What are the responsibilities and job description for the Engineering Technician position at PNI Sensor?
Introduction
About Us:
Protonex LLC, dba PNI Sensor based in Santa Rosa, Ca. seeks meticulous, process-oriented individual with a desire to continue to grow in a technical role. PNI Sensor is an engineering-driven sensor products company with products ranging from sensor components to IoT systems sold worldwide. The ideal candidate is disciplined, accountable, meticulous, has pride in their work product and is a team player.
PNI Sensor develops high-performance sensing and positioning technologies used in industrial, consumer, and advanced navigation applications. We value innovation, hands-on problem solving, and collaborative engineering.
Position Summary
PNI Sensor is seeking a motivated, hands-on Engineering Technician to support hardware development, testing, debugging, and product validation activities. This role is intended for a high-potential individual who will grow into a Senior Engineering Technician position within approximately two years while working closely with our Senior Hardware Engineer. The ideal candidate is a self-sufficient, multi-discipline technician who enjoys working directly with hardware and solving technical problems. This position requires hands-on experience across electronics, mechanical assembly, wiring harnesses, instrumentation, soldering/rework, scripting, and testing. The candidate should be comfortable supporting both laboratory and remote field testing activities.
Key Responsibilities
Required Qualifications
This role is intended to develop into a Senior Engineering Technician position within approximately two years. The successful candidate will receive mentorship and hands-on development opportunities while working directly with senior engineering staff.
Compensation
Estimated salary range: $80,000 – $95,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
Must be a US Citizen - due to government contracts
About Us:
Protonex LLC, dba PNI Sensor based in Santa Rosa, Ca. seeks meticulous, process-oriented individual with a desire to continue to grow in a technical role. PNI Sensor is an engineering-driven sensor products company with products ranging from sensor components to IoT systems sold worldwide. The ideal candidate is disciplined, accountable, meticulous, has pride in their work product and is a team player.
PNI Sensor develops high-performance sensing and positioning technologies used in industrial, consumer, and advanced navigation applications. We value innovation, hands-on problem solving, and collaborative engineering.
Position Summary
PNI Sensor is seeking a motivated, hands-on Engineering Technician to support hardware development, testing, debugging, and product validation activities. This role is intended for a high-potential individual who will grow into a Senior Engineering Technician position within approximately two years while working closely with our Senior Hardware Engineer. The ideal candidate is a self-sufficient, multi-discipline technician who enjoys working directly with hardware and solving technical problems. This position requires hands-on experience across electronics, mechanical assembly, wiring harnesses, instrumentation, soldering/rework, scripting, and testing. The candidate should be comfortable supporting both laboratory and remote field testing activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Debug and troubleshoot electronic hardware, prototype systems, and integrated sensor platforms
- Perform board-level troubleshooting and identify component- and system-level failures
- Support root cause investigations and recommend next steps to engineering teams
- Conduct first-pass analysis of test reports, failures, and collected data
- Assist with integration and troubleshooting of electromechanical systems
- Perform precision soldering and component rework on PCB assemblies
- Build, modify, and troubleshoot wiring harnesses and cable assemblies
- Support prototype assembly, wiring, connector installation, and hardware modifications
- Perform SMT and through-hole component replacement and rework
- Execute electrical, functional, environmental, and system-level testing
- Operate electronic lab equipment including oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and analyzers
- Support remote and field-based testing activities for sensor systems
- Assist with drone-based or mobile platform testing, equipment setup, and data collection
- Develop, modify, and execute Python-based test scripts and automation tools
- Record, organize, and summarize test results and engineering findings
- Work closely with the Senior Hardware Engineer on product development and validation activities
- Assist with prototype builds, fixture setup, and lab organization
- Support continuous improvement of test methods and engineering processes
- Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams as needed
- Highly hands-on and comfortable working directly with electronics and mechanical systems
- A self-starter who can work independently with minimal supervision
- Curious, resourceful, and eager to learn
- Comfortable troubleshooting across multiple technical disciplines
- Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Interested in both laboratory and field testing environments
Required Qualifications
- Associate degree or technical certification in Electronics Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, or related technical field
- Equivalent hands-on industry experience
- 1–4 years of hands-on electronics technician or engineering lab experience preferred
- Experience with PCB assembly, soldering, and rework
- Experience building and troubleshooting wiring harnesses and cable assemblies
- Familiarity with electronics troubleshooting and debug techniques
- Ability to read schematics and engineering drawings
- Experience using standard electronic lab equipment
- Strong soldering and rework capability (SMT preferred)
- Familiarity with electronic instrumentation and sensor integration
- Basic to intermediate Python scripting capability for test automation or data collection
- Basic mechanical assembly and prototype integration experience
- Ability to troubleshoot electromechanical systems at both component and system level
- Strong documentation and communication skills
- IPC solder certification (IPC-A-610 or J-STD-001)
- Experience supporting prototype or R&D environments
- Experience with embedded systems or automated test systems
- Familiarity with drone systems, remote sensing platforms, or field testing environments
- Experience using Python for hardware testing or data acquisition
- Mechatronics background strongly preferred
This role is intended to develop into a Senior Engineering Technician position within approximately two years. The successful candidate will receive mentorship and hands-on development opportunities while working directly with senior engineering staff.
Compensation
Estimated salary range: $80,000 – $95,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
Must be a US Citizen - due to government contracts
Salary : $80,000 - $95,000