About the Company
We are a renewable energy and ocean technology company committed to rapidly developing and deploying technologies that will ensure a sustainable future for Earth by unlocking the vast energy potential of its oceans. Our focus is on capturing civilizational levels of ultra-low-cost renewable energy for applications including computing and affordable renewable fuels delivered to shore.
The company is a public benefit corporation headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and backed by leading venture capitalists, philanthropic investors, university endowments, and private investment offices. We operate as an idea meritocracy in which the best ideas change the company’s direction on a regular basis.
Our staff have worked at organizations such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Boeing, Tesla, Apple, Virgin Orbit, Astra, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, New Relic, Bridgewater, Raytheon, Disney Imagineering, and the US Army and Air Force, as well as research universities, startups, and small companies across a range of industries.
About the Job
Our core technology is the node, a device that produces energy in the ocean’s harshest conditions for years at a time without human maintenance or intervention.
As an Electronics Engineering Technician, you will build, rework, test, troubleshoot, and maintain the electrical hardware that goes into our nodes and test systems. The work ranges from circuit card assembly and rework to cable harnesses, sensors, microcontrollers, power systems, and depth-rated enclosures.
This is a hands-on role for someone who is comfortable building and reworking electronics, integrating systems, conducting tests, documenting results, and maintaining a well-organized electronics workspace. Good work in this role means building hardware carefully, identifying problems early, documenting what you learn, and helping engineers get reliable systems into the field.
Responsibilities
- Build, rework, test, calibrate, and troubleshoot analog and digital electronics, including through-hole and surface-mount circuit card assemblies.
- Assemble depth-rated enclosures, bulkhead panel wiring, cable harnesses, sensors, microcontrollers, and power systems into integrated power and data networks.
- Perform high-skill soldering, component replacement, board bring-up, and low-volume circuit board assembly and rework.
- Test and inspect externally built PCBs and sensor systems before they enter inventory, identifying and documenting defects or performance issues.
- Support electrical and software engineers with hardware integration, initial flashing, provisioning, and troubleshooting of microcontroller and IoT systems.
- Assist with maintaining the organization and day-to-day readiness of electronics work areas, including component storage, labeling, inventory organization, tooling, and supplies.
- Prepare and kit electronic hardware, tools, and spare components for off-site operations in remote locations.
- Create and maintain clear records, work instructions, test results, and inventory information using databases, spreadsheets, and other documentation tools.
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of hands-on experience building, modifying, testing, and troubleshooting printed circuit board assemblies using through-hole and surface-mount components.
- 3+ years of experience working as an engineering technician or in an equivalent hands-on electronics role.
- Experience working safely with high-voltage electronics.
- Experience fabricating and repairing cable assemblies.
- Experience with environmental qualification and testing of electronic hardware.
- Strong working knowledge of electronics fabrication and test equipment, including soldering irons, hot-air rework stations, reflow equipment, optical microscopes, digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, adjustable power supplies, and common hand tools.
- Knowledge of electrostatic discharge (ESD) controls and the ability to follow detailed work instructions with precision.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to communicate clearly and work effectively with engineers, technicians, and other team members.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience assembling or servicing electronics intended for marine, outdoor, industrial, aerospace, or other harsh environments.
- Experience with board bring-up, fault isolation, and systematic troubleshooting of mixed analog and digital systems.
- Experience integrating sensors, embedded controllers, power electronics, or data-acquisition hardware into larger electromechanical systems.
- Experience creating or improving electronics work instructions, test procedures, component storage systems, or inventory processes.
- Comfort working in a rapid-prototyping environment where hardware changes frequently and careful documentation matters.
The qualifications above are desired, not required. We encourage you to apply if you are a strong candidate with only some of the desired skills and experience listed.
Additional Requirements
- Must be authorized to work in the United States.
- Must be able to remain on your feet for up to eight hours per day and occasionally lift objects weighing 50 pounds or more.
- Must be comfortable occasionally working in elevated areas, including on ladders and platforms, while using appropriate safety equipment.
- Must follow site safety policies, procedures, and ESD requirements.
Compensation and Benefits
If hired for this full-time role, you will receive:
- Cash compensation of $35–$42 per hour.
- Equity in the company. We’re all owners, and if we’re successful, this equity should be by far the most valuable component of your compensation.
- A benefits package that helps you take care of yourself and your family, including:
- Flexible paid time off.
- Health insurance. The company pays 100% of the premium for a Gold-level PPO plan for full-time employees, their partners, and dependents.
- Dental insurance. The company pays 100% of the premium for full-time employees, their partners, and dependents.
- Vision insurance. The company pays 100% of the premium for full-time employees, their partners, and dependents.
- Disability insurance. The company pays 100% of the premium for a policy that provides long-term financial support if you become disabled.
- The ability to contribute to tax-advantaged accounts, including a 401(k), health FSA, and dependent care FSA.
- Relocation assistance to support your move to Portland, if needed.
Location
This is an on-site position. Our offices, lab, and shop are located in Portland, Oregon.
