NPI Laboratory Technician in Hayward, California at Therm-x of California

We are seeking a skilled NPI Laboratory Technician to join our Engineering team. This role is focused on new product introduction (NPI) prototype workflows, RF and electrical testing, and electro-mechanical assembly within a dedicated laboratory environment. Reporting directly to the Engineering Manager, the successful candidate will support product development and validation activities, ensuring all assemblies meet customer and industry specifications. The role requires strong technical laboratory skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently within an ISO 9001 semiconductor manufacturing environment.

Essential responsibilities and duties;

• Read and execute work orders — including schematics, wiring diagrams, parts lists, and assembly instructions — to build, repair, and/or test electrical, electro-mechanical, vacuum, and pneumatic assemblies, subassemblies, and components.
• Perform electro-mechanical assembly operations; troubleshoot and repair units as required.
• Manage the NPI prototype area to meet customer requirements for electrical, thermal, and mechanical performance; receive and audit incoming parts, inspect for defects, and drive continuous process improvements.
• Set up, operate, and maintain RF test equipment including vector network analyzers (VNA), spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, and impedance analyzers to characterize RF assemblies and components.
• Perform RF measurements including S-parameters (S11, S21, etc.), insertion loss, return loss, VSWR, impedance matching, gain/phase response, and frequency response across specified test frequencies.
• Use electronic measurement equipment — including DMMs, oscilloscopes, waveform generators, LCR meters, and lock-in amplifiers — and test fixtures, leak detectors, and vacuum pumps to verify electrical performance and test assemblies; maintain calibration records for all equipment.
• Interpret RF test data, generate test reports, and disposition units as pass/fail against acceptance criteria; escalate anomalies to engineering.
• Support development and maintenance of RF test fixtures, jigs, and automated test setups; apply RF shielding, grounding, and cable management best practices to ensure measurement integrity.
• Operate and troubleshoot laboratory equipment including 3D printers, plastic engraving/cutting lasers, and precision measurement tools (calipers, scales, gauges).
• Collaborate closely with engineers on new product development and validation; support technology transfer activities including training laboratory staff on procedures and test methods.
• Maintain laboratory organization, inventory, and equipment calibration schedules; complete all required documentation including test results, nonconformance reports, and progress records in compliance with ISO 9001 requirements.
• Interpret and apply mechanical and electrical circuit drawings, RF schematic layouts, and assembly specifications; perform software installs and equipment firmware updates as needed.

Desired Skills;

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strategic agility with strong critical and logical thinking; ability to analyze complex problems and perform functions with minimal guidance.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and adapt in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Hands-on capability in a lab and prototype assembly setting.
• Experience coordinating and collaborating across teams to meet organizational goals.
• Experience working within an ISO 9001 quality environment.
• Ability to understand tolerances and compliance requirements within the semiconductor industry.
• Experience with precision measurement tools such as calipers and scales.
• Proficiency with electrical test equipment: DMM, oscilloscope, waveform generator, and related instruments.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience as a manufacturing technician, laboratory technician, or laboratory assistant in a semiconductor, electronics, or related technical manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience with RF test equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, power meter) and RF measurement techniques.
• Proficiency with standard electronic test instruments: DMM, oscilloscope, and waveform generator.
• Experience working within an ISO 9001 quality environment.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.