Avionics Manager

Employer description

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.

The Aircraft Electrician Supervisor leads a team performing troubleshooting, fabrication, installation, inspection, repair, and maintenance of aircraft electrical systems and components. This hands-on leader translates maintenance and flight-test priorities into safe, organized daily work, develops technician capability, and holds the team accountable for workmanship, documentation, schedule performance, and professional conduct. The supervisor coordinates closely with Maintenance Planning & Maintenance Control, Engineering, Quality Assurance, and Supply Chain, to resolve discrepancies and support aircraft readiness. Direct reports include assigned aircraft electricians, and electrical leads.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate with Maintenance Control & Maintenance Planning to translate scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, inspections, modifications, and flight-test requirements into executable work assignments with clear priorities and completion criteria.
• Plan and assign daily work based on aircraft priorities, technician qualifications, workload, and available resources. Lead shift briefings and communicate expectations, hazards, milestones, and changes.
• Provide visible floor leadership and hands-on technical support. Verify that personnel are trained and authorized for assigned tasks and arrange appropriate supervision for developing technicians.
• Coach employees, provide timely feedback, conduct performance reviews, and address attendance, conduct, and performance concerns in coordination with management and HR.
• Support hiring, onboarding, skills assessments, qualification tracking, cross-training, and succession development. Maintain a training plan that closes skill gaps and builds team depth.
• Encourage clear communication, respectful teamwork, accountability, and early reporting of concerns.
• Review work packages for scope, sequencing, labor estimates, technical data, tooling, material availability, and inspection requirements before work begins.
• Maintain complete shift turnovers identifying aircraft condition, open discrepancies, test status, and remaining work.
• Interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, maintenance manuals, engineering instructions, and specifications. Ensure work uses current, applicable technical data and approved processes.
• Verify workmanship for wire identification, crimping, splicing, connector assembly, shielding, separation, clamping, strain relief, and protection against chafing, heat, moisture, and contamination.
• Support scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, applicable airworthiness directive tasks, and aircraft modifications. Coordinate electrical discrepancy resolution during ground tests and flight-test preparation.
• Ensure parts substitutions, deviations, repairs, and configuration changes receive the required technical disposition and authorization before implementation.
• Promote a culture in which personnel report hazards promptly. Stop work for unsafe conditions, unclear instructions, or suspected quality escapes; coordinate resolution before work resumes.
• Enforce electrical isolation and lockout procedures, aircraft power application controls, personal protective equipment, fall protection, and confined-space requirements applicable to the task.
• Maintain rigorous foreign object debris (FOD) prevention, tool accountability, housekeeping, calibrated equipment control, and protection of sensitive electrical and electronic components.
• Ensure complete, accurate, and timely entries in the Aircraft Maintenance Discrepancy Log (MDL), work orders, and task cards records, including traceability of installed parts.
• Anticipate requirements for parts, consumables, tooling, and test equipment; work with supporting departments to resolve shortages and prevent avoidable downtime.
• Monitor workmanship, repeat discrepancies, rework, overdue training, labor use, and schedule performance. Use these measures to improve execution without compromising safety or documentation.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REQUIRED

• At least 7 years of progressively responsible aircraft electrical troubleshooting, fabrication, installation, and maintenance experience.
• At least 2 years of experience as a supervisor, team lead, or equivalent leader directing aircraft maintenance or electrical installation personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a technical team, assign work, coach employees, resolve conflicts, and manage competing priorities in a changing operational environment.
• Strong working knowledge of aircraft electrical systems, wiring practices, test equipment, maintenance processes, configuration control, and controlled technical documentation.
• Ability to read and apply complex wiring diagrams, schematics, drawings, specifications, and maintenance instructions; diagnose problems and drive issues to documented resolution.
• Demonstrated commitment to personnel safety, FOD prevention, tool control, quality workmanship, and accurate maintenance records.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills and proficiency with electronic maintenance records, work tracking systems, and standard office software.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, protect sensitive information, and demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and follow-through.
• Willingness to work on site in Mojave, California, with flexible hours, overtime, alternate shifts, and weekend support as program needs require.

PREFERRED

• FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate, relevant technical education, military aircraft electrical training, or equivalent specialized aerospace training.
• Experience supporting flight-test programs, experimental aircraft, large aircraft, or complex aircraft modifications and electrical system integration.
• Experience coordinating with Engineering and Quality Assurance on discrepancy disposition, configuration changes, functional testing, and aircraft readiness.
• Experience with workforce planning, performance management, structured problem solving, and continuous improvement in an aerospace maintenance environment.

EDUCATION

• High school diploma or equivalent required; relevant technical education, military aircraft electrical training, or equivalent specialized aerospace training preferred.

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

• Work is performed in hangar, shop, flight-line, and aircraft environments with exposure to noise, moving equipment, weather, and electrical hazards. Essential duties may involve standing, walking, climbing, kneeling, overhead work, accessing confined aircraft spaces, and working at heights greater than 25 feet using required protective equipment. The role requires safe use of hand tools, power tools, and test equipment and the ability to inspect wiring and identify markings and defects, with reasonable accommodation where applicable.
• 4/10 Schedule
• $114,000-$138,000
• Eligible for up to 10% annual bonus

Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews.

Benefits and our location(s): 

• Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500
• Tuition reimbursement

This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.

Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles.  The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best attractions and landmarks.  

Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You’re within a half day’s drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight-seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers. 

Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state’s best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke’s in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.

Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees’ and applicants’ time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.  For purposes of transparency, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law :

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf