Process Technician – Electronics & Avionics

MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING

Process Technician – Electronics & Avionics

Broomfield, CO · on-site, up to 15% travel to Chugwater, WY · full-time, hourly · Reports to: Technician Supervisor

THE MISSION

Astra Core-X (ACX) is developing affordable and capable combined ramjet/rocket technology for the defense of the United States and our allies. We're rapidly bringing this capability to market by pairing the latest manufacturing processes and technology with solid financial backing and the guidance of world-class industry experts and research institutions.

Over the past year ACX has grown from a founding team into a roughly 40-person organization standing up its own development production capability out of Broomfield, Colorado and a production/test site in Chugwater, Wyoming. We're mid-build on a production facility and targeting a working pilot line within the next year. At this size, every hire directly shapes how the company runs.

Our work exists to make American service members and allied forces safer. We're glad to have teammates who've carried that mission in uniform, and we welcome veterans and transitioning service members to apply.

THE ROLE

Every vehicle we build carries an electronics package that has to be soldered, harnessed, installed, and checked out correctly the first time. This role exists to own that work on the floor. You'll build and rework solder assemblies and wire harnesses to workmanship standards, integrate electronics and avionics into vehicles, and help turn development builds into documented, repeatable processes ready for a pilot line.

We're looking for an experienced aerospace technician who knows what flight-quality workmanship looks like and can hold that standard without someone checking over their shoulder. We're deliberately small and deliberately fast, and we equip every team — not just engineering — with modern software and AI-assisted tools so a lean group can run like a much bigger one.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Integrate electronics and avionics packages into vehicles: mechanical installation, harness routing and securing, connector mating, grounding and bonding, and power-on checkout.
• Build, solder, and rework electronic assemblies, including through-hole, SMT touch-up, wire-to-terminal, and connector terminations, to IPC J-STD-001 requirements.
• Fabricate, test, and install wire harnesses and cable assemblies from drawings and wire lists: cut, strip, crimp, pin, splice, shield terminate, lace, and sleeve.
• Perform continuity, isolation, and hi-pot testing on harnesses, and support functional and integrated tests alongside test and engineering staff.
• Build and verify coaxial and RF cable assemblies where needed, with attention to connector torque, bend radius, and handling.
• Inspect your own work and others' to IPC-A-610 and IPC/WHMA-A-620 criteria, document nonconformances, and help drive corrective actions to root cause.
• Work with manufacturing and design engineers to write and red-line work instructions, build travelers, and harness and assembly processes, so what works on the bench becomes the documented standard.
• Help set up and maintain the electronics work area: ESD controls, soldering and crimp tooling, tool calibration and crimp verification, and materials and consumables.
• Keep accurate build and test records so every assembly is traceable to its operator, materials, tooling, and results.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• 5–10 years of hands-on electronics assembly, soldering, and wire harness experience in aerospace, defense, or space hardware.
• Current IPC J-STD-001 certification (Space Addendum or NASA-STD-8739 workmanship experience preferred).
• Experience integrating electronics, harnesses, or avionics into vehicles, flight hardware, or complex systems — not just bench assembly.
• Comfort reading schematics, wiring diagrams, wire lists, assembly drawings, and work instructions.
• Proficiency with soldering and rework stations, crimp tools and verification, microscopes, multimeters, and harness test equipment.
• Working knowledge of ESD control, FOD prevention, and the documentation discipline flight hardware demands.
• Attention to detail, sound judgment about when to stop and ask, and the ability to clearly communicate build status and quality concerns.
• This role requires access to a controlled-access production facility and export-controlled technical data. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

NICE TO HAVE

• IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification (CIS or CIT).
• IPC-A-610 certification, or experience as a certified trainer or inspector.
• RF background: coaxial cable assembly, RF connector termination, and testing with a VNA, TDR, or similar equipment.
• Experience supporting avionics, telemetry, or flight-computer integration and test.
• Experience helping stand up a new production line, cleanroom, or electronics lab.
• Active security clearance, or the ability to obtain one.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Sit or stand at a workbench for extended periods and move throughout production and integration areas.
• Work in confined or awkward positions inside vehicles and fixtures during integration.
• Perform detailed, fine-motor work under magnification, with normal color vision for wire and component identification.
• Lift and carry materials and equipment up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The pay range for this role is $34.00 – $46.00 per hour, based on experience and scope.

Full-time employees are eligible for company-sponsored medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan, and paid time off.

Applications will be accepted through [date].

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Astra Core-X is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate all applicants on their merits and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Many ACX positions require access to export-controlled technical data; where this posting states a citizenship requirement, it reflects that legal restriction and does not otherwise limit our commitment to equal opportunity in hiring.

Pay: $34.00 - $46.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person