Electro-Mechanical Integration Technician

As an Electro-Mechanical Integration Technician at Northwood, your primary responsibilities include the integration and assembly of electronic and mechanical components for phased array antennas. You'll handle PCB rework, soldering tasks, fabrication of electrical harnesses, and mechanical assembly. You'll also execute tests, troubleshoot RF systems, and work collaboratively with engineers to ensure all systems meet performance specifications. Documenting your work meticulously is essential to maintain quality standards.

To qualify for the Electro-Mechanical Integration Technician position at Northwood, you'll need at least 3 years of experience with electro-mechanical systems and wire harness fabrication. Familiarity with reading electrical schematics and being proficient in soldering and PCB rework is crucial. While a background in avionics or RF systems is preferred, a basic understanding of electronics principles will also be beneficial.

In your role at Northwood, you'll utilize various electronics test equipment like multimeters, spectrum analyzers, and oscilloscopes. These tools will be crucial for performing RF testing and troubleshooting. Additionally, you'll work with hand and power tools for mechanical assembly, ensuring all components are integrated precisely and functionally.

At Northwood, the team environment for an Electro-Mechanical Integration Technician is collaborative and hands-on. You'll frequently work alongside engineers and other technicians, providing feedback and supporting design iterations. The dynamic nature of projects fosters open communication, allowing everyone to share insights and innovate together while maintaining a focus on safety and quality.

Yes, as an Electro-Mechanical Integration Technician at Northwood, adhering to safety protocols is crucial. You'll follow industry best practices, ensuring that all integration and testing activities are conducted in a safe manner. This includes proper handling of equipment, maintaining a clean workspace, and adhering to any specific regulations related to your work, especially due to the nature of aerospace and defense technologies.

When addressing this question, highlight specific projects where you built or integrated electro-mechanical systems. Detail your role, the components you worked on, and any challenges you overcame. Be sure to discuss methodologies you followed and outcomes that showcased your skills, especially in soldering, wiring, or testing.

Explain the techniques you're familiar with regarding PCB rework and soldering. Mention your ability to identify issues, like lift pads or broken traces, and how you effectively repair them. Talk about the types of solder and tools you prefer and emphasize your attention to detail when ensuring connections are reliable.

Discuss your commitment to safety and quality by highlighting the protocols you follow. For instance, describe how you maintain a clean workspace, double-check schematics and wiring diagrams, and document your processes. Showcase any relevant certifications or training you've undergone to ensure adherence to safety standards.

Elaborate on your systematic approach to troubleshooting RF systems. Mention tools you typically use, such as network analyzers or spectrum analyzers, and describe specific scenarios where you successfully identified and resolved issues. Highlight your analytical skills and how you leverage collaboration with team members when needed.

Share your hands-on experience with both hand and power tools within an electro-mechanical context. Give examples of specific tools you've used, the types of projects they were involved in, and your proficiency in ensuring they are safely and effectively operated. If applicable, mention any training you've received on tool safety.

Choose a project that required cohesive teamwork and your contributions to its success. Discuss your role and interactions with engineers and other technicians, any specific challenges the team faced, and how collaboration led to a positive outcome. Focus on your communications skills and how you adapted to others' ideas.

Emphasize your structured approach to documentation. Explain the types of information you capture, such as test procedures, results, and any encountered issues, and specify the tools or systems you use for recording this data. Mention the importance of thorough documentation for quality assurance and future reference.

Discuss your passion for innovation in aerospace and your admiration for Northwood's mission to improve connectivity between Earth and space. Connect your career goals with the opportunity to work on pioneering technology and why it excites you. This highlights your alignment with the company's vision and your desire to contribute meaningfully.

Share strategies you employ for managing time under tight deadlines, such as prioritizing tasks, efficient planning, and maintaining organization. Discuss how you balance speed and quality, perhaps by using checklists or peer reviews to ensure work accuracy, emphasizing your commitment to delivering high-quality results even under pressure.

Discuss potential challenges like rapidly changing technology or complex integration tasks. Express your readiness to engage in continuous learning, remaining adaptable, and seeking guidance when necessary. This showcases your proactive mindset and commitment to professional growth within the role.