Lab Manager, Avionics Hardware

About the role

Cowboy Space Corp. is building space‑based infrastructure for power and data. As the Avionics Hardware Development Lab Manager you will be the backbone of the engineering environment, ensuring the lab is safe, organized, and fully equipped for rapid hardware development.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain a clean, ESD‑safe laboratory supporting rapid hardware integration and testing.
• Manage the full lifecycle of lab equipment: procurement, calibration, maintenance, asset tracking, and troubleshooting.
• Implement and enforce safety protocols for electrical, high‑voltage, and hazardous materials.
• Perform precision board‑level assembly, soldering, rework, and repair of complex PCBAs (fine‑pitch SMT, BGA, high‑density components).
• Fabricate, modify, and repair custom wire harnesses and cable assemblies from schematics and drawings.
• Apply conformal coatings, potting compounds, and other environmental protection processes to flight hardware.
• Control inventory of electronic components, consumables, tooling, and raw materials.
• Support engineering teams by assembling prototypes, configuring test benches, integrating instrumentation, and preparing hardware for functional, environmental, and qualification testing.
• Assist with hardware integration, debugging, and validation while maintaining accurate documentation and lab procedures.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and test engineers to improve lab efficiency and accelerate development.

Required profile

• Minimum 3 + years of experience in avionics hardware development, laboratory management, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability to work safely with high‑voltage systems and hazardous materials.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate equipment records and documentation.

Required skills

• Board‑level assembly, soldering, rework, and repair (fine‑pitch SMT, BGA).
• Wire‑harness fabrication and cable assembly.
• Application of conformal coatings and potting compounds.
• ESD safety practices and high‑voltage safety protocols.
• Equipment calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Inventory management of electronic components and consumables.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, drawings, and engineering documentation.