Zepher Flight Labs
Senior Electronics Technician
Location: Bingen, WA Full Time, On-site Core Schedule: MondayFriday | 8:30 AM
5:00 PM (40 hours/week) About Zepher Flight Laboratories, Inc. (ZFL): We are an engineering and manufacturing company focused on the development of uncrewed and autonomous aerial vehicles (UAVs). ZFL's mission is to enable the widespread use of drones by creating products that can scale in both manufacturing and operations. Zepher Flight Laboratories, Inc. (ZFL) is developing the "Z1", a 55 pound, 14-foot span VTOL drone that is powered by hydrogen fuel cells. ZFL received a government contract in 2020 to create the Z1 prototype, and a second contract in 2022 to productize and deliver test articles to the U.S. Military. ZFL relies upon engineers, technicians, and operators who are able and willing to make this next phase of the program a success. ZFL employees must have a good combination of skill, industry knowledge, curiosity, and drive to solve problems effectively and quickly. Summary Of Position:
The Senior Electronics Technician is a highly skilled technician who performs advanced hands-on work in support of the development, assembly, and testing of electronic systems for a hydrogen-powered UAS. This role includes work with printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), SMD component rework, fine-pitch soldering, wire harness fabrication, and product testing. Deep expertise in electronic components and circuit functionality is essential, along with the ability to read and interpret schematics and other technical documentation. The role also requires strong documentation and organizational skills, along with a consistently high level of attention to detail. The Senior Electronics Technician reports to the Chief Engineer and supports electrical diagnostics, while also providing technical guidance and training to other technicians during development and build activities. Essential Duties And Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Chief Engineer, the Senior Electronics Technician shall: PCBA Assembly and Rework: Assemble, test, and rework PCB assemblies according to IPC standards. Perform precision soldering under a microscope, including 0402 components and fine-pitch packages such as DFN and QFN. Remove and replace surface-mount components using hot air and other appropriate tools. Perform non-standard board modifications such as cutting traces, deadbugging components, and fine-pitch wiring in tight spaces. Cable and Harness Fabrication: Build custom cable assemblies and wire harnesses based on drawings and specifications. Crimp and terminate connectors, verify pinouts, and ensure assemblies meet quality standards. Testing and Troubleshooting: Perform functional and continuity testing of assembled electronics. Use oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, variable loads and other bench test equipment to validate designs and identify faults. Support root-cause analysis and assist engineers in troubleshooting electrical issues. Documentation and Process Control: Create and update work instructions, assembly procedures, and rework logs. Maintain accurate records of builds, test results, and repair actions. Ensure compliance with ESD handling protocols and workplace safety requirements. Production Support: Collaborate with engineers and other technicians to support prototype builds and small production runs. Organize and maintain component inventories, tools, and lab workstations. Provide input on manufacturability and assembly process improvements. Technical Guidance: Provide mentorship to other technicians, offering problem-solving support and technical expertise. Develop and deliver training for new technicians. Communicate Effectively: Foster effective communication with customers, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure project success. Continuous Improvement: Enhance production processes to increase efficiency and quality. Work with cross-functional teams to resolve quality and technical issues. Ensure Compliance and Safety: Uphold industry standards, regulations, and safety guidelines in all activities. Other duties as assigned Job Qualifications:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent Experience: 7+ years proven experience as an electronics technician or similar role Technical Skills: Advanced expertise in electronic components and circuit functionality. Proficient in soldering SMD components down to 0402, DFN, and QFN packages. Skilled in using hot air rework stations, soldering irons, and microscopes. Familiarity with cable harnessing practices and connector systems. Experience with test and measurement tools such as DMMs, oscilloscopes, bench power supplies, etc. Strong ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and PCB layouts Working knowledge of ESD best practices and safety protocols Organizational Skills: Excellent ability to structure and prioritize tasks, maintain orderly workspaces and component inventories, and manage documentation effectivelyenabling efficient workflows and consistent adherence to procedures and schedules Attention to Detail: Excellent ability to be meticulous and thorough in completing work tasks, ensuring high-quality results and adherence to specifications and standards Problem-Solving: Superior analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated passion for excellence, innovation, and finding solutions to problems as they arise Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills Interpersonal Skills: Advanced interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively and maintain credibility in customer, supplier, and co-worker interactions Initiative: Proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues to drive projects to successful completion in a team environment Adaptability: Ability to quickly understand and apply new concepts in evolving environments while adjusting work approaches to address complex problems Time Management: Efficiently manages time to meet production schedules and adapt to changing priorities. Work Independence: Able to follow detailed procedures and work independently in a fast-paced production environment, maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and accuracy with minimal supervision. Software Proficiency: Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Basic computer skills for inventory management, using manufacturing software, or entering production data Physical Demands: Ability to perform physical activities such as standing, walking, lifting, pushing, or carrying heavy objects, sitting for long periods, and performing computer and desk work Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in aerospace, defense, or uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) Familiarity with Altium Experience with environmental testing is a plus Knowledge of basic microcontrollers or embedded systems is a plus Knowledge of circuit design is a plus Familiar with or certified in IPC for PCB and cable assemblies Come Join Our Team:
Compensation & Benefits: We're proud to offer a competitive total rewards package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP), long-term and short-term disability, and life insurance. Pay is based on experience. This position is located in Bingen, WA, and does not include relocation assistance.
