R&D Technician (Jr. Manufacturing Engineer)

Key Responsibilities Prototype & Alpha Unit Builds: Hand-assemble early-stage engineering and prototype units for the XFRA system, integrating complex electromechanical assemblies, thermal management systems, and ruggedized outdoor enclosures. Thermal Systems & Fluidics Expertise: Hands-on experience assembling, plumbing, and servicing heat pumps, refrigeration/chiller loops, fluid pumps, solenoid/expansion valves, and liquid coolants.

Qualifications;

• 3+ years of experience as an R&D Technician, Prototype Technician, or Electro-Mechanical Build Technician working in early-stage product development, NPI (New Product Introduction), Capital equipment or HVAC systems experience is helpful
• Thermal Systems & Fluidics Expertise: Hands-on experience assembling, plumbing, and servicing heat pumps, refrigeration/chiller loops, fluid pumps, solenoid/expansion valves, and liquid coolants. Experience with leak detection, system charging, and pressure testing is highly valued.
• Electromechanical & High-Voltage Focus:Strong proficiency in mechanical assembly combined with hands-on electrical capabilities (cable termination, harness routing, connector crimping, and reading schematics). Solid foundation in high-voltage electrical safety protocols (e.g., NFPA 70E, Lockout/Tagout, insulated tool usage).
• Ability to author clear, step-by-step build instructions, redline CAD/drawings, and capture detailed engineering notes during first-article builds.
• Skilled in operating torque tools, hydraulic/pneumatic crimpers, vacuum pumps, coolant recovery/fill equipment, multimeters, and shop hand tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Prototype & Alpha Unit Builds: Hand-assemble early-stage engineering and prototype units for the XFRA system, integrating complex electromechanical assemblies, thermal management systems, and ruggedized outdoor enclosures.
• Thermal & Cooling Infrastructure Integration: Assemble, plumb, and test closed-loop liquid cooling systems, heat pumps, fluid pumps, valves, manifolds, heat exchangers, and associated coolant lines.
• System Wiring & High-Voltage Safety: Perform low-voltage signal wiring, harness routing, and high-voltage AC/DC power distributions. Adhere to and champion strict high-voltage electrical safety standards during builds and functional checkouts.
• Design & Assembly Issue Resolution: Proactively identify mechanical interferences, electrical routing conflicts, thermal fitment issues, and manufacturability bottlenecks. Partner directly with engineering teams to troubleshoot root causes and implement rapid design changes.
• Process Documentation & SOP Creation: Draft, redline, and refine preliminary assembly instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), torque specifications, and test procedures as prototypes evolve into production-ready builds.
• Test Bench & Rig Setup: Assist in setting up experimental test fixtures, leak-testing fluid loops, charging/evacuating thermal loops, and executing initial functional verification before engineering testing.
• Workspace Management & Equipment Care: Maintain an organized, flexible R&D shop floor, managing specialty tools, vacuum/charging equipment, pressure testing rigs, and personal protective equipment (PPE).