Mechanical 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 mechanical technician to build a variety of mechanical 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 mechanical assemblies in 5-10 piece batches on a daily basis. 
• Build small sub-assemblies consisting of motors, gears, bearings, dampers, and machined parts.
• Build large sub-assemblies consisting of extruded aluminum frames and sheet metal assemblies. 
• Build individual sub-assemblies into a variety of different flight simulator final-assemblies.
• Help set up and test sub- and final- assemblies after they are built using electronics equipment.
• Build custom wooden crates and pack finished flight simulators into the crates for shipping. 
• Perform post-processing ops on machined parts like deburring, tapping holes, and painting.
• Assist machinists as needed to fabricate new parts and rework non-conforming parts.
• Inspect new and reworked parts using dimensional inspection drawings and measuring devices. 
• Help perform quality assurance checks and in-process inspections during the assembly process.
• Build and operate assembly jigs, custom tooling, and test fixtures. 
• Build prototype hardware and help engineers set up and run tests to evaluate design concepts. 
• Help Electronics Technicians assemble a variety of electrical components into the final assembly.
• 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 mechanical components into complex sub-assemblies. 
• Proficient at building mechanical systems into machinery using standard assembly techniques. 
• Proficient using standard assembly tools (e.g. Allen wrench, torque wrench, power tools). 
• Proficient at interpreting technical assembly drawings and written assembly instructions. 
• Proficient at inspecting mechanical components according to detailed 2D dimensional drawings. 
• Proficient using standard inspection tools (e.g. caliper, micrometer, thread gauge, depth gauge). 
• 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. 
• Familiar with bent sheet metal parts and assemblies. 
• Familiar with extruded aluminum assemblies. 
• Familiar with 3D printed plastic components. 
• Familiar with custom machined parts. 
• Familiar working with motion control systems using motors, actuators, and geartrains.
• Familiar working with basic electronics (e.g. PCBs, wiring, power supplies, switches). 
• 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 mechanical 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.