Hardware Technician - Test Automation

SpaceNews; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceNews is seeking an experienced test automation technician to design, build, and maintain automated test systems for space-flight hardware evaluation. You will interface with diverse electrical and optomechanical hardware during production testing, ensuring reliability and accuracy through systematic troubleshooting and calibration.

The role emphasizes hands-on assembly, wiring harness construction, tool proficiency, and rigorous documentation in a clean lab environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant industry experience in test automation or electrical systems.
• 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Electrical system testing

Harness fabrication

Automation test equipment

Documentation & drawings

Schematic interpretation

Troubleshooting

Tools

Oscilloscopes

DVMs

Signal analyzers

Data acquisition systems

Soldering equipment

Lab instruments

Job description

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

• 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.

Competencies

• 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.

Required Education And Experience

• 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.

Preferred Education And Experience

• 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.

Work Environment

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