about how you can help create the future of autonomous aviation.

Position Overview 

We are looking for an energetic, motivated, and self-driven Senior Production Technician who desires to grow technically and professionally. Near Earth provides a unique, rapidly evolving environment that offers work with mature products and systems and experimental and low-maturity R&D systems. This role affords an opportunity to contribute to the definition and refinement of our systems and products, as well as paths for personal and professional growth. The ideal candidate will perform with accuracy and attention to detail in the production environment. Flexibility and an energetic approach with a proactive ‘can-do’ attitude to tackle what needs to be done to support the company’s objectives are highly desirable attributes. Ability and willingness to switch focus when the situation requires it are also critical in this position.

Responsibilities

• This role includes assembly, testing, and troubleshooting components, products, and systems with opportunities to influence product implementation and Design for Manufacturability.
• Using hand tools, such as soldering equipment, and power tools to assemble products and components according to specifications and requirements.
• Inspecting components and assemblies for quality assurance and performing routine maintenance on assembly equipment.
• Troubleshooting and resolving assembly issues; documenting and reporting any discrepancies or challenges.
• Collaborating with team members to meet production deadlines while maintaining organization and cleanliness of the assembly workspace.
• Following safety protocols and guidelines to maintain a safe work environment, including the proper use of PPE (personal protection equipment) to prevent unexpected incidents.
• Maintaining accurate records of production data and results related to various tests and inspection procedures.
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce production costs.

Qualifications and Skills

• Significant experience as an assembly/production technician or similar role.
• Proficient in building precision cable harnesses, including soldering and crimping of small gauge wiring.
• Proficient in PCBA work and rework of fine pitch SMT and through hole assemblies.
• Proficient in assembly of small opto-electro-mechanical instruments.
• Strong attention to detail and organizing, and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to follow complex technical drawings and specifications, written or oral instructions, and Engineering Change Notices.
• Ability and willingness to work with preliminary system documentation and collaborate with Engineering to contribute to the development and refinement of such documentation.
• Proficient in using hand tools, power tools, measuring instruments, and electrical testing equipment, and mechanical dimensioning gauges.
• Strong interpersonal communication and collaboration skills, and the ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.
• Well-rounded computer skills for documenting and maintaining accurate records.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new techniques and technologies.
• Degree in a related field or equivalent work experience.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for long periods.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Strong expertise in soldering (IPC J-STD-001).
• Inspection against drawings of electrical and mechanical components.
• A&P certification, ASE certification, or similar is a plus.
• Experience with production operation tools and processes such as ERP, MRP, MES.
• Exposure to Quality Management Systems and Lean and Six Sigma.

Benefits

• Compensation compatible with qualifications
• 401(k) plan
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• Life insurance; long-term and short-term disability benefits

Due to the nature of Near Earth’s funding, this position requires US citizenship or Permanent Resident status. Due to work related to federal contracts, this position is subject to successful completion of a background check.