Space Tech Technologist

AV; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 29,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Space Tech Technologist to support assembly, integration, inspection, and testing of space and flight hardware. This hands-on role requires precision workmanship, careful documentation, and adherence to cleanroom and ESD practices.

The position supports Level II and Level III, with placement based on education, experience, and proficiency. Expect close collaboration with engineers and Quality teams to ensure hardware meets specs and schedules.

Qualifications

• Experience assembling and testing space or flight hardware.
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and procedures.
• Maintaining precise data recording and documentation.
• Understanding ESD/cleanroom practices and contamination control.
• Ability to coordinate with engineers and technicians for fabrication and test activities.
• U.S. citizenship and clearance eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and integrate components and precision hardware including optical and opto-mechanical systems.
• Read and interpret drawings and assembly instructions.
• Record results, data, and discrepancies accurately.
• Perform incoming inspections and verify conformance documentation.
• Handle hardware in cleanrooms with proper contamination control and ESD.
• Prepare epoxies/adhesives per procedures.
• Support TVAC and vibration testing and document results.
• Coordinate with engineers and shop personnel for fabrication needs.
• Identify assembly issues and suggest process improvements.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas and assist with material prep.

Skills

Experience assembling and testing

Reading engineering drawings

Attention to detail

Documentation skills

ESD/cleanroom practices

U.S. citizenship

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Associate degree in technician/engineering

High school diploma with 3–7 years experience

Job description

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

The Space Tech Technologist supports the assembly, integration, inspection, and testing of space and flight hardware, including optical, opto-mechanical, mechanical, and electronic assemblies. This hands-on role requires precision workmanship, careful documentation, and adherence to cleanroom, contamination control, and electrostatic discharge (ESD) practices. The technologist works closely with engineers, Quality, and other technicians to deliver hardware that meets technical, quality, and schedule requirements.

This requisition supports hiring at Level II and Level III. Placement will be based on education, relevant experience, and demonstrated technical proficiency. The complexity of assigned work and degree of independence will be commensurate with the selected level.

Position Responsibilities

• Assemble and integrate components, subassemblies, and precision hardware, including optical and opto-mechanical systems, printed circuit board assemblies, electronics, and cabling.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, drawing callouts, assembly instructions, test procedures, and other controlled documentation.
• Execute approved assembly and test procedures; accurately record results, numerical and graphical data, and discrepancies.
• Perform incoming inspection and collect, verify, and organize component data and supporting documentation, including certificates of conformance and analysis (COC/COA).
• Handle and assemble sensitive hardware in cleanrooms while following contamination control, ESD, and hardware protection requirements.
• Prepare, mix, and apply epoxies and adhesives in accordance with approved procedures.
• Support hardware testing, including thermal vacuum (TVAC) and vibration testing, and document test results.
• Coordinate with engineers and machine shop personnel to communicate drawing requirements and support fabrication requests.
• Identify and communicate assembly issues, documentation discrepancies, and opportunities to improve manufacturing processes.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas, tools, and laboratory equipment; support supply ordering and material preparation.
• Collaborate with engineers and other technicians; perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

Education and technician experience requirements depend on the level of appointment:

• Level II: Associate degree and at least one (1) year of technician experience, or high school diploma and at least three (3) years of technician experience.
• Level III: Associate degree and at least five (5) years of technician experience, or high school diploma and at least seven (7) years of technician experience.

Candidates at either level must demonstrate the following:

• Experience assembling and testing space and/or flight hardware, including precision mechanical, electronic, or opto-mechanical assemblies.
• Knowledge and practical application of ESD fundamentals and cleanroom work practices.
• Ability to accurately interpret engineering drawings, assembly and test procedures, and related documentation, including requirements for machine shop fabrication.
• Experience mixing and applying epoxies and adhesives, and working with test equipment used for TVAC and vibration testing.
• Strong attention to detail, accurate data recording, and effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment and perform assigned technical work with a level of supervision appropriate to experience and task complexity.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with optical or opto-mechanical systems and the handling of delicate optical components.
• J-STD-001 certification with Space Addendum, IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification, and/or IPC-A-610 certification.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Work is performed in office, laboratory, cleanroom, and manufacturing environments.
• Duties may require standing for extended periods, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, climbing stairs, and using hands to handle components, tools, and equipment.
• Occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds.
• Vision requirements include close and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Some travel and extended work weeks may be required during assembly, integration, and test activities.

Compensation

The combined salary range for this requisition is $21–$38. Level II range: $21–$36. Level III range: $25–$38. Compensation will be based on the level of appointment and relevant qualifications and experience.

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits

• AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.
• For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Freedom and allied military services use the company’s hand‑launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real‑time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data,sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.