What are the responsibilities and job description for the Hardware Technician - Test Automation position at SpaceNews?
AV is seeking an experienced test automation technician for multiple programs within the Space Technologies division. The Space Technologies division has been developing the techniques, systems, subsystems, and design elements required to implement high reliability optomechanical and electrical systems.
In this role, you will be constructing and maintaining automated test systems for evaluation of space flight hardware. These tests systems will interface with a diverse set of electrical and optomechanical flight hardware throughout the integration and test phase of production.
The ideal candidate brings hands-on expertise in building and testing electrical systems, configuring and operating test instruments, constructing harnesses and cabling, assembling test racks, and maintaining automation infrastructure.
Essential Functions
This job operates in a laboratory and manufacturing environment. This position will require the candidate to observe strict ESD and FOD controls, operate basic hand tools, perform soldering and crimping, fabricate components, handle large objects and interact with test systems and measurement equipment.
Candidates will be expected to perform work in a clean room environment. This requires gowning (smock, head and beard covers, etc) for extended periods of time.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, climb stairs, and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
Full-time position. Candidate is expected to be on-site and work normal business hours. Alternate shifts (afternoon, night) and weekends may be required based on program schedules.
Remote work
Remote work is not available for this position.
Travel
Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be required.
Primary Location
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Clearance Level
In this role, you will be constructing and maintaining automated test systems for evaluation of space flight hardware. These tests systems will interface with a diverse set of electrical and optomechanical flight hardware throughout the integration and test phase of production.
The ideal candidate brings hands-on expertise in building and testing electrical systems, configuring and operating test instruments, constructing harnesses and cabling, assembling test racks, and maintaining automation infrastructure.
Essential Functions
- Construct new test systems using engineering drawings, program documentation, and test engineering input.
- Build wire and cable harness assemblies for test systems.
- Validate and test automated test systems to ensure reliability and accuracy.
- Troubleshoot and resolve system and unit integration issues.
- Train team members on test system setup and operation.
- Perform maintenance and calibration of test systems and measurement equipment.
- Create and maintain engineering documentation including drawings, cable diagrams, BOMs, and configuration records.
- Strong background in build and test of electrical systems.
- Familiarity with basic board level testing and evaluation.
- Experienced in the use of electrical test equipment including oscilloscopes, DVMs, signal analyzers, and PC-based measurement/automation platforms.
- Skilled in fabricating complex wire harnesses and cable assemblies.
- Detail-oriented with strong technical documentation skills.
- Experience working in engineering laboratory environments with rigorous FOD and ESD handling protocols.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and technical specifications.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Minimum 5 years of relevant industry experience.
- Hands-on experience with electrical test equipment including oscilloscopes, signal analyzers, and data acquisition systems.
- Proven ability to perform electrical testing at board, module, and system levels.
- Demonstrated experience fabricating cable and harness assemblies.
- Proficient with hand tools, soldering equipment, and lab instruments.
- Familiarity with engineering documentation tools and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Knowledge of ESD protocols and laboratory safety procedures.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Active or previous certification in IPC-610, IPC-620, or IPC J-STD.
- Experience handling and testing space hardware.
- Knowledge of cleanroom practices and procedures.
- Experience working under AS9100 or similar quality management systems.
- Proficiency with 3D CAD software and engineering PDM systems.
- Familiarity with GitLab or other software development platforms.
This job operates in a laboratory and manufacturing environment. This position will require the candidate to observe strict ESD and FOD controls, operate basic hand tools, perform soldering and crimping, fabricate components, handle large objects and interact with test systems and measurement equipment.
Candidates will be expected to perform work in a clean room environment. This requires gowning (smock, head and beard covers, etc) for extended periods of time.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, climb stairs, and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
Full-time position. Candidate is expected to be on-site and work normal business hours. Alternate shifts (afternoon, night) and weekends may be required based on program schedules.
Remote work
Remote work is not available for this position.
Travel
Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be required.
Primary Location
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Clearance Level