Bench Tech (Military / Veteran Friendly)
Sponsorship Notice: ATR International, Inc. cannot sponsor work visas (H-1B, F-1 STEM OPT with I-983, or similar). Candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization.
- Duration: 6+ Months (With strong potential for extension or performance-based renewal)
- Pay Rate: $25.96/hr (1st Shift: 5am–2:30pm) or $27.26/hr (2nd Shift: 3pm–12:30am)(Hours over 40 will be paid at Time and a Half.)
Role Summary
Under general supervision, this position performs precision electronic, mechanical, and electromechanical assemblies. This includes bench soldering, component population, mechanical chassis wiring, heavy crimping, and cable harnessing. You will be responsible for following strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) and engineering schematics to install components using precision hand tools and/or magnifying equipment, ensuring all units flawlessly pass mandatory defense-grade inspection procedures. We highly value military veterans, aerospace technicians, and automotive technicians with strong mechanical wiring and troubleshooting fundamentals.
Key Responsibilities
- Precision Assembly & Wiring: Build, prep, route, and populate printed circuit boards (PCBs), chassis assemblies, cables, and complex harnesses using advanced hand tools and soldering irons.
- Crimping & Harnessing: Utilize manual and pneumatic crimpers, wire strippers, and torque tools to build high-reliability wire lists and cable configurations.
- Bench Operations: Utilize standard hand tools, magnifying lamps, or microscopes to perform surface-mount, through-hole, or mechanical adjustments.
- Rework & Quality Control: Perform component-level desoldering, rework, and modification on delicate circuit boards or wiring contact points while monitoring quality standards.
- Technical Compliance: Follow blueprint requirements to ensure all solder joints, mechanical fasteners, and wire routings strictly hold tolerances to aerospace and defense specifications.
- Safety & Compliance: Maintain a pristine, ESD-safe workspace and strictly adhere to all aerospace, defense, and lockout/tagout (LOTO) protocols.
Qualifications
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen. (Required for immediate defense facility and military site access).
- Experience: High school diploma (or equivalent) and 3+ years of dedicated electronics manufacturing, aerospace maintenance, automotive electrical, or military mechanical/electrical experience.
- Technical Skills: Proven ability to read complex engineering blueprints, schematics, and wire run lists while demonstrating expert proficiency with hand tools, crimpers, wire strippers, and soldering irons. (Formal IPC-A-610 or J-STD certs are a plus, but not required if equivalent hands-on military or mechanical expertise is proven).
- Visual Ability: Exceptional manual dexterity and sharp visual perception, including the specific ability to perform fine-detail bench work and accurately distinguish color-coded wiring.
- Clearance: Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) Security Clearance.
- Flexibility: Capable of passing a hands-on practical wiring/soldering bench assessment, and flexible to work extended hours/overtime when required.
Benefits:
- Insurance: Offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision packages, plus voluntary life and supplemental income insurance for full-time employees (averaging 30+ hours/week).
- Retirement: Includes a 401(k) retirement savings plan featuring a company match (eligible after 1 year of employment).
- Perks & Time Off: Provides commuter benefits, employee discount programs, referral rewards, and accrued sick leave in accordance with state and local laws.
IND2
Pay: $25.96 - $27.26 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Compensation & Shift Agreement: Pay is strictly $25.96/hr (1st Shift: 5am–2:30pm) or $27.26/hr (2nd Shift: 3pm–12:30am). Are you comfortable with these rates, and which shift do you prefer?
- Please provide 2–3 time slots (day/time) this week when you are available for a brief 10-minute introductory call.
- If selected, what is the earliest date you could start this position?
- Have you worked at General Atomics before?
- Do you have experience reading blueprints or schematics to build wire harnesses, cables, or circuit boards? If yes, please briefly list the tools you've used (e.g., soldering irons, crimpers, meters).
- Do you hold, or have you previously held, an active IPC-A-610, IPC-A-620, or J-STD-001 certification? Kindly list those that are applicable.
- Are you a U.S. Citizen? (Federal law/ITAR requires U.S. citizenship for this defense contract to access the facility and obtain a DoD Security Clearance.)
- Have you interviewed to General Atomics before?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Soldering: 3 years (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Poway, CA 92064 (Required)
Work Location: In person
