How You’ll Contribute

The Explorer Engagement group develops, elevates and empowers our network of National Geographic Explorers. These empowerment activities are led by a series of teams within Explorer Engagement, including Explorer Programs, International, and the National Geographic Exploration Technology Lab.

Reporting to the Director of Operations, Exploration Technology Lab (the Lab), the Electronics Technician supports the Lab’s technical operations, logistics and deployments conducted or supported by the Lab. Technical operations include the assembly, troubleshooting, calibration, and testing of equipment at various levels of assembly (components, devices, and systems). Client support includes supporting our National Geographic Explorers’ needs while they're in the field.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include

Technical Operations: (60%)

• Responsible for assembly and QA/QC testing of Exploration Technology custom devices (Provide feedback to engineering staff on design or use issues with devices).

• Lead on electronics and PCB assembly, cable assemblies and box builds including inspection, testing, troubleshooting, QA/QC, as well as performing repairs and troubleshooting results.

• Responsible for the setup, operations and maintenance of required test equipment.

• Creates testing procedures and reports, determining required tools and services needed to conduct equipment and component testing.

• Prepares, reviews, and maintains all documentation related to the above tasks in close collaboration with the engineering group, to include BOMs, testing documentation, etc

• Conducts initial testing of in-house designed PCBs, including basic electrical, basic MCU/firmware/software and mechanical testing. Related documentation management.

• Manages projects and tasks related to the repair, replacement, and maintenance of electronics systems, shipping and logistics and other projects assigned.

• Maintains documentation related to projects including but not limited to technical documentation, project process, impact and completion.

Client Support: (40%)

• Technology Loan Program - Lead on the Technology Loan program. Serves as POC for loan requests and fulfillment. Coordinates with Explorer Programs on request process and resource development and request evaluations.

• Equipment Operation Documentation - In close collaboration with other team members, prepares, reviews, and/or maintains technical user guides, training materials, etc, for Exploration Technology custom and commercial field tools.

• Client Technical and Field Support - Assists with the ordering, stocking and packing of equipment for use by NGS Staff or Explorers. Pre-deployment check-out of equipment. Assists in disseminating training products and providing tutorials on equipment use.

• Shipping Logistics - Serves as primary resource for departmental shipping needs, international and domestic, handling of hazmat material such as lithium-ion batteries to IATA standards.

• Communication - Correspond with NGS Mission Program Staff, NGS Explorers or outside vendors as needed for the above duties.
   

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

Technical Associates Degree or relevant experience.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience   

5+ years of experience as an electronics technician.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to read and understand basic schematics and electrical block diagrams, as well as datasheets for RF, Digital and Analog components, sufficient for building and assembling electronic devices.

• Good grasp of electronics fundamentals, circuit operation and testing methods.

• Electronics rework, PCB assembly, cable and wiring harness assembly, soldering oven operation, electronics testing and troubleshooting including operation of standard laboratory test equipment.

• Ability to build prototype and new design hardware assemblies as required per engineering documentation.

• Effective time management and prioritization skills.

• Ability to communicate progress/problems to appropriate personnel effectively.

• Competence with MS office, and Google Docs.

Desired Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Altium, Eagle CAD and other associated programs sufficient to understand and work with engineering documentation required for the above duties.

• Ability to develop processes, tooling and fixtures as to support improvements to assembly process

• Experience with machine shop equipment (such as manual or CNC milling machine, lathe)

Supervision

No Direct Reports

Salary Information

As a leading nonprofit organization, National Geographic Society offers competitive salary and total rewards to attract, develop, and retain an innovative and dynamic workforce.

The salary range for this position starts at $62,000

Job Designation

Resident - Our Resident category recognizes that certain staff need to be physically present at Base Camp to do their work. Some Resident staff must always be onsite to do their jobs, while others may only need to be physically present some of the time. Some Resident staff may need to come into Base Camp every day, some may need to come in to meet looming deadlines and to get work done, and others may require a more unique schedule. The days Resident staff come into the office will be determined by their teams and workflow, and they should work with their supervisors to determine their specific schedule. And throughout the year, their schedule can be adjusted based on cyclical work cycles, deadlines, and/or ebbs and flows of work. As a guideline, Resident staff will be in the office between 3-5 days a week.

We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.