Associate Test Engineer Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Job Description
About Us:
Introduction:
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
Soldering, Wiring & Rework:
• 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
Testing, Automation & Validation:
• 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
Engineering Support:
• 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
Desired Candidate Profile:
• 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
Education:
• Associate degree or technical certification in Electronics Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, or related technical field
• Equivalent hands-on industry experience
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
Technical Skills:
• 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
Preferred Qualifications:
• 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
Growth Opportunity:
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