Temporary Manufacturing Lab Technician

New Wave Design is seeking a Temporary Manufacturing Lab Technician to provide hands-on support for engineering development, production builds, and testing activities. This is a full-time temporary position with an anticipated start as soon as possible and is expected to continue through December 31, 2026.

The Manufacturing Lab Technician will perform electro-mechanical assembly, sub-assembly, and laboratory support activities, helping ensure assemblies are built accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with drawings, work instructions, and quality standards. The position requires strong attention to detail, comfort working in a lab environment, and close collaboration with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams.

Assembly & Sub-Assembly

• Perform mechanical, electro-mechanical, and electronic sub-assembly and final assembly of products, fixtures, and prototypes
• Build assemblies using engineering drawings, schematics, bills of materials (BOMs), and work instructions
• Assemble components such as enclosures, brackets, fasteners, cables, connectors, and circuit card assemblies
• Program and perform Manufacturer Acceptance Testing (MFAT) of assembled product
• Perform rework and modifications as directed by Engineering or Manufacturing

Lab & Engineering Support

• Support engineering development builds, prototypes, and first-article assemblies
• Assist engineers with lab setup, fixture preparation, and test article preparation
• Safely handle electronic assemblies and sensitive components in a lab environment

Troubleshooting & Issue Identification

• Identify assembly issues, defects, or discrepancies and communicate findings to Engineering 
• Assist with basic troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, or assembly-related issues

Quality & Process Adherence

• Follow documented assembly processes, quality procedures, and safety requirements
• Perform in-process inspections and basic functional checks as required
• Ensure workmanship meets internal quality standards and customer requirements

Equipment, Tools & Lab Maintenance

• Operate standard hand tools, power tools, and lab equipment safely and correctly
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe lab and assembly workspace
• Report equipment issues or calibration needs as required

Documentation

• Accurately document build activities, issues, and deviations
• Assist with updating assembly instructions or redlines based on feedback

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams
• Communicate clearly regarding build status, issues, and priorities

Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to all safety policies, ESD requirements, and regulatory standards
• Contribute to maintaining a safe work environment

Professional Conduct

• Represent the company in a professional manner at all times

Qualifications (Education, Skills, and Experience)

Education

• Associate degree in Electronics Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Technology, or related field preferred

Experience

• 2+ years of experience in a lab, manufacturing, or assembly technician role
• Hands-on experience performing electro-mechanical assembly and sub-assembly
• Experience working from drawings, schematics, and work instructions

Technical Skills

• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail
• Familiarity with electronic assemblies, connectors, cabling, and fasteners
• Comfortable working in a lab or production environment
• Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting engineering prototypes or low-volume production
• Familiarity with ESD handling requirements
• Experience in defense, aerospace, or regulated manufacturing environments

Physical Parameters

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 pounds
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds overhead
• Must have finger and wrist dexterity for repetitive assembly tasks
• Ability to work at a bench, stand, or sit for extended periods
• Ability to work in a lab environment handling electronic assemblies

Due to the type of work at our facilities and certain access restrictions, successful applicants must be of a "U.S. Person". The candidate must be able to prove so, with remittance of proper identification supporting so, upon an acceptance of employment. 

What we offer:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• PTO 
• Paid Holidays
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
• Voluntary coverages include, vision, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance
• Flexible work schedules

Diversity drives innovation; and inclusion drives success. NWD knows our employees are our greatest asset. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, respect, and a commitment to providing professional development opportunities, work-life balance initiatives, and a fulfilling employee experience, the NWD employees can tackle the toughest challenges in our industry as we deliver intelligent computing solutions at the edge. At NWD, you can grow your career and make a meaningful impact.

Hourly Rate of Pay Range: 

$29.71-$44.75

Please know that the compensation information is a general guideline only. NWD considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities for the position candidates' work experience education/training key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.

How to Apply:

Please complete our online application by visiting www.newwavedesign.com.

New Wave Design anticipates the application window closing approximately 28 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require New Wave Design to shorten or extend the application window.

About New Wave Design:

NWD is an industry-leading designer of high-bandwidth, ultra-low latency rugged network hardware and IP cores, serving the Aerospace and Defense market for over 20 years. Our FPGA-based solutions power the future of our clients’ most advanced mission processing, electronic warfare, sensor fusion, ISR, test & measurement, and maintenance applications. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, NWD solves the most challenging networking and sensor processing problems with products based on standard form factors including VPX and XMC, as well as emerging industry standards and custom solutions.