Smt Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Position Title: Assembly & Test Technician
Location: Alexandria, VA
Clearance Requirement: Secret, Top Secret - SCI preferred
Employment type: Skillbridge Internship
Research Innovations, Inc. (RII) is breaking through the big, slow, status quo with transformative technology that fundamentally changes and improves the world. We develop cutting-edge software for all levels of the government and military. Using agile development practices and user-centered design, we create innovative software solutions for complex real-world problems.
RII is seeking a transitioning service member to join our SIGINT/EW team as a SkillBridge Intern to prototype and produce hardware that solves unique, real-world problems. You will work directly in the lab alongside engineering leads to bridge the gap between initial prototypes and field-ready units.
You will be expected to support high-stakes manufacturing processes and uphold strict quality controls to support one of RII's most successful core values: Get s#it done.
This position requires a Secret clearance with a Top Secret with SCI preferred.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

• Advanced Assembly & Soldering
• Component Level Work: Perform precision through-hole and surface mount (SMT) component soldering.
• Reflow & Repair: Execute hot air or hand solder rework for component replacement or prototype adjustments.
• Cable & Harnessing: Build and inspect high-reliability wire harnesses and cable assemblies, including MIL-Spec connectors and RF cabling.
• Terminations: Execute professional wiring crimping and shield termination on RF cables to prevent signal interference.
• Ruggedization: Contribute to the ruggedization of hardware to withstand impact, vibration, heat, and salt water.
• Field Testing & Validation
• External Testing: Transport sensitive equipment to outdoor environments for real-world validation.
• Test Execution: Follow pre-defined test steps and protocols to verify manufacturing quality and system performance.
• Documentation: Accurately record and document the results of field tests to support engineering iterations.
• Lab Upkeep & Operations
• Lab Organization: Manage daily lab organization and upkeep to ensure a safe, efficient, and professional workspace.
• Inventory Management: Track incoming inventory and source integration pieces to keep lab operations running smoothly.

WHAT YOU HAVE DONE

• Must have prior experience in Aerospace, Defense, Military Avionics, or Satellite/UAV manufacturing.
• Experience in manufacturing small form factor electronics or cable assembly.
• Strong familiarity with military standards (MIL-STD), ruggedization processes, and environmental protection (waterproofing, corrosion resistance).
• Demonstrated ability to build complex wire harnesses and terminate RF connectors.

EVEN BETTER

• Current or prior certification in IPC-J-STD-001 (Soldering) and IPC/WHMA-A-620 (Cable & Wire Harness).
• Experience with a variety of prototyping equipment including 3D printing and Laser cutting.
• Understanding of different materials and coatings for specific applications, such as impact or salt water corrosion.
• Background in high reliability/low volume environments.
• #LI-TC1

We work to help your intellectual passions and creativity thrive. It's one of our core values: Let your geek flag fly.
We also offer all employees comprehensive benefits including: flexible work schedules, health insurance coverage, paid time off, 401k with a company match, paid parental leave, access to wellness programs and much more. You get this all from day one, and all paid for by RII.
It's all part of another of our core values: Stay human. It's why our comfortable and colorful offices such as our headquarters, include a community game room, pantry, massage chair, and an escape room, among other amenities. It's why we have community ambassadors and regular community events.
Research Innovations, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetics, disability status, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal or local law.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.