Lab Manager, Avionics Hardware Verified today
Cowboy Space Corp. is building infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. We operate satellites in Low Earth Orbit that collect sunlight, enable on-orbit compute, transmit energy via infrared lasers, and deliver secure high-bandwidth optical data. Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), we are backed by leading investors and staffed by aerospace and defense engineers.
The Role
As Avionics Hardware Development Lab Manager, you will oversee the daily operations, safety, and organization of our avionics lab. You will ensure engineering teams have the tools, environments, and components they need to build the next generation of avionics hardware. This is a hybrid role combining operational leadership, inventory management, and 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.
- Own laboratory safety by implementing and enforcing protocols for electrical safety, high-voltage systems, hazardous materials, and lab compliance.
- Perform precision board-level assembly, soldering, rework, and repair of complex PCBAs, including fine-pitch SMT, BGA, and high-density electronic components.
- Fabricate, modify, and repair custom wire harnesses, cable assemblies, and engineering fixtures from schematics and drawings.
- Apply conformal coatings, potting compounds, and other environmental protection processes to flight hardware.
- Manage inventory of electronic components, consumables, tooling, and raw materials.
- Support engineering teams by assembling prototypes, configuring test benches, integrating instrumentation, and preparing hardware for functional, environmental, and qualification testing.
- Assist with hardware integration, debugging, and validation while maintaining accurate documentation and lab procedures.
- Partner with electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and test engineers to improve lab operations and accelerate hardware development.
Basic Qualifications
- 3+ years managing a hardware development lab or electronics workshop, preferably in aerospace, defense, or automotive.
- Exceptional manual soldering skills with proven board-level rework experience in fine-pitch surface mount technology (SMT).
- Demonstrated experience building high-reliability wire harnesses, including crimping, shielding, splicing, and connector termination.
- Hands-on experience applying conformal coatings, epoxies, and potting materials.
- Documented experience or certification in High-Voltage Safety protocols and laboratory safety management.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with inventory management software or ERP systems for component tracking.
- Associate degree in Electronics Technology, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline (or equivalent practical experience).
- Experience supporting environmental test campaigns (thermal-vacuum, vibration) for optical hardware.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary range: $113,000 to $185,000 annually. Base salary depends on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
- Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Paid time off
- 10 paid holidays per calendar year
- Paid parental leave
- Relocation assistance if applicable
- Daily lunch in office and fully stocked kitchen
ITAR Requirement
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.