Senior NPI Technician (Contract role)

The Company

Halo Industries has developed breakthrough technology to revolutionize a decades-old semiconductor material slicing process. Our laser-based solution minimizes waste, enhances material cost efficiency, and drives innovations across high-growth markets, including automotive, telecommunications, and power electronics. Founded in 2014 at Stanford University, Halo received significant funding in 2024, paving the way for rapid expansion, strategic customer engagement, and the launch of volume manufacturing.

The Opportunity

The Sr. NPI Electromechanical Technician is supporting the transition of new products from the development team to pilot manufacturing, ensuring manufacturability, quality, manufacturing process testing, and successful launch of our complex machines.This role is at the intersection of design and manufacturing and therefore involves collaboration with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to identify potential issues, develop solutions, and implement processes for a smooth New Product Introduction (NPI). This is a highly hands-on role, where you’ll work alongside hardware and software teams to build and bring up complex equipment, and develop the processes and procedures to help us scale from prototype to pilot manufacturing. This full-time role is onsite five days a week at our Santa Clara, CA office.

Role and Responsibilities:

Prototype Builds & Pilot Manufacturing

● Assembly : Build complex electro-mechanical, mechanical, and opto-mechanical sub-assemblies.

● Module Test : Conduct tests on electrical, mechanical and optical systems. Troubleshoot any issues.

● Integration Test : Conduct tests on the integrated system. Analyze results and troubleshoot any issues.

● System Test : Understand environmental performance, failure modes, and real-world reliability.

● Documentation & Reporting : Maintain accurate records of test results, generate detailed reports, and provide feedback on performance and recommended improvements.

● Organization & Cleanliness : Ensure the floor environment is safe, organized, and compliant (Safety, 5S).

● Documentation: Read, interpret, troubleshoot from electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.

● Procedures: Develop and use Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions.

● Prototyping: Support the engineering team with prototype builds.

● Training: Train, mentor, and support new team members as needed.

● PLM: Utilize PLM systems such as Arena PLM/QMS to support efficient Pilot Manufacturing workflows.

Problem Solving & Collaboration

● Problem-Solving : Identify and troubleshoot issues with test setups, hardware, and software to ensure smooth pilot manufacturing flows.

● Non-Conformances: Support the review of NC parts in MRB, failure analysis, dispositions, and documentation of all findings. Triage the issues and recommend next steps to keep the pilot line moving.

● Rework: This may include cable crimping, solder components, tap threads, clean optics, re-alignment, etc.

● Root Cause Analysis: Use structured analysis methods to find root causes and verify solutions.

● Continuous Improvements : Define, implement, and improve products, processes and procedures.

● Collaboration: Work with R&D, manufacturing, and supply chain, to ensure a successful product launch.

Requirements

Basic Qualifications
● A.S. Electrical Engineering or related field
● 5+ years of assembly and test experience in the capital equipment industry, preferably WFE industry.
● Strong working knowledge of AC and DC power systems, P&ID, electrical and pneumatic schematics.
● Wire harness assembly and soldering experience, preferably with PCBAs.
● Demonstrated experience with PCB-level troubleshooting, component identification, and schematic reading.
● Experience using electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, electronic loads, and programmable power supplies.

● Experienced with high-precision laser & optomechanical assemblies (build, align, and test)
● Experience with troubleshooting complex mechanical, opto-mechanical and electrical systems.
● Proficiency in reading mechanical and electrical drawings and schematics.
● Proficient in using hand and power tools, oscilloscopes, DVMs, general test and metrology tools.
● Experience working with CAD/ERP/MRP/PLM/QMS systems.
● Proficiency in precision measurement using calipers, micrometers, gauges, gauge blocks, etc.

● B.S. Engineering or related field
● Class 4 Laser and optical system experience.
● Working knowledge of ESD, IPC J-STD-001, and IPC-A-610 standards.
● IPC J-STD-001 and/or IPC-A-610 certification.
● Experience in the WFE, Aerospace, Defense, Optical or Medical equipment industries.
● Experience working in at least a 100,000 Class cleanroom environment.

● Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of electromechanical assembly processes including torque specs, fastener selection, cable routing, and ESD safety.
● Experience setting up and running tests and experiments.
● Experienced with methodical root cause analysis methods.
● Experience with Google Workspace, SolidWorks, NetSuite ERP/MRP and Arena PLM/QMS.
● Any relevant certifications like 5S, Lean, Six Sigma etc.

Benefits

Salary Range: $40 - $45 USD per hour