Avionics Technician - Spaceplane

About the Role

Join Dawn Aerospace's mission to make space travel routine by working on the Aurora Mk-II, a reusable rocket-powered spaceplane. This hands-on position focuses on assembling, integrating, and maintaining the avionics systems critical for the aircraft's operation. You will collaborate closely with engineers, manufacturing teams, and suppliers to shift the Mk-II Aurora from development into reliable production.

Key Responsibilities

• Fabricate, install, and validate flight-ready electrical harnesses, involving manufacturing, lacing, terminating, labeling, inspection, routing, electrical continuity testing, troubleshooting, and verifying performance.
• Enhance production by refining documentation, creating work instructions, developing tooling, and improving workflow during transition from research to repeatable manufacturing.
• Integrate avionics components such as flight computers, sensors, radios, antennas, and auxiliary electronics into the aircraft.
• Configure and confirm aircraft electrical systems functionality, supporting system-level tests during installation and integration phases.
• Oversee the supply chain for harnesses and avionics components, including sourcing, managing bills of materials, procurement, inventory control, supplier coordination, harness kit preparation, and stock maintenance.
• Document design data meticulously, maintaining updated electrical schematics, bills of materials, standards, and standard operating procedures.
• Uphold high standards of safety, workmanship, and accurate documentation throughout all activities.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams in avionics, mechanical design, manufacturing, and flight testing to ensure smooth integration and operation.
• Proactively suggest improvements to design, processes, and product quality to support continuous enhancement.

Candidate Requirements

• A minimum of five years experience in electrical integration within aircraft, aerospace, or automotive industries.
• Proven expertise in cable and harness assembly following industry standards such as NASA-STD-8739.4, IPC/WHMA-A-620, RA-5401, or AC 25-26.
• Skilled in using Precision Termination Tooling (PTT) for accurate electrical crimping and terminal assembly.
• Experience working on high-reliability, safety-critical systems.
• Capability in installing and troubleshooting electrical and avionics systems effectively.
• Ability to interpret and create electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering drawings.
• Competence in operating standard electrical testing instruments including multimeters, insulation testers, oscilloscopes, and network analyzers.
• Strong practical knowledge of electrical systems and electronic principles.
• Experience managing components, inventory systems, supplier relationships, and production materials.
• Clear and effective communication skills in written and spoken English.

Desirable Additional Skills

• Hands-on experience with aircraft avionics integration.
• Familiar with RF system installations and coaxial harness manufacturing.
• Experience using RapidHarness software for wiring design and production.
• Proficiency with CAD tools such as SolidWorks Electrical or SolidWorks.
• Expertise in high-reliability soldering techniques, e.g., ECSS-Q-ST-70-08 standards.
• Skills in PCB assembly, repair, or modification.
• Experience developing manufacturing documentation and work instructions.
• Knowledge of configuration management and production quality control systems.

Personal Attributes

You are passionate about building flight-worthy hardware and take pride in producing neat, reliable, and well-documented work. Comfortable working on the workshop floor to assemble harnesses, diagnose avionics, and coordinate supplier interactions, you understand the importance of repeatable processes, detailed attention, and strong teamwork to deliver outstanding aerospace products. Your proactive mindset helps refine how work is conducted and ensures designs transform into consistently manufactured products.

Company and Culture

Dawn Aerospace is committed to advancing access to space through innovative aerospace solutions. Our global team focuses on environmentally sustainable space propulsion, in-space servicing for satellite life extension, and the Aurora spaceplane project aimed at sub-orbital space access. We cultivate an inclusive environment valuing diversity, where employees from all backgrounds can thrive.

Additional Notes

If you meet most qualifications but have some uncertainties, Dawn Aerospace encourages you to apply. Recruitment agencies are not accepted; unsolicited resumes sent to company contacts will not be considered.