Development Technician, Avionics Manufacturing

Vast is looking for an Avionics Manufacturing Development Technician reporting to the Manager, Avionics Manufacturing, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. As a Development Technician, you will work closely with our engineering teams to execute highly technical electrical builds.

This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Shift:
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Responsibilities: 

• Build and integrate flight-quality wire harnesses in accordance with IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class 3 standards.
• Perform PCBA assembly and rework per J-STD-001, including fine-pitch components (e.g., 0402, high-density ICs), jumper installs, and debugging.
• Apply conformal coating to PCBAs, including masking, application, curing, and inspection per applicable standards.
• Perform potting, encapsulation, and bonding (polymeric processes) for electronic assemblies and harness terminations.
• Assemble and test electromechanical systems, racks, enclosures, and engineering development hardware.
• Support battery manufacturing and integration, including cell handling, pack assembly, insulation, and test operations.
• Collaborate closely with engineering to rapidly iterate designs, prototypes, and development hardware.
• Interpret and work from schematics, wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, and GD&T.
• Verify hardware against requirements and document build, coating, and test results thoroughly.
• Assist in developing and improving manufacturing processes, including coating, potting, and assembly workflows for development and early production builds.
• Track and manage work progress to meet aggressive development schedules.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, quality, and repeatability.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 2+ years of hands-on experience in one or more of the following:
  • Wire harness manufacturing (aerospace or commercial), preferably with D38999 connectors
  • PCBA assembly and rework
  • Electromechanical assembly
  • Battery or energy storage system builds
  • Conformal coating, potting, or encapsulation processes
• Experience using electronics test equipment (DMMs, oscilloscopes, programmable power supplies, etc.)
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and wiring diagrams

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Certifications or experience with:
  • IPC/WHMA-A-620 (Class 3)
  • J-STD-001
  • IPC-CC-830 (Conformal Coating)
  • NASA STD 8739.4 (a plus)
• 5+ years of experience using hand tools and assembly equipment
• Experience with masking techniques, coating thickness control, curing processes, and inspection methods (UV/visual)
• Experience with potting materials (epoxies, silicones, urethanes), mixing/degassing, and cure profiles
• Experience working in high-mix, fast-paced development or production environments, especially with flight hardware
• Strong background across multiple disciplines: harnessing, PCBA, electromechanical, battery systems, and coatings
• Experience building prototypes and development hardware with frequent design iteration
• Familiarity with Atlassian tools (JIRA, Confluence, SVN)
• Basic understanding of electrical and electronic principles
• Strong attention to detail, quality, and documentation discipline
• Effective communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with engineering

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical milestones
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted

Pay Range: 

• Avionics Manufacturing Technician I: $24.00 - $35.00
• Avionics Manufacturing Technician II: $28.00 - $40.00
• Avionics Manufacturing Technician III: $33.00 - $47.00