Destructive Physical Analysis (DPA) Technician

PGS Worldwide•El Segundo, CA

11d•$38•Onsite

About The Position

PGS Worldwide is seeking a Destructive Physical Analysis (DPA) Technician in El Segundo, California for an approximately six-month onsite contract-to-hire role supporting a leading aerospace & defense company. This position will support laboratory evaluation of electrical and mechanical components and printed wiring boards to determine compliance with military, space, and industry requirements. The technician will perform detailed inspection, measurement, sample preparation, equipment troubleshooting, and technical documentation in a hands-on analytical laboratory environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or technical trade school education with 2+ years of relevant experience.
Hands-on experience working in an analytical laboratory environment.
Experience using hand tools and basic power tools.
Familiarity with soldering and laboratory instrumentation.
Experience using microscopy equipment.
Ability to perform dimensional measurements using calipers, rulers, optical measurement equipment, or similar tools.
Experience troubleshooting laboratory machinery or equipment.
Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, maintenance instructions, and technical procedures.
Strong attention to detail.
Strong mechanical aptitude.
Ability to perform detailed work requiring close vision.
Ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment.
Willingness and ability to learn new laboratory tools, techniques, and procedures.
U.S. citizenship required.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline.
Experience with destructive physical analysis techniques.
Experience with micro-sectioning or chemical deprocessing.
Familiarity with military standards and component performance specifications.
Experience interpreting engineering drawings or schematic diagrams.
Basic chemistry knowledge.
Experience using digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, or other electrical test equipment.
Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as plating, printed wiring board assembly, integrated circuit assembly, or hybrid assembly.
CAD experience.
Experience creating custom fixtures for 3D printing.
Experience generating technical reports using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop, or Adobe Acrobat.
Ability to perform basic statistical calculations and interpret graphical data.

Responsibilities

Perform destructive physical analysis of electrical and mechanical components.
Inspect and evaluate printed wiring boards and related hardware.
Determine whether components meet applicable military, space, industry, and program requirements.
Use microscopes and precision measurement equipment to inspect components and samples.
Perform dimensional measurements and document results.
Use hand tools, soldering equipment, and basic laboratory equipment.
Support sample preparation activities such as micro-sectioning or chemical deprocessing when required.
Troubleshoot laboratory equipment and machinery.
Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical procedures.
Record observations and prepare technical reports and correspondence.
Support evaluation of manufacturing defects and component-quality concerns.
Maintain safe laboratory practices while handling tools, materials, and chemicals.