Software Technician at Core Systems in Poway, CA

The Software Technician is responsible for preparing, imaging, configuring, testing, and performing burn-in activities on computers, servers, and electronic systems during the manufacturing process. This position ensures that the correct software image, BIOS/firmware, drivers, applications, and customer-specific configurations are installed according to the applicable work instructions, bill of materials, customer requirements, and configuration-controlled documentation. The Software Technician will work closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Production Control to ensure systems are correctly configured, evaluated, documented, and released for the next stage of manufacturing.

Duties and Responsibilities

System Imaging & Software Loading

· Perform software imaging ("burn") on desktop computers, workstations, servers, and electronic systems.

· Load approved operating system and customer-specific software images.

· Verify image version, revision, checksum/hash, and configuration before installation when applicable.

· Install required drivers, applications, utilities, and system files.

· Configure BIOS/UEFI settings and system parameters according to controlled work instructions.

· Load and verify firmware and device-specific software.

· Ensure the correct software version is installed based on the work order and customer requirements.

· Maintain configuration control and prevent unauthorized software or image versions from being installed.

· Troubleshoot failed or incomplete software burns and re-image systems as required.

Burn-In & Functional Testing

· Set up systems for burn-in testing according to approved procedures.

· Execute software-based and hardware-based burn-in tests.

· Monitor systems during burn-in for failures, errors, overheating, crashes, or other abnormal conditions.

· Record test results and document failures accurately.

· Perform basic troubleshooting and corrective actions on systems that fail testing.

· Coordinate with Engineering or Quality when failures require additional technical investigation.

· Verify systems pass all required testing before releasing them to the next manufacturing operation.

Manufacturing Documentation

· Follow controlled work instructions, travelers, test procedures, drawings, BOMs, and customer requirements.

· Accurately complete production and inspection records.

· Record software image version, firmware version, test results, serial numbers, and other required configuration information.

· Maintain traceability between the system serial number, work order, software image, and test results.

· Identify and report discrepancies between production documentation and the actual system configuration.

· Document nonconforming conditions and notify Quality or the appropriate supervisor.

Troubleshooting

· Diagnose software installation and imaging failures.

· Troubleshoot operating system, driver, BIOS/UEFI, firmware, and hardware-related issues.

· Identify whether failures are related to software, hardware, configuration, or test equipment.

· Escalate complex issues to Engineering, Quality, or Management.

· Assist Engineering with reproducing and documenting software-related manufacturing issues.

· Support root-cause investigations when recurring software or burn-in failures are identified.

Production Support

· Work closely with Production Leads and Production Control to meet manufacturing schedules.

· Prioritize systems based on production requirements and customer ship dates.

· Support first-time builds and customer-specific configurations.

· Assist with production process improvements that reduce imaging and testing time.

· Maintain an organized and controlled software/test workstation.

· Ensure software tools, test equipment, cables, and accessories are available and properly maintained.

Quality & Configuration Control

The Software Technician must understand the importance of configuration control in an electronics manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities include:

· Use only approved software images and releases.

· Verify revision levels before beginning work.

· Follow Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), Engineering Change Notices (ECNs), and controlled work instructions.

· Do not substitute software, firmware, drivers, or components without proper authorization.

· Maintain complete and accurate traceability.

· Immediately report suspected configuration discrepancies.

· Follow company Quality Management System requirements.

· Maintain customer-specific configuration requirements and restrictions.

· Protect customer-controlled software and data from unauthorized use or distribution.

· High school diploma or equivalent required.

· 1–3 years of experience in computer manufacturing, system integration, IT hardware support, electronics manufacturing, or a similar technical environment.

· Experience imaging computers or installing operating systems.

· Basic understanding of computer hardware and operating systems.

· Ability to follow detailed manufacturing and test procedures.

· Strong attention to detail and documentation skills.

· Ability to troubleshoot software and hardware issues.

· Ability to read and understand work instructions, BOMs, travelers, and technical documentation.

· Basic understanding of BIOS/UEFI configuration.

· Ability to work independently while also supporting a production team.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience imaging servers, workstations, or ruggedized computer systems.

· Experience with Windows deployment/imaging tools.

· Experience with Linux installation or configuration.

· Experience with PXE/network-based imaging.

· Experience with disk cloning and deployment tools.

· Experience loading BIOS, firmware, drivers, and customer-specific applications.

· Experience performing system burn-in testing.

· Experience working under ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 13485, or another controlled quality system.

· Experience working with configuration-controlled software.

· Experience in defense, aerospace, medical, or other regulated electronics manufacturing.

· CompTIA A+, Network+, or similar technical certification is a plus.

About Core Systems

Core Systems is a premier manufacturer of best-in-class rugged computers and rugged displays. We design and manufacture all our products in Poway, California. Our 75,000+ square foot facility features on-site engineering, metal fabrication, and system assembly along with a complete MIL-Spec testing lab. Core Systems is one of the only vertically integrated rugged computer manufacturers in the nation. Our diverse family of rugged products are deployed in ground vehicles, aircraft, and maritime installations worldwide. Our innovative solutions are designed to thrive in some of the world’s harshest environments. Core Systems is headquartered in Poway, California with deep roots within the local defense community.

We offer a full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, paid life insurance, 401(k), paid time off, paid sick time, paid holidays, on-site fitness center, and a casual work environment.

Non-Exempt Salary Details: The base pay rate for this role is between $23 to $28 per hour. The range for this position is an estimate. Final compensation package will ultimately depend on factors including relevant experience, skillset, knowledge, business needs and market demand.