Lab Manager, Avionics Hardware

Cowboy Space•San Carlos, CA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit compute to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we’re unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth. Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We’re moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure. The Role 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).

Requirements

3+ years of experience managing a hardware development lab or electronics workshop, preferably within the aerospace, defense, or automotive industries.
Exceptional manual soldering skills with proven experience in board-level rework of fine-pitch surface mount technology (SMT).
Demonstrated experience in building high-reliability wire harnesses, including crimping, shielding, splicing, and connector termination.
Hands-on experience with the application of conformal coatings, epoxies, and potting materials.
Documented experience or certification in High-Voltage Safety protocols and laboratory safety management.

Nice To Haves

Experience utilizing inventory management software or ERP systems for component tracking.
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.

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.