Senior Engineering Technician (2026-088) (WA, Kirkland)

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.

Competencies

• 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.

Work Environment

• 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.
• Moderate noise environment.

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.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• 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.