Lead Avionics Test Engineer

Astrolab

. Build and lead a team of avionics test engineers, including hiring, setting technical direction, executing priorities, and fostering a culture of ownership, craftsmanship, and collaboration .

Posted 9/17/2026full-timeHawthorne • California • United StatesSenior💰 $160,000 - $240,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading avionics test engineering teams, developing automated test solutions, and ensuring compliance with environmental testing standards. Proficient in the full lifecycle of avionics unit test systems, including architecture, design, validation, and production sustainment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Avionics DevelopmentAutomated Test SolutionsTest Automation Software (Python, C/C++, LabVIEW)Environmental Testing Standards (SMC-S-016, MIL-STD-810)Team Leadership and Technical Direction

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Automated Test System DesignCustom PCB DesignTest Rack ValidationFailure Mode AnalysisTest Plan DevelopmentSchematic CapturePCB LayoutEmbedded Software DevelopmentFirmware IntegrationTest Equipment Selection

Soft Skills

CollaborationOwnershipCraftsmanshipProblem SolvingCommunication

Tools & Technologies

Altium DesignerCOTS EquipmentProduction Data Platforms (MES)Test Data ArchiveSignal Conditioning

Industry Keywords

AvionicsHigh-Reliability ElectronicsManufacturingTest AutomationEnvironmental Testing

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Build and lead a team of avionics test engineers, including hiring, setting technical direction, executing priorities, and fostering a culture of ownership, craftsmanship, and collaboration
Own the full lifecycle of avionics unit test systems: architecture definition, rack design, implementation, validation, and production sustainment
Partner with design teams to implement Design for Test (DFT) feedback, evaluate test coverage, and develop test plans
Design and develop automated test systems, including COTS equipment selection, custom PCBA and harness design, and test software
Verify unit-under-test functionality, exercise failure modes, and interface with production data platforms (MES and test data archive)
Set team standards for test system development, validation, documentation, and quality in compliance with the Astrolab Software Development Process and related standards
Root cause test anomalies and production failures, drive corrective actions to closure, and support vehicle-level failure investigations as needed

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in a science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) related field
5+ years of experience in avionics development, hardware test, manufacturing, or test automation, including hardware and software responsibilities
Experience leading engineers and developing automated test solutions for high-reliability electronics, including test equipment, automation software, and validation activities
Experience designing and validating automated test racks, including custom PCBAs, signal conditioning, instrumentation selection, and wire harness design
Experience writing test automation software using Python, C/C++, LabVIEW, or similar programming languages
Familiarity with SMC-S-016, MIL-STD-810, or other environmental testing standards, including shock, thermal, burn-in, TVAC, vibration, and EMI/EMC testing
Experience with avionics hardware such as power electronics, motor controllers, GNC sensors, optics, RF devices, or communication interfaces including Ethernet, RS-422, RS-485, and CAN
Experience with schematic capture, PCB layout, or wire harness design using Altium Designer or equivalent tools
Experience with embedded software development, firmware integration, and nonconformance, MRB, or corrective action processes in a flight hardware production environment

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equity ownership in the company
Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
401(k) plan with company match
Flexible PTO and parental leave
Weekly lunch stipend
Complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
Monthly on-site social hour with food and drinks
Join a team building the foundation of planetary surface exploration