Avionics Test Engineer, Hardware

About the role

Apex Technology is seeking a hardware-focused test engineer to support our growing avionics team in Los Angeles. You will manage the full lifecycle of spacecraft test environments, from rack configuration to executing complex qualification campaigns for our satellite buses.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Build, maintain, and configure component and bus-level test racks.
• Manage hardware integration tasks including harnessing, fixturing, and interface validation.
• Troubleshoot flight hardware using oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, DAQ systems, VNAs, and signal analyzers.
• Execute acceptance testing, environmental screening, and functional checkouts.
• Support qualification campaigns including TVAC, thermal cycling, vibration, and EMI/EMC.
• Perform RF testing such as near-field antenna analysis, S-parameter measurements, and insertion loss characterization.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, including test procedures, BOMs, and configuration records.
• Lead end-to-end avionics test projects and mentor junior team members.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in electronics or aerospace hardware testing.
• Hands-on experience with hardware bring-up and laboratory instrumentation.
• Proficiency with embedded communication protocols including I2C, CAN, SPI, and UART.
• Ability to troubleshoot integrated electrical systems.
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder) to comply with ITAR regulations.

Nice to have

• Experience with spacecraft, launch vehicle, or flight electronics testing.
• Background in RF communications and associated lab equipment.
• Skills in vibration testing, environmental testing, harnessing, and fixturing.
• Knowledge of RF interconnect characterization and coaxial cable selection.
• Experience with PCB design or hardware prototyping.
• Familiarity with sensor functional tests, leak checks, or avionics channelization.
• Scripting ability in Python for test automation.

Skills & tools

• Oscilloscopes, Multimeters, Power Supplies, DAQ, VNAs, Vector Signal Analyzers/Generators.
• UART, SPI, CAN, I2C.
• Python.

Practical notes

• Benefits include 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents, plus $100k life insurance.
• Includes 401(k) with matching, 8 weeks paid parental leave, and childcare reimbursement.
• Starting vacation is 15 days, increasing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 holidays.
• Daily catered lunches and office amenities provided in the Playa Vista office.