Electrical Prototyping Fabrication Technician - ONSITE Tucson, AZ

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Electrical Prototyping Fabrication Technician Company: RTX Location: Tucson, Arizona, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Operations - Engineering and Technical Support Date Posted: 2025-09-22 Experience Level: 10+ Years

🚀 Role Summary

• This role serves as a critical link in the engineering lifecycle, focusing on the hands-on fabrication and prototyping of complex electrical assemblies.
• The technician will collaborate closely with multi-disciplinary engineering teams to translate design concepts into tangible, functional prototypes, ensuring rapid engineering solutions.
• A key aspect involves interpreting complex technical documentation, including drawings, schematics, and 3D models, to guide fabrication processes and identify potential design improvements.
• The position demands a strong capability in testing, analyzing, and troubleshooting new hardware to validate its performance and ensure adherence to stringent specifications and industry standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Technician," the extensive experience requirement (8+ years with AA/AS, or equivalent) and the mention of "leading other technicians" and "assessing complex designs" indicate a senior or lead technician level within the prototyping and fabrication domain. The role is deeply embedded in the engineering process, bridging design and production.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Fabricate, maintain, modify, and repair intricate prototype electrical assemblies, ensuring adherence to design specifications and project timelines.
• Interpret and utilize a range of technical documentation, including engineering drawings, schematics, 3D models, written notes, and project specifications, to guide fabrication processes accurately.
• Lead and mentor other technicians in the meticulous layout and fitment of electrical, electro-optical, electro-mechanical, and mechanical assemblies for complex prototype systems.
• Adapt and refine fabrication methods and procedures to effectively test, analyze, and troubleshoot novel hardware configurations, providing critical feedback for design iterations.
• Apply advanced skills to conduct thorough testing, inspection, and proof-of-concept validation for complex prototype electrical assemblies, ensuring readiness for further development stages.
• Participate in and lead electrical/mechanical engineering drawing peer reviews, validating engineering design specifications to ensure the producibility of prototypes.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of complex designs to guarantee producibility, maintainability, safety, and reliability throughout the prototyping phase.
• Proactively communicate identified build concerns and potential design improvements to engineering customers and stakeholders, fostering collaborative problem-solving.
• Adhere to strict protocols for working in closed, proprietary, or classified areas, which includes adhering to restrictions on personal communication devices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on technical execution and leadership, emphasizing the technician's role in design validation and process improvement within the prototyping environment. The requirement to work in classified areas and without personal communication devices is a critical compliance aspect for this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Typically requires an AA/AS degree or equivalent 2-year post-high school technical training.

Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in an engineering environment, specifically focused on testing and fabricating electrical assemblies.
• Demonstrated experience in at least four of the following specialized areas:
  • Fabrication of cables or wire harnesses.
  • Assembly and modification of breakout boxes.
  • Modification and integration of chassis and circuit cards.
  • Assembly and integration of racked electronic equipment.
  • Troubleshooting of complex systems within an integration environment.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in reading and interpreting complex electrical and mechanical engineering drawings and schematics for fabrication and assembly.
• Strong hands-on experience in prototyping and fabricating electrical assemblies.
• Proven ability to test, analyze, and troubleshoot electrical systems and components.
• Experience with modification and repair of electronic hardware.
• Familiarity with working in an engineering laboratory or production environment.
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating with engineering teams and reporting findings.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government issued Secret security clearance.
• U.S. Citizenship is a mandatory requirement for security clearance eligibility.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience analyzing and interpreting schematics and engineering drawings to identify potential producibility issues before fabrication.
• Military electronics or avionics training, providing a strong foundation in complex system assembly and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with 3D modeling software and CAD tools for design visualization and review.
• J-STD-001 Solder certification, demonstrating expertise in soldering processes.
• IPC 610 & 620 Acceptability certifications and experience in performing inspections according to these standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific fabrication areas (cables, breakout boxes, circuit cards) and certifications (J-STD-001, IPC 610/620) points towards a need for highly specialized technical skills in electronics assembly and quality assurance. The requirement for a Secret security clearance significantly narrows the candidate pool and highlights the sensitive nature of the work.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase detailed case studies demonstrating successful fabrication of complex prototype electrical assemblies, highlighting problem-solving during the process.
• Include examples of interpreting and executing designs from engineering drawings and schematics, emphasizing accuracy and adherence to specifications.
• Present documentation or evidence of troubleshooting complex electrical issues encountered during prototype development and the resolution process.
• Provide examples of collaborative work with engineering teams, illustrating contributions to design validation or producibility improvements.
• Demonstrate experience with testing and proving-in electrical assemblies, including methodologies used and results achieved.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of documented fabrication processes followed for specific assemblies, emphasizing efficiency and quality control.
• Documentation illustrating the interpretation and application of engineering drawings and schematics in a practical fabrication context.
• Evidence of process adaptation or refinement for troubleshooting or improving fabrication techniques for prototype hardware.
• Records or descriptions of quality checks and inspection processes performed on fabricated assemblies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the hands-on nature of the role, a portfolio should focus on tangible outputs, process adherence, and problem-solving within the prototyping context. It should clearly articulate the technician's contribution to bringing engineering designs to life, demonstrating technical proficiency and attention to detail.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $56,000 - $112,000 USD per year. This range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for this role. RTX considers various factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role's responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care.
• Flexible work schedules may be available, though this role is primarily onsite.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.
• Employee Scholar Program for continued education and development.
• Parental leave benefits.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week.
• Specific daily hours may vary based on project needs and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The broad salary range reflects the significant impact of experience level on compensation for this technical role. The extensive benefits package is typical for a large aerospace and defense contractor like RTX, offering robust support for employees and their families. The mention of "flexible work schedules" should be interpreted cautiously given the "100% ONSITE" requirement for this specific position.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense, Technology, Manufacturing. RTX is a major player in developing advanced defense systems, including sensors, avionics, and electronic warfare capabilities. Company Size: RTX is a large, global corporation, employing tens of thousands of people worldwide. This scale means access to extensive resources, diverse career paths, and established operational processes. Founded: Raytheon Company was founded in 1922, with significant mergers and acquisitions forming the current RTX entity. This long history implies a stable, experienced, and established corporate environment with deep-rooted engineering traditions.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Test Equipment Engineering Directorate (TEE), which encompasses all engineering disciplines responsible for system design and testing across Raytheon products.
• This team includes specialists in test requirements, system design, simulations, hardware/computer-in-the-loop testing, advanced prototyping, flight operations, environmental testing, and lab management.
• The Electrical Prototyping Fabrication Technician will likely report to an Engineering Manager or a Lead Technician, working closely with Test Engineers, Design Engineers, and other technicians.
• Collaboration is expected to be frequent and cross-functional, involving various engineering disciplines and project teams working on cutting-edge defense technologies.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on rapid engineering, fabrication, and prototyping throughout the product lifecycle.
• Data-driven decision-making, with a focus on interpreting technical data from drawings, schematics, and test results to guide actions.
• Rigorous adherence to customer requirements, internal standards, and industry best practices in all fabrication and testing activities.
• Collaborative approach to problem-solving, encouraging input from all levels to refine designs and processes.
• Focus on quality, reliability, safety, and maintainability in all prototype development.

