Lab Technician (Avionics)

About the role

We’re looking for an experienced avionics professional to lead our test bed lab. This role blends hands-on hardware mastery, high-frequency signal testing, and operational leadership — bridging hardware integration, RF physics, and team coordination. The ideal candidate is a “hardware-first” troubleshooter who isn’t afraid to pick up a soldering iron or crimper, but who also has the organizational mindset required to run a smooth, well-documented lab environment.

Responsibilities

• Read and draft complex wiring schematics and build custom harnesses, bypass assemblies, and breakout boxes from scratch.
• Operate test gear such as spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers (VNAs), oscilloscopes, and signal generators for L-band testing, AM/FM demodulation, and signal integrity checks.
• Design isolated lab test paths (using directional couplers, attenuators, and dummy loads) to conduct radiating/simulated tests safely without emitting signals outside the facility.
• Maintain accurate schematics, test procedures, and physical infrastructure logs so hardware setups remain repeatable and traceable.
• Troubleshoot physical lab networks, workstation connectivity issues, and power restoration.
• Prepare labs, equipment benches, and demonstration setups for high-profile visits and external stakeholder reviews.
• Manage, schedule, and support lab technicians and contract support staff across major test builds.
• Oversee contractor extensions, resource allocation, and budget/hours planning to keep long-term lab projects on schedule.
• Translate technical lab constraints into actionable project timelines for engineering leads and external partners.

Requirements

• Proficiency with MIL-spec circular connectors (e.g., D38999, Amphenol, Glenair), high-density D-sub configurations, and standard pinout layout techniques.
• Solid understanding of proper crimping, soldering, shielding, backshell termination, and wire routing standards.
• 7+ years of hands-on lab experience as an Avionics Integration Engineer, Lead Testbed Technician, Avionics Systems Test Engineer, or similar role.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.

Nice to Haves

• Working knowledge of data bus protocols such as CAN bus and Ethernet interfaces.
• Familiarity with configuration control practices in regulated or audited environments.
• Prior experience mentoring junior technicians or managing contract labor.
• Comfort working directly with customers or external stakeholders during lab demonstrations.