Production Test Technician III
Location
Clearwater, FL
Department
Manufacturing
Reports To
Manufacturing Test Manager
Position Summary
The Production Test Technician III is a senior-level technical contributor responsible for testing, troubleshooting, aligning, and validating complex RF and microwave systems supporting production operations. This role is instrumental in ensuring production schedules are met by providing advanced technical expertise, mentoring technicians, identifying process improvements, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate possesses extensive RF test experience, exceptional troubleshooting skills, and a commitment to quality and operational excellence.
Essential Responsibilities
- Perform production testing, troubleshooting, tuning, and alignment of RF, analog, and digital circuits.
- Utilize advanced knowledge of RF test and alignment techniques to prepare products for weekly and monthly customer shipments.
- Provide technical expertise to help production teams meet weekly and monthly shipment goals.
- Participate in production status meetings and communicate testing issues impacting schedules, quality, or throughput.
- Recommend corrective actions to the Manufacturing Test Manager regarding testing processes, equipment, documentation, and production concerns.
- Brief the Manufacturing Test Manager and Manufacturing Engineering on issues affecting production performance, training, tooling, calibration, and documentation.
- Support onboarding and technical training of new and temporary production technicians.
- Ensure all integration and test activities comply with released engineering documentation and manufacturing procedures.
- Monitor production metrics and recommend improvements to increase throughput while reducing costs using Lean Manufacturing principles.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Assurance, and Production leadership to improve manufacturing efficiency.
- Perform scheduled preventive maintenance, calibration verification, and adjustments on production test equipment.
- Operate and maintain RF test equipment including:
- Vector Network Analyzers (VNA)
- Spectrum Analyzers
- Signal Generators
- RF Power Meters
- Function Generators
- Digital Multimeters (DMM)
- Assist with complex troubleshooting and resolution of production test failures.
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior technicians.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Work outdoors when required.
Required Qualifications
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance.
- Associate degree in Electronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, or military equivalent preferred.
- Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience testing and integrating complex RF, microwave, and digital hardware.
- Strong knowledge of:
- X-Band
- Ku-Band
- Ka-Band transceivers
- Experience performing manual/tab tuning of RF circuits.
- Advanced troubleshooting skills involving RF, analog, and digital electronics.
- Proficiency using:
- Digital Multimeters (DMM)
- Signal Generators
- Vector Network Analyzers (VNA)
- Spectrum Analyzers
- RF Power Meters
- Other RF laboratory test equipment
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
- Willingness to travel domestically as required.
- Ability to work overtime based on business needs.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
- Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience supporting military, aerospace, defense, satellite communications, or other high-reliability electronics manufacturing environments.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Experience mentoring and training production technicians.
- Familiarity with manufacturing metrics and production throughput analysis.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Expert RF troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and test procedures.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced production environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to mentor and collaborate across departments.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Physical Requirements
- Frequently lift and move equipment weighing up to 35 pounds.
- Stand, bend, reach, and work at production workstations for extended periods.
- Occasional work outdoors.
- Ability to safely operate electronic test equipment in a manufacturing environment.
Work Authorization & Security
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Ability to successfully obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance.
- Must comply with all company policies, procedures, and security requirements.
Pay: $30.00 - $39.65 per hour
Work Location: In person
