PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking a Test Technician in Santa Cruz, CA.
Pay Range: $30 - $45
We are seeking motivated individuals to join our client's Testing Team. This role will be responsible for the assembly, operation, troubleshooting, and decommissioning of test stands and test equipment. Will be responsible for the mechanical/structural setup of test stands, the installation of instrumentation gauging and wiring on test stands, and the operation of basic data acquisition equipment. Will work with engineers to resolve issues with test and data acquisition equipment.
The work is performed in a dynamic and rapidly evolving environment. Will work in the testing facility and is often hands-on with aerospace flight hardware; attention to detail and a focus on safety are required at all times. The test technician is responsible for ensuring work areas are clean and safe, including following 5S best practices for test work areas, and ensuring test equipment is maintained in good working order and tracked in inventory. The successful candidates will be able to communicate test status and test needs to leadership and internal customers, being the focal for the hands-on commissioning and operation of complex test stands.
Responsibilities:
- The primary responsibility will be the assembly and operation of the test stands using engineering drawings and models, operating forklift to move heavy equipment, light metal fabrication/machining such as milling, drilling, cutting, and grinding metal parts, assembly of large metallic bolted and welded structures, setting up hydraulic and pneumatic actuation systems, set up of video cameras to collect test footage, and installation of electromechanical components such as valves, motors, and switches
- The Test Technician will support tracking, calibration, inventory, and control of tools, instruments, equipment, and raw materials used for testing
- Will also be responsible for the installation of instrumentation according to engineering drawings, verifying instrumentation locations, soldering wire connections, checkout, and troubleshooting of the instruments at the test stand, including load cells, displacement sensors, strain gauges, transducers, etc
- The Test Technician will use digital systems and digital and analog instruments to collect and report test data and test media
- Develop and build 'one-off' test fixtures
- Ability to read drawings and CAD models to assemble electromechanical systems, test fixtures, and harnesses
- Select and procure necessary hardware and tools
- Create assembly instructions and a bill of materials for the test fixtures
- Follow test procedures and processes
- Troubleshoot mechanical and test setup issues
- Maintain a clean and orderly lab space with tool control, calibration, and inventory
- Follow best safety practices
Basic Hiring Criteria:
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Minimum 3 years of experience as a technician assembling electromechanical mechanisms and/or power electronic assemblies
- Experience with data acquisition devices and sensors (accelerometers, thermocouples, strain gage)
- Must be able to work from procedures and drawings with minimal guidance
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, startup environment
Desired Qualifications:
- Proficient with hand tools, machine shop tools (Mill, Drill, Chop Saw), light fabrication, and metrology tools (Caliper, Measurements Gauges)
- Experience operating a forklift, lifting and rigging equipment
- Experience reading drawings for mechanical setup, torquing bolted equipment to specifications
- Understanding and use of basic electronics tools (Oscilloscope, multimeter)
- Understanding of aerospace safety, tool control, FOD, and other industry standards
- Experience working with various test lab environments
Who we are looking for:
- You are a highly motivated, self-starting individual with a broad set of skills and never afraid of facing complex technical challenges
- You are a solution-oriented individual with a strong analytical mindset
- You have strong communication skills and can easily tailor your communications to suit the audience
- You can adapt quickly or propose changes needed to achieve early results in a timely fashion
- You embrace challenges, take commitments, and deliver results within reasonable expectations
- You are a positive team player
Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.