Company Website: https://www.rtx.com

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX's position in the defense sector means a strong emphasis on security, precision, and reliability. The TEE directorate's role suggests a high-paced, innovation-driven environment where engineering excellence is paramount, and technicians play a crucial role in realizing complex designs.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is categorized as a senior or lead technician role within the engineering support and prototyping function. It requires significant hands-on experience and the ability to mentor others, indicating a level of technical mastery and responsibility beyond entry-level technician roles. Reporting Structure: The technician will likely report to a Test Equipment Engineering Manager or a Senior Engineering Lead. They will work closely with and support various engineering disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, and systems engineers. Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the speed and quality of prototype development, which is crucial for the early stages of product realization in the defense industry. By providing rapid fabrication and validation, the technician enables faster design iterations, reduces development timelines, and ensures that new technologies meet stringent performance and reliability standards before full-scale production.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of electrical prototyping, advanced fabrication techniques, or specialized testing methodologies.
• Leadership Development: Potential to move into a Lead Technician role, managing a small team of technicians, overseeing project fabrication schedules, and acting as a primary technical point of contact for specific projects.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining exposure to different engineering disciplines and project types within the Test Equipment Engineering Directorate, broadening technical understanding and experience.
• Training and Certifications: Access to company-sponsored training programs and support for obtaining industry-recognized certifications (e.g., advanced soldering, quality inspection) to enhance skill sets.
• Project Management Fundamentals: Opportunities to develop project coordination skills by managing fabrication tasks, timelines, and material requisitions for prototype builds.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a technician in a large organization like RTX often involves specialization and progression into leadership or more complex technical roles. The experience gained here can be a strong foundation for roles in manufacturing engineering, test engineering, or even project management within the aerospace and defense sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a 100% onsite position, requiring the technician to work within RTX's facilities in Tucson, Arizona. The work environment will be a mix of laboratory and fabrication shop settings. Office Location(s): The primary work location is specified as AZ204: RMS Rita Road Bldg 9020, 9000 South Rita Rd Building 9020, Tucson, AZ, 85747 USA. Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be geared towards hands-on technical work, equipped with specialized tools and equipment for electrical prototyping and fabrication.
• This includes benches, soldering stations, test equipment, measurement tools, and potentially access to machinery for minor mechanical modifications.
• Collaboration will occur within team spaces, engineering labs, and potentially in classified or proprietary work areas with specific access controls and device restrictions.
• The environment demands a high degree of precision, attention to detail, and adherence to safety protocols.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week.
• While the role is onsite, there might be some flexibility in daily start/end times depending on team coordination and project demands, but the core requirement is consistent onsite presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "100% ONSITE" designation is critical, meaning no remote work is permitted. The work environment will be typical of a high-tech manufacturing and engineering facility, with stringent security protocols due to the nature of defense contracting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of the resume and application to assess experience, qualifications, and security clearance eligibility.
• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve direct questions about electrical fabrication techniques, schematic interpretation, troubleshooting methodologies, and experience with specific types of assemblies (cables, harnesses, etc.). Expect scenario-based questions related to common prototyping challenges.
• Portfolio Review: Candidates may be asked to present examples of their work, detailing their role in fabrication, problem-solving, and collaboration on specific projects. This is where demonstrating technical proficiency and process understanding is key.
• Team/Manager Interview: Discussion focused on cultural fit, teamwork, leadership potential, and how the candidate aligns with RTX's values and the TEE directorate's objectives.
• Security Clearance Verification: Confirmation of U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain/maintain a Secret security clearance will be a critical part of the process.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Key Projects: Select 2-3 significant projects that showcase your most relevant skills in electrical prototyping, fabrication, and troubleshooting.
• Detail Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, responsibilities, and any leadership or mentorship activities within each project.
• Showcase Problem-Solving: For each project, describe any technical challenges encountered and how you approached and resolved them, emphasizing process improvements or innovative solutions.
• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Include visual aids if possible (e.g., photos of assemblies, schematics you worked from) to illustrate the complexity and quality of your work.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, quantify the results of your work (e.g., reduced fabrication time, improved assembly yield, successful troubleshooting of a critical issue).
• Process Adherence: Explain the processes you followed, including adherence to drawings, schematics, quality standards, and any safety protocols.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your experience with specific fabrication techniques (e.g., soldering, wire crimping, harness assembly).
• Review common electrical troubleshooting methods and be ready to walk through how you would diagnose and fix issues based on schematics.
• Refresh your knowledge of electrical and mechanical drawing interpretation.
• Consider how you would approach a new prototyping task, from understanding requirements to final assembly and testing.
• Think about how you would communicate technical issues or design concerns to an engineering team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess both technical capabilities and the ability to integrate into a rigorous engineering and security-conscious environment. A well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates hands-on skill, problem-solving, and process understanding is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Fabrication Tools: Soldering irons, desoldering tools, wire strippers, crimpers, hand tools, multimeter, oscilloscope, power supplies, potentially benchtop testing equipment.
• Measurement Tools: Calipers, micrometers, specialized electronic measurement devices.
• Assembly Aids: Magnification tools, fixturing, specialized jigs for precise assembly.
• Safety Equipment: Safety glasses, ESD protection, appropriate PPE for the work environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analyst role, technicians may use test equipment that generates performance data.
• Understanding of basic data logging and reporting from test equipment.
• Ability to interpret test results and provide feedback on assembly performance.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core technician duties, but familiarity with how prototypes integrate into larger systems managed by CRM or automation platforms might be beneficial.
• May interact with inventory or material tracking systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with standard electrical fabrication and testing tools is essential. The ability to operate and interpret data from specialized test equipment used in prototyping and R&D environments would be highly advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety: Paramount importance placed on adhering to safety protocols in all laboratory and fabrication activities.
• Trust & Respect: Fostering an environment where team members trust each other's expertise and treat colleagues with respect, especially in collaborative problem-solving.
• Accountability: Taking ownership of tasks, ensuring accuracy in fabrication, and being responsible for the quality of work produced.
• Collaboration: Actively working with engineers and other technicians to achieve project goals, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a shared understanding of complex designs.
• Innovation: Being open to new techniques, suggesting improvements to fabrication processes, and contributing to the development of cutting-edge prototypes.

