Principal Electronics Lab Technician I

Principal Electronics Lab Technician I

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

We are looking to add a Principal Electronics Lab Technician I to our team. If you enjoy working in a startup environment, and are passionate about developing leading-edge electronics for satellites, spacecraft, and aerospace systems, we would like to hear from you.

As a Principal Electronics Lab Technician, you will lead PCB prototyping, assembly, and testing in our engineering lab. In this hands-on role, you'll serve as the technical expert in rapid hardware prototyping, operating and maintaining high-precision PCB fabrication and 3D printing tools to accelerate the development of advanced RF and digital systems for space and airborne applications.

This position is ideal for a senior technician who enjoys working directly with engineers to bring complex designs to life, while also helping define and maintain lab processes, train teammates, and drive continuous improvement.

Job Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead PCB prototyping and fabrication using the ProtoLaser and related tools for FR4, PTFE, flex, and ceramic substrates.
• Develop and refine laser etching, drilling, and engraving processes for high-density, fine-pitch multilayer boards.
• Operate and maintain multiple 3D printers to produce mechanical prototypes, test fixtures, and lab tooling.
• Perform precision SMT assembly, rework, and test of complex circuit boards with RF amplifiers, BGAs, and other fine-pitch components.
• Integrate and test circuit boards into higher-level subsystems such as phased-array assemblies and advanced RF/digital units.
• Design, build, and test custom wire harnesses and interconnects to support prototype builds and functional testing.
• Maintain lab organization and standards, including ESD controls, tool calibration, equipment upkeep, and consumables tracking.
• Train and mentor technicians and engineers in PCB fabrication, rework, 3D printing, and lab best practices.
• Collaborate closely with design and test engineers to troubleshoot prototypes, implement design improvements, and document results.
• Author and conduct lab training modules, including ESD handling, equipment use, and lab safety.

Job Requirements And Minimum Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience as an electronics or PCB lab technician in an R&D or engineering environment with AA or formal occupational training or certification.
• Extensive hands-on experience with PCB assembly and rework, including micro-soldering of fine-pitch SMT, RF, and BGA components.
• Experience with laser-based PCB prototyping equipment (e.g., LPKF ProtoLaser systems or equivalent).
• Proficiency operating and maintaining 3D printers for mechanical parts, fixtures, and prototypes.
• Proficiency using common electronic test equipment (oscilloscopes, VNAs, spectrum analyzers, power supplies, and electronic loads).
• Skilled in wire harness fabrication and testing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document work and collaborate across engineering teams.

Preferred Experience

• Experience designing, assembling, or reworking RF and microwave PCBs.
• Background in aerospace or other high-reliability manufacturing environments.
• Experience managing or maintaining an engineering lab, including calibration and consumables systems.

$46 - $59.50 an hour

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.

CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.