3+ years managing a hardware development lab or electronics workshop in aerospace, defense, or automotive sectors.
Exceptional manual soldering skills with experience in fine-pitch SMT board-level rework.
Proven ability to build high-reliability wire harnesses with crimping, shielding, splicing, and connector termination.
Hands-on experience applying conformal coatings, epoxies, and potting materials.
Documented experience or certification in High-Voltage Safety protocols.
Responsibilities
Maintain an organized, ESD-safe lab to support rapid hardware development.
Manage lifecycle of lab equipment: procurement, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Enforce safety protocols for electrical systems and hazardous materials.
Execute precision PCBAs assembly and repair tasks.
Fabricate and repair custom wire harnesses from schematics and drawings.
Apply environmental protection processes to flight hardware as needed.
Manage inventory of electronic components and consumables to ensure readiness for projects.
Support engineering by configuring test benches and preparing hardware for testing.
Benefits
Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents.
401(k) retirement savings plan.
Paid time off and 10 paid holidays annually.
Paid parental leave.
Relocation assistance available if applicable.
Daily lunch provided and fully stocked kitchen with snacks and beverages.
Full Job Description
The Role
As the Avionics Hardware Development Lab Manager, you will be the backbone of our engineering environment. You will oversee the daily operations, safety, and organization of our state-of-the-art avionics lab, ensuring our engineering teams have the tools, environments, and components they need to build the next generation of Avionics hardware.
This is a dynamic, hybrid role combining operational leadership, inventory management, and high-precision hands-on technical execution (such as board rework, wire harness fabrication, and test setup).
Responsibilities
Maintain a clean, organized, ESD-safe laboratory environment that supports rapid hardware development, integration, and testing.
Manage the full lifecycle of laboratory equipment, including procurement, calibration, maintenance, asset tracking, and troubleshooting of engineering test equipment.
Own laboratory safety by implementing and enforcing protocols for electrical safety, high-voltage systems, hazardous materials, and general lab compliance.
Perform precision board-level assembly, soldering, rework, and repair of complex PCBAs, including fine-pitch SMT, BGA, and other high-density electronic components.
Fabricate, modify, and repair custom wire harnesses, cable assemblies, and engineering fixtures from schematics, drawings, and engineering documentation.
Apply conformal coatings, potting compounds, and other environmental protection processes to flight hardware as required.
Manage inventory of electronic components, consumables, tooling, and raw materials, ensuring critical parts remain in stock and available for development activities.
Support engineering teams by assembling prototypes, configuring test benches, integrating instrumentation, and preparing hardware for functional, environmental, and qualification testing.
Assist with hardware integration, debugging, and validation while maintaining accurate documentation, equipment records, and lab procedures.
Partner closely with electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and test engineers to improve lab operations, increase efficiency, and accelerate hardware development.
Basic Qualifications
Experience: 3+ years of experience managing a hardware development lab or electronics workshop, preferably within the aerospace, defense, or automotive industries.
Soldering & Rework: Exceptional manual soldering skills with proven experience in board-level rework of fine-pitch surface mount technology (SMT).
Harnessing: Demonstrated experience in building high-reliability wire harnesses, including crimping, shielding, splicing, and connector termination.
Materials Handling: Hands-on experience with the application of conformal coatings, epoxies, and potting materials.
Safety Training: Documented experience or certification in High-Voltage Safety protocols and laboratory safety management.
Preferred Qualifications
Inventory Tools: Experience utilizing inventory management software or ERP systems for component tracking.
Technical Degree: Associate degree in Electronics Technology, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent practical experience).
Experience supporting environmental test campaigns (thermal-vacuum, vibration) for optical hardware.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $113,000 to $185,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) retirement savings plan
Paid time off
10 paid holidays per calendar year
Paid parental leave
Relocation assistance if applicable
Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks
ITAR Requirements
Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.
Disclaimer
This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.'s discretion.
