Avionics HITL & Test Technician

K2 Space Corporation; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 38,572 - 55,104; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited paid time off

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Los Angeles is seeking an Avionics HITL & Test Technician to support avionics hardware installation and maintenance of test assets. Candidates should have over 5 years of experience in electronic hardware, proficiency in soldering and crimping, and a strong attention to detail. The role offers competitive hourly pay of $28–$40 and a comprehensive benefits package including unlimited PTO and health coverage.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience assembling, integrating, and testing electronic hardware in the aerospace industry.
• 1+ years of SMT/through-hole soldering experience and assembling test racks.
• Demonstrated skill in soldering and crimping, and cable harness assembly.

Responsibilities

• Support full build and maintenance of HITL test assets.
• Assemble production test racks for HITL and acceptance testing.
• Follow engineering procedures for electrical checkouts and multimeter measurements.
• Assist design engineering throughout hardware development stages.
• Work autonomously across various engineering and technician teams.
• Use mechanical tools for building fixtures and tooling assemblies.

Skills

Soldering

Crimping

Cable harness assembly

Job description

Avionics HITL & Test Technician

Join to apply for the Avionics HITL & Test Technician role at K2 Space Corporation.

Company Overview

K2 Space is building large, high‑powered spacecraft for the next generation of space development. Backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Altimeter Capital, and many others ($200M raised to date), we intend to mass‑produce the highest‑powered satellite platforms ever built for missions across LEO to Deep Space. The rise of launch vehicles like Falcon 9 and Starship enables the move from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance. We believe this new era requires spacecraft with a fundamentally different design to fully utilize the massive rockets coming to market.

The Role

You will contribute to the build and development of avionics and software test assets for major satellite subsystems and vehicle simulation. This role will be the owner of avionics hardware installation, wire harnessing, test rack fabrication, and HITL (Hardware‑In‑The‑Loop) test bed build and maintenance. As an essential part of the Research & Development technician team, you will demonstrate diverse proficiencies across avionics products, production and industry build fundamentals, and a high level of attention to detail to ensure quality and reliability of electrical components and systems.

Responsibilities

• Support full build and maintenance of HITL test assets, including installation of avionics hardware, manufacturing and routing of wire harnesses, and fabrication of load simulators.
• Assemble production test racks for HITL, acceptance testing, and qualification of flight hardware.
• Follow engineering procedures to perform electrical checkouts such as continuity, discontinuity, and multimeter measurements on components and vehicle systems.
• Assist design engineering throughout the hardware development and pre‑production stages by supporting specification development, component assembly and process validation testing.
• Work autonomously and coordinate cross‑functionally with various engineering and technician teams to meet a high‑pace schedule and quality requirements.
• Use an array of hand, power, and pneumatic mechanical tools to build fixtures, interfacing panels, and tooling assemblies.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience assembling, integrating, and testing electronic hardware in the aerospace industry.
• 1+ years of SMT/through‑hole soldering, using electronics equipment, and assembling test racks.
• Demonstrated skill and proficiency in soldering and crimping as well as assembling cable harnesses and connectors.

Nice to Have

• IPC Certified for PCB and cable harness rework (IPC‑A‑610, IPC‑A‑620).
• Hand soldering ability that meets IPC J‑STD‑001.
• Experience designing, building, and testing electrical assemblies and test fixtures.
• Experience performing crimping, wire stripping, continuity testing, connector pin‑outs, and routing and tie‑wrapping.
• Ability to drill and tap holes, and use common shop equipment such as drill press, grinders, and band saws.
• Ability to create, read, review, and redline electrical and test rack schematics.
• Strong communication skills with ability to communicate hardware and systems problems.
• Experience developing or writing company specifications and qualifying build methods for production around wire harness, test rack fabrication, and integration.

Additional Requirements

• Willing to work overtime and weekends as needed.
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces.
• Must be able to lift and carry parts or equipment up to 25 lbs unassisted.

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly pay range for this non‑exempt role is $28–$40 + equity in the company.
• Compensation will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level.
• Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks.

If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non‑traditional career twists and turns are encouraged.

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

Export Compliance

As defined in the ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a “U.S. person.” The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R.
120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.

Equal Opportunity

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.