Senior Hardware Engineer Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

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