Avionics Technician
El Segundo, California /
Manufacturing – Manufacturing /
Full-time
/ On-site
ABL Space Systems was founded in 2017 by veterans of SpaceX and Morgan Stanley to develop low-cost launch vehicles for the small satellite industry. More importantly, we’re building a launch system we are truly proud of – no gimmicks or over-design, just reliable, rapidly deployable launches. We’re an ambitious team with big goals and, together, we’re determined to prove that reaching space can be simple, efficient, and routine.
When launch day arrives, we want you by our side
Avionics technicians build and test components and electrical assemblies of the RS1 launch vehicle – a two-stage, ground-launched rocket. Avionics technicians are responsible for a broad range of responsibilities including PCB assembly and rework, electro-mechanical assemblies, sensors/transducers, cable and wire harnessing, final integration, operating thermal chambers, functional testing, and perform software driven tests.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Perform work according to shop floor instructions, manuals, procedures, specifications, and test instructions to guarantee the quality and workmanship of the product
- Execute cross-disciplinary production work, to include avionics, engines, fluid systems, and structures to manage schedule priorities
- Electro-mechanical assembly of surface mount and through-hole components along with the building of circuit boards and small electrical assemblies
- Support epoxy, polymer and resin applications to mask, bond, conformal coat, encapsulate, pot, and stake electronic assemblies
- Wire prep, populate, close out, bundle and route to fabricate high quality, high reliability cable and wire harnesses
- Assemble PCB assemblies into product chassis and support final vehicle integration by installing electrical sub-assemblies and routing cables and harnesses
- Independently perform work and verifications of flight hardware and record results in a clear, precise, and complete manner within shop floor management system (ERP)
- Document anomalies and non-conformities and associated rework to quickly return non-conforming product back into normal workflow
- Ensure lab equipment and tooling is calibrated and maintained, and sustain the consumable supply inventory
- Operate complex automated equipment, including routine inspection, maintenance, and troubleshooting
- Perform functional testing of built hardware, including setups, instrumentation, test execution, create/upload reports, and teardown
- Work with production and test engineers to develop assembly processes and test procedures
- Assist with transitioning products from development to initial production to full rate production
- Work with development engineers to understand vehicle system fundamentals
- Offer continuous improvement recommendations by speaking openly to elevate concerns
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- 5+ years of relevant hands-on technician work experience in the aerospace, aviation, military, telecommunications or similar industries.
- 5+ years of experience working in PCB, cable harness fabrication, electro-mechanical, mechanical, integration assemblies and prototype development
- Experience using a PC; experience with Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Power Point, Word), shop floor management software (ERP) and related programs
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent concentration with outstanding work efficiency and accuracy, great organizational skills, and a meticulous attention to detail
- Ability to read/interpret and work from controlled technical documentation and processes such as engineering drawings, layout drawings, mechanical drawings, assembly procedures, manufacturing instructions, schematics, and parts lists
- Skills in operating and manipulating automated machinery and various mechanical and electronic hand and power tools requiring manual dexterity with minimal instruction
- Strong emphasis on safety, cleanliness, adherence to corporate policies and standards, a great attitude, and the ability to effectively work with a team
- Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging flight production clean room environment
- Physical effort including carrying, lifting, and pushing moderately heavy materials or equipment (15 to 40 lbs.)
- Ability to climb up and down ladders to work at elevated
- Work occasionally performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
- Must be willing to work 50+ hours a week (overtime) including weekends when necessary to support launch and critical project timelines, flexibility required
- Must be willing to travel to other ABL sites or customer facilities as necessary
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent concentration with outstanding work efficiency and accuracy, great organizational skills, and a meticulous attention to detail
- Ability to read/interpret and work from controlled technical documentation and processes such as engineering drawings, layout drawings, mechanical drawings, assembly procedures, manufacturing instructions, schematics, and parts lists
- Skills in operating and manipulating automated machinery and various mechanical and electronic hand and power tools requiring manual dexterity with minimal instruction
- Strong emphasis on safety, cleanliness, adherence to corporate policies and standards, a great attitude, and the ability to effectively work with a team
- Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging flight production clean room environment
- Physical effort including carrying, lifting, and pushing moderately heavy materials or equipment (15 to 40 lbs.)
- Ability to climb up and down ladders to work at elevated
- Work occasionally performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
- Must be willing to work 50+ hours a week (overtime) including weekends when necessary to support launch and critical project timelines, flexibility required
- Must be willing to travel to other ABL sites or customer facilities as necessary
- 1+ years of experience working at a rocket launch facility and supporting launch campaigns
- Ability to perform repetitive assembly operations, bending, crimping, grasping, pulling, reflowing, sitting, soldering, standing, stooping, stretching, stripping, and torquing are generally required to perform the functions of this position
- Associate Degree in electrical discipline.
- Manufacture and soldering of electronic components to NASA workmanship standards using IPC-J-STD-001 and/or IPC-A-610 standards
- Manufacture electrical cable and harnesses to IPC-A-620 standard
- Current or past certification for NASA-STD-8739.4, NASA-STD-8739.6, IPC-A-610, IPC-A-620, IPC-J-STD-001 or equivalent
- Knowledge of ANSI S20.20 Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) standard and 5S methodologies
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
- Critical thinking: ABL Technicians understand the "why" behind all design decisions, operational events and test outcomes
- Ability to deal with ambiguity: there is no roadmap and ABL Technicians must be Flexible and have the ability to adapt quickly
- End-to-end ownership: projects are delivered fully complete and ready for flight
The hourly rate for this role is $23 - $38.40. This is the lowest to highest salary we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k) to eligible employees.
ITAR Requirement
This position requires access to information protected under US export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations. As such, US person status (including US citizens, permanent residents, asylees, and refugees) is a required qualification for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work and access export-controlled data) and will not be discriminated against on the basis of such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage applicants of all ages.
