Avionics Technician

Socket.dev; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Katalyst is seeking an avionics assembly technician in Colorado to build, assemble, modify, and test spacecraft avionics hardware and related cable harnesses per drawings and instructions.

You will perform precision wiring, soldering, crimping, and harness fabrication while following IPC 620/610 standards and maintaining strict quality and documentation practices. This role requires on-site work with potential for extended hours.

Qualifications

• Must read and work from electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, harness drawings, and assembly instructions.
• Strong workmanship in wire stripping, crimping, soldering, connectorization, and harness fabrication.
• Proficient with common electrical test equipment (DMMs, oscilloscopes, power supplies).
• Experience with IPC J-STD-001, IPC/WHMA-A-620, NASA-STD-8739 series preferred.

Responsibilities

• Build, assemble, modify, and integrate avionics hardware, cable harnesses, PCBA assemblies per drawings and work instructions.
• Perform precision wire preparation, crimping, soldering, connectors, backshell installation per IPC standards.
• Assemble, rework, and repair PCBAs using hand tools and rework stations per documentation.
• Inspect PCBAs for quality under microscope.
• Adhere to assembly docs, work instructions, and procedures.
• Support electronics assembly and rework under engineering direction.
• Execute electrical checkout and integration across avionics subsystems; perform testing.
• Use lab equipment to verify hardware and troubleshoot issues.
• Maintain strict ESD, FOD, tool-control, and cleanliness practices.
• Complete travelers, inspection records, test data, redlines, and nonconformance docs; communicate discrepancies.

Skills

IPC 620 workmanship

IPC 610 workmanship

DMMs

Oscilloscopes

Soldering

Crimping

Harness fabrication

Reading schematics

Documentation

Education

High school diploma

Technical school / associate degree

Military electronics training

Tools

DMMs

Oscilloscopes

Bench power supplies

Electronic loads

Hypot/megohmmeters

Continuity testers

Job description

Katalyst Description

Katalyst is an American technology company focused on dynamic space operations. We are building a fleet of dual-use multipurpose robotic space vehicles to create the future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, resupply and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space exploration that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Katalyst Culture

Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.

What You’ll Do

• Build, assemble, modify, and integrate spacecraft avionics hardware, cable harnesses, Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBAs), and related flight and ground-support equipment from engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructions.
• Perform precision wire preparation, crimping, soldering, connector assembly, shielding, backshell installation, splicing, labeling, lacing, and harness routing using IPC 620 workmanship standards.
• Assemble, rework, and repair Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBAs) utilizing hand tools, soldering irons, and rework stations according to IPC 610 workmanship standards and engineering documentation.
• Inspect PCBAs for quality and accuracy under a microscope.
• Adhere to assembly documentation, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
• Support electronics assembly and rework, including component installation, solder touch-up, connector repair, board inspection, and controlled modification of avionics hardware under engineering direction.
• Execute electrical checkout and integration activities across avionics, power, communications, GNC, propulsion, robotics, and payload systems, including continuity, resistance, isolation, functional, and interface testing.
• Use laboratory and test equipment such as DMMs, oscilloscopes, power supplies, electronic loads, hipot/megohmmeters, and continuity testers to verify hardware performance and support troubleshooting of build and integration issues.
• Maintain strict ESD, FOD, tool-control, configuration-control, and cleanliness practices while working around sensitive flight electronics and spacecraft assemblies.
• Complete travelers, inspection records, test data, redlines, nonconformance documentation, and as-built records accurately; communicate discrepancies quickly and work with engineers to close issues.

What We’re Looking For

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical school, associate degree, military electronics training, or equivalent hands‑on experience is preferred.
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience assembling, integrating, testing, or repairing avionics, electronics, cable harnesses, or other high‑reliability electrical hardware.
• Demonstrated ability to read and work from electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, harness drawings, connector pinouts, assembly drawings, and controlled work instructions.
• Strong hands‑on workmanship in wire stripping, crimping, soldering, connectorization, harness fabrication, and electrical assembly, with careful attention to workmanship and repeatability.
• Hands‑on proficiency with common electrical test equipment such as DMMs, oscilloscopes, bench power supplies, electronic loads, continuity testers, and related diagnostic tools.
• Ability to document work accurately, communicate discrepancies clearly, and collaborate closely with engineers, inspectors, technicians, manufacturing, and integration teams.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, highly collaborative environment where quality, ownership, urgency and disciplined execution are essential.

Your Ideal Background

Preferred

• Experience building or integrating spacecraft, launch vehicle, aircraft, defense, robotics, or other mission‑critical electronic hardware.
• Current or prior certification to IPC J‑STD‑001, IPC/WHMA‑A‑620, NASA‑STD‑8739 series, or comparable high‑reliability workmanship standards.
• Experience fabricating and inspecting complex cable harnesses, including shielded cable, twisted pairs, coax, high‑density connectors, backshells, splices and strain relief.
• Experience with spacecraft or aerospace electrical integration, grounding/bonding, connector mating, harness routing, continuity/isolation testing and safe power‑up procedures.
• Experience performing electronics rework or repair under controlled procedures, including soldering and inspection of PCB assemblies and connectors.
• Experience supporting environmental or acceptance testing such as vibration, thermal‑vacuum, EMI/EMC, functional test or post‑test inspection.

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensation: Your base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $60,000 – $80,000 annually.
• Your base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120‑130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR‑controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non‑US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.