Sr. Avionics Manufacturing Development Engineer

Venturi Astrolab, Inc.; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 128,000 - 238,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in planetary exploration seeks a Sr. Avionics Manufacturing Development Engineer to drive design excellence and oversee assembly processes for lunar rovers. The role entails collaboration with engineering teams, project management, and hands-on fabrication, offering an opportunity to innovate in a cutting-edge field.

Benefits

Ownership stake in the company

Comprehensive benefits including health coverage

401(k) plan

Flexible time off

Parental leave

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience, ideally with spaceflight hardware.
• Proficient in CAD and coding (LabVIEW, Python).
• Familiarity with spacecraft harness construction and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop processes for avionics and rover assembly.
• Implement ESD control programs and standardize procedures.
• Manage tooling and documentation for fabrication and testing.

Skills

Project Management

Problem Solving

CAD

Root Cause Analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field

Tools

JIRA

Excel

Job description

Sr. Avionics Manufacturing Development Engineer

Department: Production & Test

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Hawthorne, California

Reporting To: Graham Bogda

Compensation: $128,000 - $238,000 / year

Description

Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We focus on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend humanity’s presence in the solar system. We seek motivated, creative, and exceptional individuals to join our team.

We are looking for a team member to support the development of lunar rovers, as well as our production processes and facilities. You will collaborate with engineers to enhance product design and improve our build and test capabilities. You will be responsible for ensuring the timely assembly, testing, and integration of rover subassemblies, subsystems, and final vehicles.

What you'll do:

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, define, and develop fabrication, assembly, and test processes for cable harnessing, batteries, avionics, electro-mechanical sub-assemblies, and complete rovers.
• Drive design for excellence (DFx) throughout the product lifecycle.
• Implement and oversee our Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) control program.
• Develop and standardize fabrication and assembly procedures.
• Introduce new technologies, processes, and methodologies to accelerate hardware development, build, and testing.
• Address non-conformances through troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Perform hands-on fabrication, assembly, testing, and integration tasks.
• Design and manage assembly and fabrication tooling from concept to deployment.
• Create work instructions and documentation for build and test processes.
• Plan projects in detail and coordinate cross-functional teams for execution.
• Conduct trade studies on equipment and tooling procurement.

Support Areas:

• Design of rover hardware, including cable harnessing, power systems, command and data handling, communications, and avionics.
• Collaborate with teams to develop product, process, facility, and supply chain concurrently.
• Support vehicle testing both on-site and off-site.
• Engage in supplier development and quality systems management.
• Develop internal specifications and manage configuration control.
• Assist with procurement and production planning.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field; master's or certifications are a plus.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience, preferably with spaceflight hardware and NASA projects.
• Strong project management skills and familiarity with associated tools.
• Knowledge of spacecraft harness construction and integration.
• Understanding of EEE parts management and industry standards.
• Expertise in root cause analysis and problem solving.
• Proficiency with CAD, DAQ systems, and basic coding (LabVIEW, Python).
• Experience with sensors, safety regulations, and best practices.
• Proficient with JIRA, MES/MRP, Excel, and understanding of ERP systems.
• Preferences include familiarity with SMC standards, NDE techniques, and NASA standards.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Willingness to travel for testing events.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to work with leading engineers on planetary exploration.
• Ownership stake in the company.
• Comprehensive benefits including health coverage, 401(k), flexible time off, and parental leave.
• On-site amenities and a flexible work environment.