Avionics Technician

Employer description

Katalyst Description:

Katalyst is an American technology company focused on dynamic space operations.  We are building a fleet of dual-use multipurpose robotic space vehicles to create the future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, resupply and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space exploration that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Katalyst Culture:

Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.  Oh, and we're dog friendly!  

Benefits:

• Stock options & equity
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k)
• Unlimited PTO
• Catered lunches

What You’ll Do 

• Build, assemble, modify, and integrate spacecraft avionics hardware, cable harnesses, Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBAs), and related flight and ground-support equipment from engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructions.  

• Perform precision wire preparation, crimping, soldering, connector assembly, shielding, backshell installation, splicing, labeling, lacing, and harness routing using IPC 620 workmanship standards.  

• Assemble, rework, and repair Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBAs) utilizing hand tools, soldering irons, and rework stations according to IPC 610 workmanship standards and engineering documentation. 

• Inspect PCBAs for quality and accuracy under a microscope 

• Adhere to assembly documentation, work instructions, and standard operating procedures 

• Support electronics assembly and rework, including component installation, solder touch-up, connector repair, board inspection, and controlled modification of avionics hardware under engineering direction. 

• Execute electrical checkout and integration activities across avionics, power, communications, GNC, propulsion, robotics, and payload systems, including continuity, resistance, isolation, functional, and interface testing. 

• Use laboratory and test equipment such as DMMs, oscilloscopes, power supplies, electronic loads, hipot/megohmmeters, and continuity testers to verify hardware performance and support troubleshooting of build and integration issues. 

• Maintain strict ESD, FOD, tool-control, configuration-control, and cleanliness practices while working around sensitive flight electronics and spacecraft assemblies. 

• Complete travelers, inspection records, test data, redlines, nonconformance documentation, and as-built records accurately; communicate discrepancies quickly and work with engineers to close issues. 

What We’re Looking For 

Required 

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical school, associate degree, military electronics training, or equivalent hands-on experience is preferred. 

• 3+ years of hands-on experience assembling, integrating, testing, or repairing avionics, electronics, cable harnesses, or other high-reliability electrical hardware. 

• Demonstrated ability to read and work from electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, harness drawings, connector pinouts, assembly drawings, and controlled work instructions. 

• Strong hands-on workmanship in wire stripping, crimping, soldering, connectorization, harness fabrication, and electrical assembly, with careful attention to workmanship and repeatability. 

• Hands-on proficiency with common electrical test equipment such as DMMs, oscilloscopes, bench power supplies, electronic loads, continuity testers, and related diagnostic tools. 

• Ability to document work accurately, communicate discrepancies clearly, and collaborate closely with engineers, inspectors, technicians, manufacturing, and integration teams. 

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment where quality, ownership, urgency, and disciplined execution are essential. 

Your Ideal Background 

Preferred  

• Experience building or integrating spacecraft, launch vehicle, aircraft, defense, robotics, or other mission-critical electronic hardware. 

• Current or prior certification to IPC J-STD-001, IPC/WHMA-A-620, NASA-STD-8739 series, or comparable high-reliability workmanship standards.<span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"13...