Hardware Repair Technician

Hardware Repair Technician

AV's RF-CUAS Group designs, develops, and manufactures the Titan C-UAS system to provide clients real-time protection of life, property, and sensitive infrastructure. Titan systems are deployed across the globe, with a rapidly expanding footprint resulting from a technologically innovative solution that is attentive to all aspects of the user experience. ____________________________________________________________________________

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Hardware Repair Technician to join our team at AV in San Diego CA. The primary responsibility of this role is to be the lead for all repairs, warranty, service, and upgrade hardware activities. More specifically it is to handle returned hardware (e.g. under RMA, warranty, or defect management processes), diagnose, troubleshoot, repair and test units to ensure they meet quality and performance standards. In addition to repair work, this role may include upgrading hardware, refurbishing units, and performing detailed root-cause failure analysis under direction of engineering staff.

This role supports the engineering organization and helps maintain throughput in our repair pipeline. The technician will work closely with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers, and must have strong capabilities in debugging and working with advanced electronics and hardened computing systems. You will need to be comfortable working through ambiguity and change and also be intellectually curious regarding hardware and electronics assembly and manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements: • Receive, log, and triage incoming hardware returns, defective units, and upgrade requests. • Perform detailed diagnostics and troubleshooting to isolate faulty subsystems or components (mechanical, electrical, firmware, connectivity, etc.). • Repair assemblies, connectors, cables, sensors, mechanical subassemblies, etc. • Support production team by performing firmware updates, calibration, alignment, burn-in, and validation testing after repair. • Collaborate with engineering (mechanical, electrical, systems) to obtain schematics, test procedures, engineering change notices (ECNs), and tolerances. • Implement corrective modifications or retrofits as directed (e.g. engineering change orders). • Refurbish, rework, or upgrade units per specification or customer request. • Document repair steps, root causes, and lessons learned; maintain repair logs and databases. • Provide input to failure analysis and continuous improvement programs. • Ensure all repairs adhere to quality, safety, and regulatory requirements (e.g. ESD control, cleanroom, certification, internal standards). • Maintain spare parts, consumables, and tooling inventory relevant to repair operations. • Suggest process optimizations, tooling improvements, and test fixture enhancements. • Occasionally assist engineering with prototype debug, mechanical modifications, or system-level integration tasks as needed.

Requirements & Qualifications: • Associate's degree (or equivalent trade school training) in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent technical discipline (or strong equivalent hands-on experience). • At least 5–7 years of experience in hardware repair, technical debugging, or defect analysis in an electronics / systems environment. • Strong mechanical aptitude; proficient with hand tools associated with electronics unit assembly and repair. • Strong electronics troubleshooting skills. (Proficient with the use of multimeters.) • Experience with soldering and connector rework. • Familiarity with system-level and functional testing. • Experience reading schematics, block diagrams, mechanical drawings, and understanding system integration. • Ability to isolate mechanical, electrical, and firmware faults, and correlate symptoms to root cause. • Excellent with hands on skills, attention to detail, and methodical approach to debugging. • Strong documentation, communication, and general computer skills. • Ability to work closely with engineering staff, accept direction, and follow test procedures and change control. • Ability to manage multiple repair tasks concurrently and meet throughput goals. • Commitment to quality, safety, and process discipline (e.g. ESD protocols, clean environment).

Desired Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent technical discipline (or strong equivalent hands-on experience). • Experience with the assembly and repair of ruggedized / hardened computer systems (e.g., MIL STD, vibration, EMC, harsh environment electronics). • Experience with failure analysis tools (microscope, thermal imaging). • Experience with mechanical repair or alignment (e.g. micro mechanics, precision assemblies). • Experience debugging electronics systems. • Familiarity with version control, defect tracking systems, and repair databases. • Prior exposure to manufacturing test, acceptance test, or field-return programs. • Certification(s) such as IPC soldering, IPC rework, or other electronics repair credentials. • Prior work in aerospace, medical, defense, or rugged electronics industries.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands: • Work is primarily in a lab, workshop, or repair bay environment; may include cleanroom or controlled environment conditions. • Frequent use of test equipment, microscopes, handheld tools, and small part handling. • Occasional lifting of chassis or assemblies (within safe lift limits). • May require overtime or flexibility to meet repair deadlines. • Strict adherence to ESD/control protocols, safety, and quality standards. • Must be able to lift and maneuver unit assemblies up to 40lbs and wheeled cases up to 75lbs.

Location: San Diego, CA

Salary Range: $30.00 to $46.00/hour

The AV pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Determination of official compensation or salary relies on several factors including, but not limited to, level of position, job responsibilities, geographic location, scope of relevant work experience, educational background, certifications, contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements, alignment with local internal equity as well as alignment with market data. Our compensation package also includes components designed to support employees' total well-being, which should be considered when evaluating our competitive benefits package. These benefits include health insurance, life insurance, disability, company holiday and paid time off, parental leave, 401(k) company match and contributions, professional development/training reimbursements, and other work/life programs.