Electronics Production & Test Engineer

Dawn Aerospace; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company based in Christchurch is seeking an Electronics Production & Test Engineer. This role involves owning the end-to-end production process for electronics and wire harness components, developing testing protocols, and collaborating with manufacturing partners to ensure quality. Candidates should have a degree in Electrical or Mechatronics Engineering and hands-on experience in an electronics environment. The company offers a dynamic work culture addressing challenges in space access.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on experience in an electronics design or manufacturing environment.
• Experience with ECAD tools like Altium Designer or KiCAD.
• Familiarity with automated test equipment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Own electronics and wire harness production process end-to-end.
• Develop and commission production hardware/software infrastructure.
• Manage internal and external manufacturing processes.

Skills

Electronics design and manufacturing

Debugging and problem-solving

Development of testing protocols

Python programming

Documentation and communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechatronics Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

SolidWorks

Python

Job description

Overview

At Dawn Aerospace, we design and deliver world-class green propulsion systems for satellites. As an Electronics Production & Test Engineer, you’ll be fundamental in taking designs to reality—developing the hardware, software, and processes that enable reliable production of flight-ready electronics and wire harness components. You’ll own the integration of new and existing products into production, establish and maintain robust testing protocols, and be responsible for the automated test equipment that ensures our customers receive mission-critical hardware they can trust.

What You’ll Do

• Own electronics and wire harness production process end-to-end
• Develop and commission production hardware/software infrastructure
• Debug and solve complex electrical, software, and electro-mechanical problems
• Develop end-of-line and environmental acceptance tests for flight electronics
• Manage internal and external manufacturing processes, procedures, and records
• Work with external contract manufacturers to maintain aerospace production quality standards
• Assist technicians with introducing new processes and equipment

What You’ll Bring

• 2+ years’ hands-on experience in an electronics design or manufacturing environment
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechatronics Engineering (or equivalent experience)
• Experience with ECAD tools (Altium Designer or KiCAD), 3D CAD (SolidWorks, Fusion360, OnShape, or CATIA), and wire harness software (e.g. RapidHarness)
• Competency with Python programming and version control in Git
• Proficiency with computer systems including Windows and/or Linux OS. Familiarity with network and IT infrastructure is a plus, but not mandatory
• Familiarity with electronics automated test equipment and principles
• Strong documentation and communication skills in English

We're a tight-knit, cross-functional team with a passion for building products that impact. We’re looking for candidates that are ready to be part of a bold, hands-on engineering challenge that’s changing how space is accessed. If you think you have what it takes but are unsure that you check every box, we still want to hear from you. Having an aerospace background also isn’t essential; we’ll teach you on-the-job.

Please also note this role involves access to controlled/secure technology.

Appointment is conditional on passing background/security vetting and, where required, obtaining any necessary export-control authorisations. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis with reference to clearance and licensing requirements.