Manufacturing Engineering Technician

About Circuit Assembly: Circuit Assembly is a trusted electronics manufacturer based in Irvine, California, with over 50 years of innovation, quality, and steady growth. We build custom connectors, cable assemblies, wire harnesses, and box builds for clients in the aerospace, defense, military, industrial, electronics and medical industries specializing in unique, application-specific interconnect solutions that meet each customer's exact needs. Operating under AS9100 and ITAR, we pair rigorous quality standards with practical innovation, working directly with our customers to improve products and fill gaps in the market. As demand accelerates, we're growing our team and looking for people who want to build something reliable, precise, and built to last. Purpose: The Manufacturing Engineering Technician is a hands-on technical role supporting Circuit Assemblys custom cable assembly, wire harness, and box build manufacturing operations. Working directly with the Production Manager and production team, the technician designs and builds test fixtures, supports first article development on new products, creates work instructions for production operators, and assists with labor time estimation for new jobs. This position serves as a key technical resource bridging engineering, production, and quality assurance, helping ensure that products are built and tested correctly the first time and in compliance with AS9100 and ITAR requirements. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: - Design, build, and validate continuity and Hi-pot test fixtures for new cable assembly and wire harness products. - Support first article development; read customer drawings, determine manufacturing methods, and build the first units of new products. - Create detailed, clear work instructions so production operators can build products accurately and efficiently. - Assist with labor time estimation for new jobs to support cost quoting. - Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for test processes and production workflows. - Set up, adjust, and troubleshoot production machinery and cable assembly equipment, including cutting machines, continuity testers, Hi-pot testers, and crimpers. - Perform root cause analysis when production or test issues arise and implement corrective actions. - Collaborate across engineering, production, and quality teams on process improvements and new product introductions. - Work in compliance with AS9100 and ITAR requirements. - IMPORTANT: Due to our ITAR requirements and sensitive nature of the work we perform, this position is only open to US Persons Education, Training and/or Work Experience Requirements: Required: - 3-5 years of experience in cable assembly, wire harness, or electronics manufacturing. - Hands-on experience with continuity testers, Hi-pot testers, multimeters, and related test equipment. - Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and customer specifications. - Experience building first articles or prototypes and translating drawings into production work instructions. - Familiarity with IPC-A-610 and IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards. - Comfortable using ERP systems, Microsoft Office, and digital documentation tools. - Strong communication skills, with the ability to write clear instructions and work effectively across teams. Preferred: - Experience designing or building test fixtures. - Familiarity with AS9100 quality management systems. - Experience with labor time estimation or cost analysis in a manufacturing setting. - Associate degree in electronics, manufacturing technology, or a related field. Physical Requirements: - Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards. - Knowledge and Proper use of PPE/personal safety equipment for production-related activities. - Must be able to lift and carry up to 45 lbs. - Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly.