Electronics Test and PCB Technician

nLIGHT • Longmont, CO

10d • $35 - $45 • Onsite

About The Position

nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is seeking an experienced Electronics Test & Intake Technician to manage testing, troubleshooting, and intake of printed circuit boards in its electrical engineering PCB lab. The role focuses on the PCB lifecycle, from intake and inspection through testing and functional validation, with a mix of high-voltage/high-power boards and low-power digital/analog PCBs. The technician will run automated tests, isolate failures using conventional lab instruments, and perform board modifications to support hardware development.

The position is onsite in Longmont, Colorado. Applicants must possess or be qualified to obtain a U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance; preference is given to candidates who already have an active clearance. The stated compensation is $35–$45 per hour, depending on experience.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of hands-on electronics experience focused on testing, troubleshooting, or assembling printed circuit assemblies.
• Associate degree in Electronics Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering Technology, or a closely related technical field, or a technical equivalent as stated in the posting introduction.
• High degree of manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to handle sensitive electronic components, manipulate test probes, and operate delicate rework tools safely.
• Proven experience safely handling, testing, and initially troubleshooting printed circuit board assemblies.
• Excellent visual acuity and ability to work under a lab microscope for extended periods for fine-pitch inspection, precision soldering, and micro-rework on dense SMT components.
• Active or recent J-STD-001 or IPC-610-A certification is required.
• Expertise in fine-pitch soldering and precision rework on SMT and PTH components on complex multilayer boards to IPC Class 3 workmanship.
• Ability to navigate CAD software to locate parts, inspect layers, and reference schematics.
• Experience executing Python scripts for hardware validation and using GitLab or similar Git-based tools for issue tracking and documentation.
• Must possess or be qualified to obtain a U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

• High-voltage experience.
• Existing U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance; preference is given to candidates with one.
• Familiarity with Altium Designer, SolidWorks, and Visio.

Responsibilities

• Perform incoming inspection, serialization, and intake validation for custom and prototype PCBs; log hardware revisions and failure tracking in GitLab.
• Execute test procedures on low-power digital/analog and high-voltage/high-power circuit boards using custom Python testing scripts and conventional lab instrumentation.
• Analyze simple electronic circuits to isolate component-level or trace failures, using Altium Designer and Visio documentation to cross-reference schematics and layout designs during debugging.
• Perform in-house board modifications, component replacements, and trace repairs on Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Plated Through-Hole (PTH) components.
• Set up and safely operate electronics lab tools, including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, function generators, electronic loads, and high-voltage power supplies.
• Optimize PCB-specific testing stations and collaborate with engineers using SolidWorks models to ensure proper fitment of mechanical support hardware and test fixtures.

Benefits

• 4 weeks of paid time off per year.
• 11 paid holidays.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Tuition Assistance Program.
• Health, vision, and dental care paid by the employer at 100% for employees and 75% for dependents.
• Paid family leave.
• Short- and long-term disability paid by the employer at 100%.
• 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree