Electronics Technician

Company Description: Specular Theory is an award-winning immersive content and technology startup based in Venice Beach, CA. We create a wide variety of VR experiences ranging in entertainment, education, enterprise, and gaming. Our company creatively drives all productions from beginning to end with a unique company culture of experimenting, breaking new ground, and winning awards. You will be working with our Aerospace VR training division to develop next-gen software and hardware that adds functionality to custom flight controls. You will combine state of the art virtual and mixed reality environments with motion control systems to replicate real flight.

Job Description Summary: Specular Theory has several new products in development, so we are expanding our hardware team that designs, manufactures, and assembles flight simulators. We are looking for a skilled electronics technician to build a variety of electrical sub-assemblies and to help build and test complete simulator assemblies. You will be involved in the entire product development lifecycle from initial concept design through full-rate production.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Hand-build intricate electronics assemblies in 5-10 piece batches on a daily basis. 
• Solder individual components onto custom PCB assemblies, microcontrollers, and Arduinos. 
• Crimp individual pins and sockets onto wires and insert them into electrical connectors.
• Wire-up motion control systems consisting of motors, actuators, encoders, and limit switches. 
• Build electrical sub-assemblies consisting of circuit boards, buttons, switches, and connectors. 
• Assemble a wide variety of custom and COTS electronic components into flight simulators.
• Assemble wire harnesses and route wires and cables through framework using tie-downs.
• Flash firmware to the PCBs to synch the hardware motion control to the custom software. 
• Help set up and test sub- and final- assemblies after they are built using electronics equipment.
• Visually inspect PCBs and other electronic components that are provided by vendors. 
• Help set up VR and computer equipment and install GPU and CPU cards in computers. 
• Help perform quality assurance checks and in-process inspections during the assembly process.
• Help Mechanical Technicians build a variety of different mechanical assemblies.
• Help Mechanical Technicians build wooden crates and pack simulators for shipping. 
• Participate in reviews to help engineers design for manufacturability and ease of assembly. 
• Collaborate with technical writers to optimize the assembly instructions and documentation.
• Work with procurement to order new tools, equipment, and supplies for the production area. 
• Help keep the production and assembly areas clean, organized, and running efficiently.
• Help disassemble hardware and perform root cause investigations on any failures.

Required Qualifications

• Proficient at assembling a wide variety of electrical components into complex sub-assemblies. 
• Proficient at building electrical systems into machinery using standard assembly techniques. 
• Proficient at interpreting schematics and assembling individual board components to PCBs. 
• Proficient at soldering and crimping electronic components. 
• Proficient at wire routing, building cable harnesses, and cable management.
• Proficient using standard electrician tools (e.g. multimeter, wire stripper, oscilloscope). 
• Proficient using standard assembly tools (e.g. Allen wrench, torque wrench, power tools). 
• Proficient at interpreting technical assembly drawings and written assembly instructions. 
• Being able to work independently and collaborate in cross-functional teams.
• Being comfortable in a start-up environment involving multiple projects and shifting priorities.
• Being flexible and willing to occasionally work on tasks outside this basic job description. 
• Being detail-oriented with strong oral and written communication skills. 

Preferred Skills

• Experience working in a medium-volume production environment.
• Experience with lean manufacturing and Six Sigma best-practices. 
• Experience with flashing firmware to electronics. 
• Experience building mechanical assemblies using standard assembly techniques. 
• Familiar with computers and installing and configuring software.
• Familiar with VR headsets and VR equipment.
• Familiar working with motion control systems using motors, actuators, and geartrains.
• Familiar with setting up test fixtures, running tests, and documenting test results.
• Basic understanding of machine design and how mechanical components interact. 

Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree or a technical background in Engineering Technology or a related field. 
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in assembling electronics equipment.
• To conform to US Government export regulations, the applicant must be a US citizen or a national, US lawful, permanent resident.

Featured Benefits: 

• Medical, dental, and vision healthcare insurance 
• 401(k) program with a company match 
• Paid time off and sick days 
• Paid holidays 
• Competitive wages 

Specular Theory is an equal opportunity employer. The organization considers applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.