Lead R&D Technician for Fastwater Staffing

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Contribute to all stages of the vehicle product development and manufacturing life cycle, providing technical feedback to the engineering team.
• Build, integrate, and test complex electro-mechanical assemblies into world-class AUV systems.
• Apply competency in the use of hand tools, assembly tooling, and general manufacturing equipment.
• Complete necessary transactions in computer production systems (MES, NetSuite, JIRA) on a daily basis.
• Provide technical guidance, knowledge transfer, and process support to operators as needed.
• Maintain focus and momentum to drive milestones to on-time completion.
• Manage multiple priorities, organize build workflows, and meet scheduled project deadlines.
• Interface with the Production Supervisor and collaborate with other technicians, providing day-to-day technical task coordination for the production and delivery of various commercial and development products.
• Apply advanced knowledge and skills in hardware assembly, troubleshooting, and repair during manufacturing operations.
• Coordinate workflow priorities for operators to achieve target on-time delivery goals and ensure project milestones stay on schedule.
• Participate in 5S and continuous improvement initiatives; provide constructive feedback on ways to optimize the assembly process.
• Foster a collaborative working environment that supports technical excellence, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional support.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 7+ years of electronics experience in an R&D/prototyping environment.
• Demonstrated ability to execute complex R&D tasks independently with minimal direct oversight.
• Extensive experience building and troubleshooting cables, harnesses, and connectors.
• Proficiency in soldering, crimping, and mechanical cable assembly.
• Working knowledge of the product life cycle (NPI to scaled production) and LEAN manufacturing principles.
• Highly organized, dependable, and detail-oriented with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity reading and interpreting electrical schematics and component drawings.
• Hands-on experience with standard electronics test equipment (power supplies, electronic loads, oscilloscopes, function generators, DAQ systems, and measurement sensors).
• Ability to adapt quickly between tasks and balance concurrent technical priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with machining, sheet metal fabrication, and 3D printing.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Experience testing items ranging from small integrated electronics assemblies to large vehicle structures.
• Experience building test setups and executing test procedures to validate design iterations.
• Prior material handling/hoisting experience or MA state hoisting license (overhead gantry, rigging).
• Prior experience in subsea robotics (AUVs, UUVs, or marine/underwater systems).