R&D Technician – Avionics

Test Equipment Operation (e.g., Oscilloscope, DMM, Spectrum Analyzer) Troubleshooting Electronic Systems Reading & Interpreting Schematics and Wiring Diagrams Soldering (SMT & Through-Hole) Circuit Prototyping & Assembly Aerospace Test Standards (e.g., DO-160) Data Acquisition and Analysis Firmware Loading & Basic Configuration Technical Documentation & Report Writing Cable Harness Fabrication Environmental Testing (e.g., Thermal, Vibration) RF Circuitry & Test Principles LabVIEW or Python Scripting (for test automation) EMI/EMC Testing Principles

The R&D Technician – Avionics builds, integrates, tests and maintains the electrical and electronic systems of R&D prototypes. These include UAVs, UAV launch systems, ground control stations and other ground equipment. The technician works hands-on with the avionics engineers, from the first prototype to flight test.

The technician is also the bridge between R&D and Production. When a design is ready for production, the technician helps transfer it: builds the first production units with the assembly team, writes clear work instructions, and trains assembly staff to do wiring, soldering, set-up and calibration correctly the first time.

Build wiring harnesses and cable assemblies from drawings and pin-out tables: cut, strip, crimp, solder, sleeve, lace and label.

Install and connect avionics in airframes and ground systems, including flight controllers, GNSS and compass units, air data sensors, radios and data links, payloads, ESCs, servos, power distribution units and batteries.

Assemble and wire ground equipment such as ground control stations, antenna and tracker set-ups, launcher control and power boxes, test benches and test rigs.

Route and attach cables to protect them from vibration, heat, chafing and electrical noise (EMI); apply correct shielding and grounding.

Perform through-hole and surface-mount soldering and PCB rework on prototype boards as instructed by hardware engineers.

Perform continuity, insulation and power-up tests on harnesses and assemblies before first power-on, and record results.

Load firmware and parameters on flight controllers and other devices; set up and calibrate sensors and actuators, including accelerometers, compass, airspeed, ESCs, servo travel and direction, and radio links.

Set up and operate bench tests and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test set-ups. Measure voltage, current and signals with the correct test equipment.

Find and repair electrical faults down to component level and report root cause to the responsible engineer.

Support ground and flight tests at test sites, including pre-flight checks, radio range checks, battery and power preparation, log download and post-flight checks.

Keep R&D prototypes and ground equipment ready for test through scheduled checks, repairs and modifications.

Maintain records for each prototype, including hardware build state, firmware and parameter versions, modifications, flight hours and defects.

Manage LiPo and Li-ion batteries: charge, store, cycle, inspect and discard them safely; maintain battery logs.

Maintain appropriate stocks of connectors, wire, consumables and spare parts, and inform Procurement before stock runs out.

Build the first (pilot) production units with the assembly team and identify design features that make products difficult to build or test.

Write and validate photo-based work instructions for harness build, installation, set-up and calibration so assembly technicians can follow them independently.

Prepare harness boards, test fixtures, checklists and acceptance test procedures (ATP) for end-of-line tests.

Train production and assembly staff in crimping, soldering, connector assembly, wiring, firmware loading, calibration and set-up; check their work and sign them off when competent.

Support production with technical problems and non-conformance investigations, and share lessons learned with R&D.

Keep the avionics workshop clean, safe and organized using 5S practices.

Follow safety rules for ESD, batteries, high current and radio transmitters.

Follow company quality procedures and record inspection and test results.

Ensure crimp tools, torque drivers and test equipment are calibrated and in good condition.

Diploma, associate degree or technical certificate in electronics, electrical engineering,…