Salary: $35- $40 per hour DOE
Join Our Team as an Engineering Lab Technician!
Are you a hands-on electronics professional who enjoys troubleshooting hardware issues and working with high-reliability aerospace products? We are seeking an Engineering Lab Technician to support electronic hardware development, advanced PCB rework and repair, and engineering lab operations. In this role, you will perform precision rework on modern electronic assemblies, support engineering testing and validation activities, and help maintain a world-class engineering lab environment.
About the Company:
Thomas Global Systems is a leader in the design, manufacture and support of high-integrity aviation and defense electronics, operating out of locations in Sydney, Australia and Irvine, California.
About the Role:
The Engineering Lab Technician is responsible for advanced PCB rework and repair, engineering lab organization, equipment maintenance, and test support activities. Working closely with engineering teams, this role supports prototype builds, hardware troubleshooting, product validation, and lab readiness while ensuring all work meets the high-quality standards required for aerospace and defense applications.
Location: Irvine, CA, fully onsite.
What's on Offer:
- A varied, fast paced role with an innovative and respected leader in mission-critical aerospace and defense products.
- Competitive remuneration and comprehensive benefit package.
- Join a team of skilled and motivated people committed to innovation, collaboration, and national security outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
Electronics Rework & Repair
- Perform advanced rework and repair of printed circuit boards (PCBs), including:
- Removal and replacement of SMT components (fine-pitch QFP, QFN, 0201/01005 passives)
- BGA rework (small to medium pitch) using hot air or rework stations
- Trace repair, pad repair, and jumper wire installation
- Diagnose and troubleshoot PCB-level issues using schematics, layout files, and test equipment
- Support engineering builds, prototypes, and quick-turn modifications
- Ensure all rework meets high-reliability standards (IPC-A-610 / J-STD-001preferred)
Engineering Lab Management
- Maintain organization, cleanliness, and readiness of the engineering lab
- Manage inventory of lab consumables (solder, flux, wire, connectors, etc.)
- Coordinate calibration and maintenance of lab equipment (oscilloscopes, power supplies, signal
- generators, etc.)
- Set up and support test stations for engineering and verification activities
- Ensure proper handling, storage, and control of ESD-sensitive devices
Test & Development Support
- Assist engineers with hardware bring-up, debugging, and validation testing
- Configure and operate lab equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, DMMs, power supplies)
- Support environmental or qualification test setups (as needed)
- Document rework performed and maintain traceability where required
Required Skills, Experience and Behaviors:
- 5+ years of hands-on experience in electronic assembly, rework, or lab technician roles
- Demonstrated expertise in: SMT rework (fine pitch and miniature components), BGA rework and inspection, PCB trace and pad repair techniques
- Proficiency with standard lab equipment: oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, function generators
- Strong attention to detail and workmanship quality
- Experience working in an ESD-controlled environment
- Confirmed NEGATIVE results for drug and alcohol testing in compliance with 14 CFR Part 120 and 49 CFR Part 40
Preferred Qualifications
- IPC certifications (e.g., IPC-7711/7721, J-STD-001, IPC-A-610)
- Experience in high-reliability industries (avionics, aerospace, defense, medical)
- Ability to read schematics, assembly drawings, and PCB layouts
- Familiarity with rework equipment such as hot air stations, IR rework systems, and microscopes
- Experience supporting DO-160 / environmental or qualification testing setups
- Basic understanding of digital and analog circuit operation
Apply now and take your career to new heights!
Base salary range of $35- $40 per hour DOE. The final compensation offer will be determined after reviewing relevant factors, including but not limited to location, skill set; relevant experience; and other business and organizational needs.
At-Will Employment Statement
Thomas Global Systems is an at-will employer. Employment with the company is voluntary and may be terminated by the employee or the company at any time, with or without cause or notice, and for any reason or no reason at all.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
Thomas Global Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable laws.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodation Statement
If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us at HumanResources@thomas-global.com.