Sr. Engineering Technician

Astronics Corporation; Kirkland (WA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES) in Kirkland, WA seeks a Senior Engineering Technician to support engineers with complex electronic systems, prototype builds, and test activities. The role emphasizes hands-on assembly, troubleshooting, and rigorous documentation to meet FAA and customer requirements.

The successful candidate will apply advanced electrical knowledge, perform soldering, cable builds, and basic machining, and contribute to test fixture design and qualification testing in

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Electronics Technology or equivalent required.
• 4–6 years of hands-on electronics assembly, test and troubleshooting.
• Ability to read schematics and PCB layouts for troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Test, diagnosis, and support of prototype electromechanical systems.
• Build, modify, and assemble prototype hardware and test fixtures.
• Document test procedures, data, and configurations for traceability.
• Collaborate with engineers to troubleshoot and improve designs.
• Adhere to safety and DO-160/MIL-STD-461 where applicable.

Skills

Soldering

Cable builds

Machining

Electrical troubleshooting

Documentation

Education

Associate degree in Electronics Technology

Tools

DMMs

Oscilloscopes

Network analyzers

Soldering equipment

Test fixtures

Job description

Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES) is seeking a Senior Engineering Technician to join our Cabin Power Electronics Team in Kirkland, WA.

The Cabin Power Electronics Product Group is the world's leading manufacturer of in‑seat power systems for the commercial airline industry. The group’s EmPower® product line provides a variety of scalable power solutions for aircraft passenger cabins and flight decks and is used by over 280 airlines, IFE suppliers, and all major aircraft OEMs worldwide.

Job Summary

The Senior Engineering Technician will perform complex technical tasks to support engineers with electronic systems and Cabin Product Support activities. This role requires hands‑on experience with equipment build, repair, and troubleshooting down to the component level, as well as strong documentation practices to support FAA and customer reporting requirements. The successful candidate will apply advanced electrical knowledge, production skills, and rigorous test methods to design, build, and maintain specialized test setups and prototype systems.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform engineering activities including testing, checkout, modification, fabrication, and assembly of prototype electromechanical systems, experimental design circuitry, and specialized test equipment.
• Utilize production skills, including board/component soldering, cable builds, and basic machining operations, to support prototype builds, rework, and test fixture assembly.
• Work from conceptual information—including discussions, notional diagrams, written and verbal descriptions, and layouts—to plan and execute testing, checkout, and troubleshooting tasks.
• Design, construct, test, verify, and troubleshoot custom test fixtures and specialized test equipment, applying strong electrical circuit knowledge and the ability to read and review electrical schematics and PCB layouts.
• Support engineering qualification testing and troubleshooting, including the execution of tests in accordance with DO-160 and/or MIL-STD-461 requirements, where applicable.
• Operate and interpret measurements from electrical test equipment such as digital multimeters (DMMs), oscilloscopes, and network analyzers to support product development, verification, and troubleshooting.
• Determine methods or actions to remedy complex malfunctions and collaborate with engineers to implement corrective actions and design improvements.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and complete test notes and test data records to ensure traceability, data retention, and compliance with internal, FAA, and customer documentation standards.
• Communicate effectively with other technicians and engineers to coordinate development activities, share troubleshooting findings, and support resolution of test and production issues.
• Adhere to all relevant safety procedures when working with high voltage, chemicals, power tools, and cryogenic materials (e.g., LN2).

Minimum Qualifications

Education / Experience

• Associate degree (A.S.) in Electronics Technology or related field, or equivalent electronics military schooling and experience required.
• Demonstrated proficiency (typically 4–6 years of direct experience) performing the duties and responsibilities listed above, including hands‑on electronic assembly, test, and troubleshooting.

Technical Skills

• Advanced electrical/electronic circuit and component knowledge, including the ability to review and interpret schematics and layouts for troubleshooting and test fixture design.
• Intermediate knowledge of power supplies and power conversion principles.
• Experience with aerospace equipment testing; DO-160 testing and/or MIL-STD-461 test execution strongly preferred.
• Proficiency using DMMs, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, and related electronic test equipment.
• Practical experience with board/component soldering, cable/harness builds, and basic machining or mechanical operations in support of prototype and test hardware.
• Strong documentation skills for capturing test procedures, test notes, test data, and configuration details in an organized and traceable manner.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to work effectively with engineers, technicians, and cross‑functional teams in support of product development and troubleshooting activities.
• Priority Setting – Focuses on what is most important; quickly identifies critical tasks and eliminates distractions.
• Problem Solving – Uses rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems; identifies root causes and goes beyond the obvious.Operations Analysis – Analyzes needs and product requirements to help create effective test and design approaches.
• Operate Independently – Works with limited supervision; demonstrates initiative and accountability.
• Planning – Accurately scopes tasks and projects, sets goals, develops schedules, anticipates obstacles, and evaluates results.

Physical Abilities

• Manual dexterity sufficient for fine electronic assembly and test work.
• Ability to occasionally lift items up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to differentiate colors for wiring, components, and indicator identification.
• Exposure to high voltage.
• Exposure to liquid nitrogen (LN2).
• Exposure to power tools and light machining equipment.
• Exposure to chemicals used in manufacturing and test processes.

Employment Eligibility Requirements

• This role may involve access to items subject to U.S. export‑controls laws or other applicable U.S.‑government legal or contractual requirements. To assess whether any licenses, authorizations, or other exceptions are required, please indicate whether you are a U.S. Person. If you are not a U.S. Person, the company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary. This information is collected solely for this compliance purpose.
• Offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a pre‑employment background check and drug test including cannabis screening.

Compensation

• Base salary range is $37.73 – $56.60 per hour (midpoint: $47.17)
• Quarterly Profit Sharing Bonus eligible.
• Factors such as experience in comparable roles, skill set, training, education, certifications, other qualifications, market conditions, and business needs influence the actual salary offered. It is not typical to be hired at or near the top of the range.
• Health & Well‑Being: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, plus optional critical illness, accident prevention, and hospital indemnity coverage.
• Financial Security: 401(k) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Work–Life Balance: Flexible hybrid work arrangements for eligible positions, Employee Assistance Program, and a supportive culture encouraging balance.
• Generous PTO: Starting at 120 hours annually, plus 12 paid holidays per year.

Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO) serves the world's aerospace, defense, and other mission critical industries with proven, innovative technology solutions. Astronics works side‑by‑side with customers, integrating its array of power, connectivity, lighting, structures, interiors, and test technologies to solve complex challenges. For over 50 years, Astronics has delivered creative, customer‑focused solutions with exceptional responsiveness. Today, global airframe manufacturers, airlines, militaries, completion centers and Fortune 500 companies rely on the collaborative spirit and innovation of Astronics. The Company's strategy is to increase its value by developing technologies and capabilities that provide innovative solutions to its targeted markets. For more information on Astronics and its solutions, visit www.Astronics.com.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

As set forth in Astronics Corporation’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service‑connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three‑year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.