Cowboyspace

Cowboyspace

Lab Manager, Avionics Hardware

San Carlos, California

Work authorization required$113k-$185kDetected 1 day ago
ProcurementERPInventory ManagementAvionicsElectrical EngineeringHardware DesignLeadership

About the role

  • As the Avionics Hardware Development Lab Manager, you will be the backbone of our engineering environment.
  • This is a dynamic, hybrid role combining operational leadership, inventory management, and high-precision hands-on technical execution (such as board rework, wire harness fabrication, and test setup).

Responsibilities

  • Maintain a clean, organized, ESD-safe laboratory environment that supports rapid hardware development, integration, and testing.
  • Manage the full lifecycle of laboratory equipment, including procurement, calibration, maintenance, asset tracking, and troubleshooting of engineering test equipment.
  • Own laboratory safety by implementing and enforcing protocols for electrical safety, high-voltage systems, hazardous materials, and general lab compliance.
  • Perform precision board-level assembly, soldering, rework, and repair of complex PCBAs, including fine-pitch SMT, BGA, and other high-density electronic components.
  • Support engineering teams by assembling prototypes, configuring test benches, integrating instrumentation, and preparing hardware for functional, environmental, and qualification testing.
  • Partner closely with electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and test engineers to improve lab operations, increase efficiency, and accelerate hardware development.

Requirements

  • Soldering & Rework: Exceptional manual soldering skills with proven experience in board-level rework of fine-pitch surface mount technology (SMT).
  • Materials Handling: Hands-on experience with the application of conformal coatings, epoxies, and potting materials.
  • 3+ years of experience managing a hardware development lab or electronics workshop, preferably within the aerospace, defense, or automotive industries.
  • Hands-on experience with the application of conformal coatings, epoxies, and potting materials.
  • Apply conformal coatings, potting compounds, and other environmental protection processes to flight hardware as required.

Nice to have

  • Inventory Tools: Experience utilizing inventory management software or ERP systems for component tracking.
  • Technical Degree: Associate degree in Electronics Technology, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent practical experience).
  • Experience supporting environmental test campaigns (thermal-vacuum, vibration) for optical hardware.
  • 10 paid holidays per calendar year
  • Relocation assistance if applicable
  • Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks
  • ITAR Requirements
  • Learn more about ITAR here.

Skills

  • Experience utilizing inventory management software or ERP systems for component tracking.
  • Exceptional manual soldering skills with proven experience in board-level rework of fine-pitch surface mount technology (SMT).

Compensation

  • Compensation and Benefits

Benefits

  • Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
  • Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Paid parental leave
  • Manage inventory of electronic components, consumables, tooling, and raw materials, ensuring critical parts remain in stock and available for development activities.

Visa & Work Authorization

  • Export Control Requirement: To conform to U

This listing is sourced directly from Cowboyspace's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.