Avionics Technician

Kea Aerospace; Otago; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Kea Aerospace seeks a hands-on avionics technician to join our team developing the Kea Atmos, a solar-powered stratospheric UAV. You will work closely with Electrical Engineers to integrate avionics into the aircraft and ground systems, and to refine testing platforms and procedures.

You will build and validate high-reliability wiring harnesses, read schematics, and document electrical designs for manufacturing. Strong focus on safety, quality workmanship, and inventory management is essential.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Electronics or equivalent.
• 5+ years experience with electronics in R&D or prototyping.
• Hands-on experience developing electrical schematics, wiring diagrams and docs.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Electrical Engineers to integrate avionics systems into Kea Atmos and ground support.
• Maintain and expand HITL test platform.
• Build high-reliability wiring harnesses for aircraft.
• Troubleshoot PCB designs and perform comprehensive testing.
• Own avionics tools and workspace, ensuring clean, organized environment.
• Manage avionics components, inventory, suppliers, BOMs and procurement.

Skills

Avionics troubleshooting

Electrical testing

Schematics reading

Documentation

SMT assembly

Time management

English communication

Component inventory

Education

Diploma or Degree in Electronics

Tools

Altium

SolidWorks

Python

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

At Kea Aerospace, we're on a mission to create insights from the stratosphere that will improve life on our planet. We are developing the Kea Atmos, a solar-powered, autonomous stratospheric UAV designed to fly continuously for months at a time. Operating at around 60,000 feet above sea level, the Atmos will deliver high-resolution aerial imagery for maritime surveillance, environmental monitoring, disaster management, and more. We are a mission-driven team based in Christchurch, pushing the limits of what's possible in unmanned aerospace.

Who are we?

At Kea Aerospace, we're on a mission to create insights from the stratosphere that will improve life on our planet. We are developing the Kea Atmos, a solar-powered, autonomous stratospheric UAV designed to fly continuously for months at a time. Operating at around 60,000 feet above sea level, the Atmos will deliver high-resolution aerial imagery for maritime surveillance, environmental monitoring, disaster management, and more. We are a mission-driven team based in Christchurch, pushing the limits of what's possible in unmanned aerospace.

Who we’re looking for

We are seeking a hands‑on avionics technician who thrives on practical, technical work and takes pride in precise execution. You should have solid experience with electronics and testing, with the ability to read schematics and translate engineering designs into working systems. We need someone who enjoys the challenge of building, testing, and troubleshooting complex avionics systems, and who finds satisfaction in the meticulous work required for high-reliability aerospace applications.

What you’ll be doing

• Working closely with our Electrical Engineers to resolve technical challenges and integrate avionics into the Kea Atmos and supporting ground systems

• Maintaining and expanding our Hardware-In-The Loop (HITL) test platform

• Building high-reliability wiring harnesses for our aircraft

• Comprehensive testing and debugging of PCB designs

• Taking ownership of avionics tools and workspaces, maintaining a clean and well‑organised environment

• Managing the supply chain for avionics and harness components, including sourcing, bills of materials (BOM), procurement, inventory, supplier relationships, and production stock

What you’ll bring

• Relevant technical qualification – Diploma or Degree in Electronics or similar

• 5+ years experience with electronics, ideally in an R&D or prototyping environment

• Hands‑on experience developing electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation

• SMT assembly and rework

• Competent using standard electrical test instruments such as multimeters and oscilloscopes

• Detail‑oriented problem solver dedicated to high standards of safety and workmanship

• Experience managing components, inventory, suppliers, or production materials

• Good time management and prioritisation skills

• Clear written and spoken English

Nice to have

• Aircraft avionics integration, installation, and troubleshooting experience

• Experience with PCB Design and CAD software (e.g., Altium, SolidWorks)

• Lithium battery pack assembly

• RF system installation and coaxial harnessing

• Experience with communication buses (e.g., CAN, RS‑485, I2C)

• Ability to create and automate test procedures to improve efficiency and repeatability

• Experience developing manufacturing documentation, including work instructions and build procedures

• Software skills in Python, C, or C++

Any offer will be conditional on satisfactory reference and background checks, and the legal right to work in New Zealand.