Spacecraft Technician (Avionics Satellite Harness Manufacturing)

The Spacecraft Technician ( Avionics Satellite Harness Manufacturing ) is responsible for manufacturing assembling inspecting and testing electrical harnesses used on satellite bus payload and spacecraft systems. This role supports the production of flight-quality avionics hardware by following released drawings schematics wire lists work instructions and quality requirements.

The ideal candidate has strong hands-on experience with harness fabrication connector assembly crimping soldering continuity testing and flight hardware workmanship standards. This position requires attention to detail strong documentation and the ability to work closely with Engineering Quality Test and Production teams.

Key Responsibilities

Harness Manufacturing and Assembly

• Manufacture satellite electrical harnesses cable assemblies and wire bundles per released drawings and work instructions.
• Cut strip label route and terminate wires to required specifications.
• Perform crimping soldering splicing shielding grounding and connector assembly.
• Install backshells strain relief sleeving heat shrink shielding and identification labels.
• Maintain proper wire routing bend radius service loops and separation requirements.
• Assemble harnesses using form boards fixtures and approved tooling.
• Support harness layout mockup and fit-check activities as needed.

Inspection and Testing

• Perform continuity resistance insulation resistance and pin-to-pin verification testing.
• Use multimeters hipot testers breakout boxes and test equipment as required.
• Verify wire identification connector pinouts shielding grounding and labeling.
• Inspect workmanship for damaged wire improper crimps solder defects connector damage and routing issues.
• Support in-process inspection final inspection and Quality buy-off.
• Document test results and build records accurately.

Documentation and Quality

• Complete work orders inspection and test documentation.
• Record serial numbers lot numbers tooling information test results and nonconformances.
• Follow configuration control and released engineering documentation.
• Identify drawing bill of material or work instruction issues and communicate them to Engineering and Quality.
• Support Issues MRB rework repair and root-cause activities as required.
• Maintain traceability for flight hardware wire connectors consumables and tooling.

Safety Cleanliness and Compliance

• Follow ESD FOD cleanroom and contamination-control procedures.
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation.
• Use calibrated tools and approved materials.
• Follow all safety procedures when using soldering equipment heat tools chemicals and electrical test equipment.
• Handle flight hardware with care and follow company workmanship standards.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma GED technical school certificate or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 5 years of experience manufacturing electrical harnesses cable assemblies avionics hardware or high-reliability wiring.
• Ability to read and understand:
• Electrical schematics
• Wire lists
• Harness drawings
• Connector pinout tables
• Work instructions
• Bill of materials
• Experience with crimping soldering wire stripping connector assembly and harness routing.
• Experience using hand tools crimp tools soldering tools heat guns multimeters and basic electrical test equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
• Ability to follow written instructions and quality requirements.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace satellite spacecraft defense or high-reliability electronics experience.
• Experience manufacturing flight harnesses or avionics cable assemblies.
• Knowledge of IPC/WHMA-A-620 J-STD-001 or NASA workmanship standards.
• Experience with ESD-controlled and cleanroom environments.
• Experience performing continuity hipot insulation resistance and functional testing.
• Experience with D-sub Micro-D circular coax RF or high-density connectors.
• Experience with shield terminations drain wires grounding and backshell assembly.
• Familiarity with NCR MRB redlines ECOs and configuration control.
• Experience working with Engineering and Quality during first builds or prototype builds.

Required Skills

• Harness manufacturing and fabrication
• Wire cutting stripping and labeling
• Crimping and soldering
• Connector assembly
• Backshell installation
• Continuity and resistance testing
• ESD control
• FOD prevention
• Reading schematics and wire lists
• Work instruction compliance
• Flight hardware handling
• Strong communication
• Problem solving
• Schedule accountability

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing detailed harness work.
• Ability to use hand tools and small tools for precision assembly.
• Ability to lift up to 2535 lbs as needed.
• Ability to work under magnification or with small connector pins and contacts.
• Ability to work in an ESD-controlled or cleanroom environment.
• Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.

Work Environment

This role is performed in an aerospace manufacturing avionics build and satellite integration environment. Work may be performed at a bench on form boards in an ESD area or near satellite flight hardware. Some overtime weekend work or schedule flexibility may be required to support production milestones.

Success Criteria

A successful Avionics Satellite Harness Manufacturing Technician will:

• Manufacture harnesses correctly the first time using released documentation.
• Maintain strong workmanship and flight-quality standards.
• Complete documentation clearly and accurately.
• Identify issues early and communicate them to Engineering Quality and Production.
• Protect hardware from damage ESD contamination and FOD.
• Support production schedules while maintaining safety and quality.