Electrical Engineering Lab Assistant Jobs in California

ABOUT THE TEAM
Connected Warfare (CW) is the team at Anduril dedicated to the modernization of the command-and-control systems of U.S. and Allied forces. New technologies and adversaries demand a novel approach to battlefield intelligence, and you will be the driving force behind the integration of cutting-edge edge computing technologies that make that a reality. Such systems inherently require both electrical and mechanical components, and we are looking for highly skilled technical leaders to help build and execute these tightly integrated products. Your work will not only help create new products but also help to change the balance of defense capabilities on a global scale.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
Team Leadership

• Directly supervise a small, high-caliber team of 5-6 Jr. and Sr. Electrical Engineering Technicians, providing day-to-day direction of work and priorities, as well as conducting performance reviews and 1-on-1's.
• Set team culture at the ground level; onboard, coach, and develop technicians, contributing input on leveling, career development, and technical growth paths.
• Communicate established priorities, safety expectations, and escalation paths to the team; interface with cross-functional peers (engineers, planners, supply chain) on goals and escalations.

Hands-On Execution

• Take an active hands-on role alongside your team: building wire harnesses, assembling PCBs, and assisting Engineers with test and integration activities.
• Build, assemble, and modify complex cable and wire harness assemblies, including crimping contacts, soldering various connector types, and routing wires per schematics and build documentation.
• Perform precision PCB rework and assembly - surface-mount (SMT) and through-hole soldering, component replacement, and jumper wire installation under a microscope, including conformal coating and staking operations.
• Execute comprehensive test plans: set up, configure, and operate test equipment (oscilloscopes, power supplies, multimeters, signal generators, etc.) to verify performance of PCBs and integrated power systems.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose failures in electronic assemblies (PCBs and harnesses) and power systems down to the component/assembly level using schematics, layouts, and wiring diagrams, and execute necessary repairs.
• Accurately document test data, rework actions, assembly details, and failure modes to support engineering analysis and continuous improvement.

Operational Ownership 

• Own shift-level execution outcomes for safety, quality, cost, and delivery across your integration and test area.
• Drive Tier 1 and Tier 2 reporting; set shift-level build and test targets and manage direct-labor performance to plan.
• Lab Buildup: Assist in planning and execution of an ever-growing lab, ensuring Engineers and Technicians have the necessary equipment, materials, and space to effectively execute tasks.
• Lab Maintenance: Maintain the lab environment to clean and safe standards, including EHS compliance, quality compliance, equipment calibration, and stock materials/consumables management.

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in electronics/power systems testing, assembly, and rework in an R&D or production environment.
• Prior formal or informal people-leadership experience with demonstrated ability to influence, direct, and develop a small technical team.
• Strong technical literacy: ability to read and interpret complex electrical schematics, assembly drawings, wiring diagrams, bills of materials (BOMs), and technical datasheets.
• Demonstrated proficiency in fine-pitch SMT and through-hole soldering (IPC J-STD-001 or equivalent standards), with experience in PCB rework, component replacement, and modification.
• Proven experience building and modifying complex cable and wire harness assemblies, including crimping, soldering various connector types, and routing (IPC-620 or equivalent standards).
• Proficiency in diagnosing electronic failures to the component level using standard test equipment and documentation.
• Ability to build, assemble, and work diligently on prototype products with minimal documentation and oversight.
• Understanding of product development lifecycles, reliability, and compliance testing.
• Self-organizing: able to prioritize simultaneous tasks in an electronics lab/test environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.
• Ability to travel within the Continental United States, up to 10%.

• Previous supervisory or people-management experience in an R&D or manufacturing environment.
• Associate degree in Electrical/Electronics, Computer, Mechanical Technologies, or related fields.
• Active IPC-610, IPC-620, and J-STD-001 certifications.
• Experience using CAD/ECAD viewers (Altium, Siemens NX, OrCAD, etc.) to locate components/assemblies on PCBs/power systems.
• Experience using Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems (e.g., Teamcenter) to navigate drawing lifecycle.
• Environmental testing familiarity: thermal chambers, vibration tables, and burn-in procedures.