The Associate Systems Engineer is an entry-level engineering role responsible for developing foundational knowledge and practical experience in computer systems, system integration, production processes, and engineering methodologies. This position supports engineering and production activities involving hardware assembly, system configuration, troubleshooting, validation, testing, documentation, and rack-level integration while developing the technical skills necessary to independently support engineering projects.

Working under the guidance of Systems Engineers and Senior Systems Engineers, the Associate Systems Engineer learns and supports Production 1 project workflows, Talon production processes, First Article activities, and established engineering procedures. The role develops hands-on experience with computer hardware, BIOS and firmware, networking fundamentals, system security, rack integration, and troubleshooting methodologies.

The Associate Systems Engineer follows established work instructions and engineering procedures while developing the technical judgment, problem-solving skills, and product knowledge necessary to progress toward independent project execution as a Systems Engineer.

This position typically requires an Associate degree, technical certification, relevant technical training, or equivalent experience. Work is primarily performed under established procedures with guidance from more experienced engineering team members.

Essential functions

• Technical Development: Develop a working knowledge of computer architectures, system hardware, server components, storage, networking fundamentals, system security, BIOS, firmware, and other technologies used in system integration and production environments.
• Production Engineering Support: Learn and support Production project workflows and engineering processes. Assist Systems Engineers and Senior Systems Engineers with assigned project activities while developing an understanding of project requirements, engineering deliverables, and production readiness.
• Hardware Assembly & Configuration: Perform hardware chassis disassembly, component installation, configuration, and reassembly in accordance with established engineering procedures, manufacturer requirements, and Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) practices.
• System Integration: Support the integration of hardware and software components into complete systems. Assist with system configuration and other integration activities according to established engineering documentation and customer requirements.
• Rack Integration: Assist with rack-level integration activities, including hardware installation, equipment placement, cable routing and cable management. Develop an understanding of rack infrastructure, networking, power, weight distribution, and serviceability considerations.
• BIOS & Firmware Management: Develop knowledge of BIOS and firmware configuration and management. Assist with applying, verifying, and documenting approved BIOS, firmware, and hardware configurations according to project requirements.
• System Validation & Testing: Support engineering teams with system validation and testing activities. Execute established test procedures, document results, identify failures or discrepancies, and escalate issues to the appropriate engineering resource.
• Troubleshooting: Develop and apply structured troubleshooting methodologies to identify and resolve basic hardware, configuration, networking, and system issues. Document findings and work with experienced engineers on issues requiring additional technical analysis.
• Talon Production Workflows: Learn and support Talon production workflows, including project onboarding, staging processes, system requirements, and failure-resolution procedures. Assist with identifying and resolving basic workflow issues and escalate more complex issues as appropriate.
• Engineering Documentation: Support the creation and maintenance of engineering and project documentation, including system configurations, test results, build information, and other required technical records.
• Work Instructions: Follow approved Dozuki work instructions and established engineering and production procedures. Provide feedback when instructions are unclear or when potential documentation improvements are identified.
• First Article Support: Assist Systems Engineers and Senior Systems Engineers with First Article builds, inspections, validation, testing, and associated documentation. Develop an understanding of the First Article process and requirements for transitioning products into production.
• Bills of Material: Develop familiarity with Bills of Material (BOMs) and learn to compare required components against project documentation and physical system configurations. Identify and escalate discrepancies as appropriate.
• Production Support: Provide technical assistance to Production under the guidance of more experienced engineering personnel. Help investigate build issues, clarify established procedures, and support basic troubleshooting activities.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with Engineering, Production, Quality, Warehouse, Automation, and other teams as necessary to support project and production activities.
• Quality & Compliance: Perform assigned work in accordance with established quality standards, safety requirements, ESD procedures, engineering controls, and customer requirements.
• Continuous Learning: Actively develop technical knowledge and engineering skills through hands-on experience, training, mentoring, and independent learning. Build proficiency in the technologies, tools, systems, and processes necessary to progress toward independent engineering project responsibilities.
• Information Security: Comply with all policies and procedures pertaining to the protection of the Company’s information assets, security, and systems and those of its clients.

Competencies

• Basic understanding of computer hardware, computer architecture, and system components.
• Basic understanding of networking concepts and system security fundamentals.
• Knowledge of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) principles and safe handling practices for electronic equipment and components.
• Ability to safely assemble, disassemble, and work with computer hardware and system components.
• Ability to follow documented engineering procedures, technical instructions, and production work instructions.
• Ability to learn BIOS, firmware, system configuration, and hardware management concepts.
• Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with an interest in developing structured troubleshooting methodologies.
• Ability to accurately document work performed, test results, system information, and identified issues.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to learn and apply new technical concepts, tools, and processes.
• Ability to work effectively both independently on assigned tasks and collaboratively as part of an engineering and production team.
• Ability to recognize when an issue requires escalation to a more experienced engineering resource.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and willingness to learn and develop technical skills.

Preferred prior experience

• Associate degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical discipline.
• Technical certification related to computer hardware, networking, information technology, or a related field.
• Previous experience assembling, configuring, repairing, or troubleshooting computer systems.
• Familiarity with server hardware and components.
• Exposure to Linux and/or Windows operating systems.
• Familiarity with networking hardware, cabling, and connectivity.
• Experience working in a manufacturing, production, laboratory, datacenter, or other technical environment.
• Exposure to rack-level hardware installation or integration.
• Familiarity with Dozuki or similar work instruction/documentation systems.
• Exposure to system validation, testing, or First Article activities.

Physical Requirements:

• Regularly required to stand and walk; use hands to manipulate objects, tools, hardware, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to perform hardware installation, removal, assembly, and cable-management activities in production and rack environments.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work environment

Office/Production Floor

Travel required

Potential for minor travel

PM22

Equal Employment Opportunity

CCI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

CCI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process may contact Human Resources for assistance.

Export Control Requirements

This position may involve access to technology, technical data, or other information subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations. Accordingly, employment in this position is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to access such information in compliance with applicable U.S. export control requirements.