Collaboration Style:

• The team operates with a strong sense of shared purpose, driven by project deadlines and the critical nature of defense technology development.
• Collaboration is expected to be direct and technically focused, with open communication between technicians and engineers regarding design interpretations, build issues, and testing feedback.
• Cross-functional interaction with various engineering disciplines is standard, requiring clear communication and a willingness to understand different technical perspectives.
• A culture of continuous improvement likely exists, where feedback on designs and processes is welcomed and acted upon.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are deeply integrated into the operational fabric, emphasizing a disciplined, safety-conscious, and collaborative approach to engineering and manufacturing. Technicians are expected to embody these values in their daily work and interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Interpreting Ambiguous Designs: Occasionally working with early-stage designs that may have ambiguities or require clarification, necessitating close collaboration with engineers.
• Rapid Turnaround Demands: Meeting tight deadlines for prototype fabrication and testing, which can require efficient workflow management and prioritization.
• Working with Complex Systems: Fabricating and troubleshooting intricate electrical assemblies that require high precision and attention to detail.
• Adherence to Security Protocols: Strict compliance with security regulations, including limitations on personal devices and access to sensitive areas, requires discipline.
• Keeping Pace with Technology: Staying current with evolving fabrication techniques, tools, and materials in a rapidly advancing technological field.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Fabrication Techniques: Opportunities to learn and master specialized techniques in electronics assembly, soldering, and prototyping.
• Specialized Tool Training: Gaining proficiency with advanced diagnostic and testing equipment used in engineering labs.
• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining and maintaining certifications like J-STD-001, IPC 610/620, and others relevant to electronics manufacturing and quality.
• Mentorship: Learning from experienced engineers and senior technicians, gaining insights into design principles and advanced problem-solving strategies.
• Exposure to Defense Technologies: Working on cutting-edge projects provides invaluable experience in the defense sector's technological landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a strong opportunity for technical growth within the specialized field of electrical prototyping and fabrication, particularly within the context of high-security, high-technology defense projects.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to fabricate a complex electrical assembly from detailed schematics. What challenges did you face, and how did you ensure accuracy?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and attention to detail).
• "How do you approach troubleshooting an electrical system that isn't performing as expected based on its design specifications?" (Highlight systematic diagnostic approach, use of tools, and interpretation of data).
• "Imagine you identify a potential producibility issue in an engineering drawing. How would you communicate this to the design engineer, and what information would you provide?" (Emphasize collaboration, technical communication, and providing constructive feedback).
• "What experience do you have with J-STD-001 soldering or IPC 610/620 inspection standards?" (Be ready to detail your certifications, training, and practical application of these standards).
• "How do you prioritize your work when managing multiple fabrication tasks with competing deadlines?" (Showcase organizational skills and ability to manage workload effectively).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for RTX, and specifically in this prototyping role?" (Research RTX's mission, recent projects, and how your skills align).
• "How do you align with RTX's core values of Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation?" (Provide specific examples from your experience that demonstrate these values).
• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a collaborative engineering team." (Focus on communication, support, and shared goals).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each portfolio piece, frame it as a narrative: the challenge, your approach, the solution, and the outcome.
• Visuals are Key: Use high-quality images or diagrams to illustrate your work. If you can't share proprietary details, use generic examples that demonstrate the complexity and quality of your fabrication skills.
• Focus on Process: Explain how you achieved the result, not just what you did. This demonstrates your understanding of engineering processes and quality control.
• Highlight Collaboration: Mention instances where you worked closely with engineers or other team members to overcome hurdles or improve designs.
• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about the specific techniques, tools, and standards used in your portfolio examples.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only their technical prowess but also their ability to integrate into a structured, security-conscious, and collaborative engineering environment. Strong communication skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving will be key differentiators.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Electrical Prototyping Fabrication Technician position:

• Submit your application through the provided career portal link.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in electrical assembly fabrication, prototyping, troubleshooting, and interpreting technical drawings/schematics. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a portfolio showcasing your best work in electrical prototyping. Focus on clarity, technical detail, and demonstrating problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss your contributions to specific projects.
• Security Clearance Confirmation: Ensure you meet the U.S. citizenship requirement and are eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. Be prepared to discuss this during the screening process.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with RTX's mission, values, and the Test Equipment Engineering Directorate's role to articulate your interest and cultural fit.
• Interview Practice: Practice answering common technical and behavioral interview questions, focusing on demonstrating your hands-on skills, analytical abilities, and collaborative approach.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.