Panel Technician

Job Summary
The Senior Panel Technician is responsible for fabricating, integrating, inspecting, and testing ground safety equipment assemblies, panels, and racks that support critical spaceflight systems. This role plays a key part in the integration of electronic and electromechanical systems for major aerospace programs. The Senior Panel Technician ensures that all assemblies meet stringent technical, quality, and safety standards, contributing directly to the success of advanced human spaceflight initiatives.

This is a contract-to-hire, 100% onsite position based initially in Western Florida, with potential transition to a space operations facility upon project completion. Local candidates only; per diem is not offered.

Job Responsibilities

• Assemble, install, and integrate complex electronic, pneumatic, and electromechanical components for aerospace systems.

• Read and interpret work orders, engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and schematics to determine materials, assembly sequence, and procedures.

• Mount and install components such as PLCs, HMIs, relays, contactors, switches, and terminal blocks in panel enclosures.

• Fabricate wire harnesses by measuring, cutting, soldering, and crimping wires and contacts.

• Conduct detailed installations including tubing, cable harness configurations, and subassembly integrations.

• Inspect, test, and verify assemblies against specifications, technical drawings, and quality standards.

• Troubleshoot, modify, and repair panel systems to correct malfunctions or design variances.

• Conduct inspections, measurements, and cleaning to ensure proper functionality of systems and equipment.

• Adhere to quality management system standards, procedures, and documentation requirements.

• Collaborate with engineering and field teams to support in-field harness installations and equipment verification.

• Participate in continuous improvement efforts focused on quality, efficiency, and safety.

• Maintain a professional and collaborative work environment, contributing to a culture of teamwork and respect.

• Perform additional duties as assigned to support program and facility operations.

Job Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree in a related technical field preferred.

• U.S. citizenship required.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience as an electrical, cable fabrication, or panel integration technician (candidates with more experience may qualify for a higher-level role).

• Demonstrated experience with panel wiring, mechanical installations, and electrical schematic interpretation.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams).

• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and work instructions.

• Experience with avionics or panel manufacturing and related test equipment.

• Familiarity with standards such as IPC/WHMA-A-620, MIL-DTL-22520, NASA-STD-8739, J-STD-001, and ANSI/ESD S20.20.

• Strong mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic aptitude; able to use precision measurement tools.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check, including verification of employment and education.

• Physically capable of performing field inspections and assembly tasks, including walking on uneven surfaces, climbing ladders or scaffolding, working in confined spaces, and lifting up to 40 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability manufacturing environments.

• Trade school, military, or technical certification in electronics, electromechanical systems, or related fields.

• IPC J-STD-001, IPC-620, or equivalent certification strongly preferred.

• Experience with pneumatic, electromechanical, and electrical/mechanical systems assembly.

• Proven ability to lead by example and mentor junior technicians.

• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.

• Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.

• Associate degree, trade school certification, or equivalent technical training preferred.

Work Experience

• Minimum 3 years of relevant panel or electrical assembly experience required.

• 5-10 years of experience in aerospace or a similar high-reliability environment preferred.

Additional Job Details

• Location: Western Florida with potential relocation to an operational space facility.

• Schedule: Day shift, 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (includes two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute unpaid lunch).

• Minimum 50-hour work week required.

• Contract-to-hire position, 100% onsite with limited travel.

• Local candidates only; per diem not offered.

• Travel beyond 50 miles reimbursed at applicable GSA rates.