Hardware Technician - Test Automation

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary and Objective

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

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$21 - $30

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.

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 must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment's determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment's business requirements. A "U.S. person" according to the ITAR 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.

About AV:

AV isn't for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don't just build defense technology-we redefine what's possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian-but we're not building history, we're building what's next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters-with speed, scale, and purpose-there's no better place to do it than AV.

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.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required