Location: Bingen, WA Full Time, On-site Core Schedule: MondayFriday | 8:30 AM
5:00 PM (40 hours/week) About Zepher Flight Laboratories, Inc. (ZFL): We are an engineering and manufacturing company focused on the development of uncrewed and autonomous aerial vehicles (UAVs). ZFL's mission is to enable the widespread use of drones by creating products that can scale in both manufacturing and operations. Zepher Flight Laboratories, Inc. (ZFL) is developing the "Z1", a 55 pound, 14-foot span VTOL drone that is powered by hydrogen fuel cells. ZFL received a government contract in 2020 to create the Z1 prototype, and a second contract in 2022 to productize and deliver test articles to the U.S. Military. ZFL relies upon engineers, technicians, and operators who are able and willing to make this next phase of the program a success. ZFL employees must have a good combination of skill, industry knowledge, curiosity, and drive to solve problems effectively and quickly. Summary Of Position:
The Senior Electronics Technician is a highly skilled technician who performs advanced hands-on work in support of the development, assembly, and testing of electronic systems for a hydrogen-powered UAS. This role includes work with printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), SMD component rework, fine-pitch soldering, wire harness fabrication, and product testing. Deep expertise in electronic components and circuit functionality is essential, along with the ability to read and interpret schematics and other technical documentation. The role also requires strong documentation and organizational skills, along with a consistently high level of attention to detail. The Senior Electronics Technician reports to the Chief Engineer and supports electrical diagnostics, while also providing technical guidance and training to other technicians during development and build activities. Essential Duties And Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Chief Engineer, the Senior Electronics Technician shall: PCBA Assembly and Rework: Assemble, test, and rework PCB assemblies according to IPC standards. Perform precision soldering under a microscope, including 0402 components and fine-pitch packages such as DFN and QFN. Remove and replace surface-mount components using hot air and other appropriate tools. Perform non-standard board modifications such as cutting traces, deadbugging components, and fine-pitch wiring in tight spaces. Cable and Harness Fabrication: Build custom cable assemblies and wire harnesses based on drawings and specifications. Crimp and terminate connectors, verify pinouts, and ensure assemblies meet quality standards. Testing and Troubleshooting: Perform functional and continuity testing of assembled electronics. Use oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, variable loads and other bench test equipment to validate designs and identify faults. Support root-cause analysis and assist engineers in troubleshooting electrical issues. Documentation and Process Control: Create and update work instructions, assembly procedures, and rework logs. Maintain accurate records of builds, test results, and repair actions. Ensure compliance with ESD handling protocols and workplace safety requirements. Production Support: Collaborate with engineers and other technicians to support prototype builds and small production runs. Organize and maintain component inventories, tools, and lab workstations. Provide input on manufacturability and assembly process improvements. Technical Guidance: Provide mentorship to other technicians, offering problem-solving support and technical expertise. Develop and deliver training for new technicians. Communicate Effectively: Foster effective communication with customers, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure project success. Continuous Improvement: Enhance production processes to increase efficiency and quality. Work with cross-functional teams to resolve quality and technical issues. Ensure Compliance and Safety: Uphold industry standards, regulations, and safety guidelines in all activities. Other duties as assigned Job Qualifications:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent Experience: 7+ years proven experience as an electronics technician or similar role Technical Skills: Advanced expertise in electronic components and circuit functionality. Proficient in soldering SMD components down to 0402, DFN, and QFN packages. Skilled in using hot air rework stations, soldering irons, and microscopes. Familiarity with cable harnessing practices and connector systems. Experience with test and measurement tools such as DMMs, oscilloscopes, bench power supplies, etc. Strong ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and PCB layouts Working knowledge of ESD best practices and safety protocols Organizational Skills: Excellent ability to structure and prioritize tasks, maintain orderly workspaces and component inventories, and manage documentation effectivelyenabling efficient workflows and consistent adherence to procedures and schedules Attention to Detail: Excellent ability to be meticulous and thorough in completing work tasks, ensuring high-quality results and adherence to specifications and standards Problem-Solving: Superior analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated passion for excellence, innovation, and finding solutions to problems as they arise Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills Interpersonal Skills: Advanced interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively and maintain credibility in customer, supplier, and co-worker interactions Initiative: Proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues to drive projects to successful completion in a team environment Adaptability: Ability to quickly understand and apply new concepts in evolving environments while adjusting work approaches to address complex problems Time Management: Efficiently manages time to meet production schedules and adapt to changing priorities. Work Independence: Able to follow detailed procedures and work independently in a fast-paced production environment, maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and accuracy with minimal supervision. Software Proficiency: Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Basic computer skills for inventory management, using manufacturing software, or entering production data Physical Demands: Ability to perform physical activities such as standing, walking, lifting, pushing, or carrying heavy objects, sitting for long periods, and performing computer and desk work Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in aerospace, defense, or uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) Familiarity with Altium Experience with environmental testing is a plus Knowledge of basic microcontrollers or embedded systems is a plus Knowledge of circuit design is a plus Familiar with or certified in IPC for PCB and cable assemblies Come Join Our Team:
Compensation & Benefits: We're proud to offer a competitive total rewards package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP), long-term and short-term disability, and life insurance. Pay is based on experience. This position is located in Bingen, WA, and does not include relocation assistance.