Avionics Technician

Who are we?

At Kea Aerospace, we're on a mission to create insights from the stratosphere that will improve life on our planet. We are developing the Kea Atmos, a solar-powered, autonomous stratospheric UAV designed to fly continuously for months at a time. Operating at around 60,000 feet above sea level, the Atmos will deliver high-resolution aerial imagery for maritime surveillance, environmental monitoring, disaster management, and more. We are a mission-driven team based in Christchurch, pushing the limits of what's possible in unmanned aerospace.

Who we’re looking for

We are seeking a hands-on avionics technician who thrives on practical, technical work and takes pride in precise execution. You should have solid experience with electronics and testing, with the ability to read schematics and translate engineering designs into working systems. We need someone who enjoys the challenge of building, testing, and troubleshooting complex avionics systems, and who finds satisfaction in the meticulous work required for high-reliability aerospace applications.

What you’ll be doing

• Working closely with our Electrical Engineers to resolve technical challenges and integrate avionics into the Kea Atmos and supporting relevant ground systems
• Working closely with our Electrical Engineers to resolve technical challenges and integrate avionics into the Kea Atmos and supporting ground systems
• Maintaining and expanding our Hardware-In-The Loop (HITL) test platform
• Building high-reliability wiring harnesses for our aircraft
• Comprehensive testing and debugging of PCB designs
• Taking ownership of avionics tools and workspaces, maintaining a clean and well-organised environment
• Managing the supply chain for avionics and harness components, including sourcing, bills of materials (BOM), procurement, inventory, supplier relationships, and production stock

What you’ll bring

• Relevant technical qualification – Diploma or Degree in Electronics or similar
• 5+ years experience with electronics, ideally in an R&D or prototyping environment
• Hands-on experience developing electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation
• SMT assembly and rework
• Competent using standard electrical test instruments such as multimeters and oscilloscopes
• Detail-oriented problem solver dedicated to high standards of safety and workmanship
• Experience managing components, inventory, suppliers, or production materials
• Good time management and prioritisation skills
• Clear written and spoken English

Nice to have

• Aircraft avionics integration, installation, and troubleshooting experience
• Experience with PCB Design and CAD software (e.g., Altium, SolidWorks)
• Lithium battery pack assembly
• RF system installation and coaxial harnessing
• Experience with communication buses (e.g., CAN, RS-485, I2C)
• Ability to create and automate test procedures to improve efficiency and repeatability
• Experience developing manufacturing documentation, including work instructions and build procedures
• Software skills in Python, C, or C++

Any offer will be conditional on satisfactory reference and background checks, and the legal right to work in New Zealand.