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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Avionics Hardware Development Lab Manager - **Company:** Cowboy Space Corp. - **Location:** United States - **Experience:** Experienced - **Salary:** $113,000.0 - $185,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Software Debugging, Hardware Design, Inventory Management Software - **Published:** September 4, 2026 - **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/lab-manager-avionics-hardware-cowboy-space-corp-8770676 ## About the Role * Experience: 3+ years of experience managing a hardware development lab or electronics workshop, preferably within the aerospace, defense, or automotive industries. * Soldering & Rework: Exceptional manual soldering skills with proven experience in board-level rework of fine-pitch surface mount technology (SMT). * Harnessing: Demonstrated experience in building high-reliability wire harnesses, including crimping, shielding, splicing, and connector termination. * Materials Handling: Hands-on experience with the application of conformal coatings, epoxies, and potting materials. * Safety Training: Documented experience or certification in High-Voltage Safety protocols and laboratory safety management., * Inventory Tools: Experience utilizing inventory management software or ERP systems for component tracking. * Technical Degree: Associate degree in Electronics Technology, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent practical experience). * Experience supporting environmental test campaigns (thermal-vacuum, vibration) for optical hardware. ## Description As the Avionics Hardware Development Lab Manager, you will be the backbone of our engineering environment. You will oversee the daily operations, safety, and organization of our state-of-the-art avionics lab, ensuring our engineering teams have the tools, environments, and components they need to build the next generation of Avionics hardware. This is a dynamic, hybrid role combining operational leadership, inventory management, and high-precision hands-on technical execution (such as board rework, wire harness fabrication, and test setup). Responsibilities * Maintain a clean, organized, ESD-safe laboratory environment that supports rapid hardware development, integration, and testing. * Manage the full lifecycle of laboratory equipment, including procurement, calibration, maintenance, asset tracking, and troubleshooting of engineering test equipment. * Own laboratory safety by implementing and enforcing protocols for electrical safety, high-voltage systems, hazardous materials, and general lab compliance. * Perform precision board-level assembly, soldering, rework, and repair of complex PCBAs, including fine-pitch SMT, BGA, and other high-density electronic components. * Fabricate, modify, and repair custom wire harnesses, cable assemblies, and engineering fixtures from schematics, drawings, and engineering documentation. * Apply conformal coatings, potting compounds, and other environmental protection processes to flight hardware as required. * Manage inventory of electronic components, consumables, tooling, and raw materials, ensuring critical parts remain in stock and available for development activities. * 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, equipment records, and lab procedures. * Partner closely with electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and test engineers to improve lab operations, increase efficiency, and accelerate hardware development. ## Related Videos - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) - [The Deichmann RPA journey: Step by step with low-code automation to success](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1566-the-deichmann-rpa-journey-step-by-step-with-low-code-automation-to-success) - [Using AI Without Losing Your Skills](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2045-using-ai-without-losing-your-skills) - [Quantum Computing - The tiny and the big challenges](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/934-quantum-computing-the-tiny-and-the-big-challenges) - [What I learned as a developer from accidents in space](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/642-what-i-learned-as-a-developer-from-accidents-in-space) - [How to Navigate Professional Relationships in the Tech Industry](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1276-how-to-navigate-professional-relationships-in-the-tech-industry) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline) - [Data Science & more: The Lopez dilemma](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/10-data-science-more-the-lopez-dilemma) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated)