The Electrical Sustaining Engineer role provides ongoing support for released PCBA and electro-mechanical assemblies used in precision optoelectronics and timing systems. This on-site, Golden, Colorado position centers on diagnosing production issues, assisting technicians, and implementing ECO driven design improvements. The role offers a salary range of USD 86,925 - 104,684 per year, and requires an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.
Responsibilities
- Own released electronic designs from a manufacturing perspective, ensuring continued manufacturability, component availability, and long-term reliability.
- Provide hands-on engineering support to production technicians by troubleshooting electrical issues on PCBAs and electro-mechanical assemblies.
- Diagnose complex electrical failures with lab instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, DMMs, and related tools to determine root causes at component, circuit, or system levels.
- Coordinate with contract manufacturers to review production issues, assess component availability, and supply component substitution information.
- Qualify and validate substitute components through electrical evaluation, risk assessment, and documentation updates to maintain specifications and regulatory compliance.
- Design and assemble test fixturing and test stations for PCBAs and other electronic subassemblies.
- Collaborate with hardware, software, and manufacturing teams to develop, document, and sustain efficient automated test processes.
- Investigate and resolve manufacturing and field failures, perform structured root-cause analyses, and implement corrective and preventive actions to improve reliability and yield.
- Analyze production data and failure trends to identify systemic issues and drive continuous improvement in reliability, manufacturability, and yield.
- Interface with design engineers to communicate production issues, propose design improvements, and enhance robustness and manufacturability.
- Contribute to engineering design reviews with a focus on manufacturing testability.
- Implement and manage Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) to address design improvements, obsolescence, manufacturability, and performance enhancements in released products.
- Train and support production staff in the proper use of test fixtures, tooling, equipment, and software/scripts.
- Ensure regulatory testing readiness and assist with agency compliance for standards such as RoHS, EMC/EMI, and Product Safety.
Requirements
- Undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience with electronic hardware, including troubleshooting and sustaining PCBAs in manufacturing or product development settings.
- Strong ability to read and interpret circuit schematics, BOMs, assembly drawings, and other technical documentation for complex electronic systems.
- Experience collaborating with contract manufacturers (CMs).
- Hands-on experience debugging mixed-signal or analog PCBAs using oscilloscopes and lab instrumentation to identify component or circuit-level failures.
- Experience coding in Python, interfacing with test equipment via VISA, and using software tools for test automation and data analysis.
- Solid understanding of analog and mixed-signal circuit fundamentals.
- Basic soldering and rework skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to document troubleshooting, root-cause analyses, and engineering changes clearly.
Technologies
- Python
- VISA
- Altium
- Oscilloscopes
- Spectrum analyzers
- DMMs
Benefits
- Flexible schedule options to support work-life balance
- 4 Weeks of PTO annually
- 7 Company paid holidays, 1 Floating Holiday
- 401(K) Plan with employer contribution
- Health & Dental Insurance with plan options including employer-paid premium coverage
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer matching available with eligible plans
- Incentive Stock Option
- Long-Term Disability Insurance
About Us
Vescent Technologies is a recognized leader in quantum technologies, spanning foundational systems such as laser frequency control, optical frequency combs, electro-optical modules, and feedback control electronics, as well as complete solutions including next-generation atomic clocks, time distribution, quantum computer control systems, and deployed quantum sensors. The environment is dynamic, interdisciplinary, and challenging, with a strong emphasis on innovation and collaboration.
Position Summary
Vescent Technologies seeks an Electrical Sustaining Engineer to support the manufacture of low-noise PCBA and electro-mechanical assemblies used in precision optoelectronics, lasers, and advanced timing systems. The role involves close collaboration with manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams to troubleshoot electrical issues, assist production staff, and drive design improvements through the ECO process. Interaction with contract manufacturers will be a key component of the duties.
Desirable Additional Skills
- Experience using ECAD software, with Altium preferred
- Familiarity with IPC standards such as IPC-A-600 and IPC-2221
- Knowledge of compliance standards like EN 61326 and EN 61010
- Understanding of EMC/EMI compliance best practices
- Experience with high-density PCBs, including low-noise, high-speed analog and mixed-signal circuits
- Knowledge of low-noise and RF electronics design
- Experience maintaining shared PCB part libraries or PCB snippets
How to Apply
Submit your resume along with a cover letter to hr@vescent.com. The cover letter should describe how your skills and experience align with the job description and why you are interested in Vescent. Resumes submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.
Compliance Notice
This role is subject to a background check in accordance with applicable laws, and employment is contingent upon successful completion of that process and eligibility for access to secured or regulated environments. Vescent Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available. Employment is at-will and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice, as permitted by law. For accommodations during the hiring process, please contact hr@vescent.com. Internal candidates are encouraged to apply in accordance with applicable posting policies.
