Electronics Technician I

About the company  Aventra Defense Systems serves the U.S. government and allied interests by engineering and providing autonomous aerial platforms. Positioned at the nexus of high-end hardware, software, and defense operations, we design, manufacture, and deploy technologies capable of operating within exceptionally rigorous global environments. We operate as a purpose-led organization that combines the agility of a startup with the rigorous standards required for national security. From fulfilling contracted deliveries to conducting government field trials and advancing system R&D, our operational tempo is driven by the critical nature of the challenges we address. Benefit Offerings: 100% employer-paid health coverage — medical, dental, and vision — for you and your family Health Savings Account (HSA) offering Employer Paid Basic Life Insurance coverage 4% 401(k) match, immediately vested Generous PTO and sick time Position Overview The Electronics Technician I is a highly hands-on role focused on the physical realization of Aventra’s hardware. The technician translates engineering designs into functional prototypes, with heavy emphasis on electronics assembly, SMD soldering, and equipment operation and upkeep. This role requires excellent dexterity, attention to detail, and a readiness to tackle daily manufacturing and assembly tasks. The Technician I works under the direction of senior technicians and engineers and follows established drawings, work instructions, and test and validation procedures from the engineering team. Essential Functions Assembly & Prototype Builds •  Perform comprehensive electronics assembly, including connector assembly, printed circuit board (PCB) assembly, precision enclosure fitting, and general manufacturing tasks •  Execute initial prototype builds, performing hands-on SMD reflow and standard through-hole/surface-mount soldering work •  Populate and rework prototype and development boards, including reflow of SMD parts using hot-air and hot-plate/oven reflow •  Perform basic SMD rework and touch-up — replacing passives, connectors, and small ICs, and correcting solder faults Cable & Harness Construction •  Build robust wire harnesses and complex cable assemblies precisely to engineering specifications and drawings •  Build and terminate cable assemblies — crimping and wiring to pinout drawings, continuity-checking, and labeling SMT Line Operation & Board Protection •  Run daily operations on SMT production lines, including setting up and operating pick-and-place machines and reflow ovens for in-house board builds •  Support in-house SMT assembly — pick-and-place setup, feeder loading, and stencil/paste handling — under direction •  Apply conformal coating, potting, and other environmental protections to in-house boards to ensure ruggedization Testing Support & Documentation •  Assist the engineering team by running foundational test plans and logging validation data on newly assembled hardware •  Perform board bring-up support: continuity and electrical checks, first power-on under supervision, and basic functional verification against a test procedure •  Support fault isolation by running documented test steps, capturing measurements, and flagging anomalies to engineering •  Maintain a clean, ESD-safe bench; handle, store, and stage components and boards per ESD and traceability procedures •  Document work performed — as-built notes, rework logs, and issue reports •  Other duties as assigned by the supervisor Required Skills and Experience Education & Experience •  0–2 years of hands-on electronics assembly experience •  Demonstrated soldering skill on through-hole and basic surface-mount parts Skills & Knowledge •  Familiarity with soldering equipment, hot air rework stations, and basic hand tools •  Able to read and interpret electrical schematics, assembly drawings, BOMs, wiring diagrams, and mechanical drawings •  Comfortable with a DMM and basic bench tools; familiarity with ESD-safe practices •  Careful, detail-oriented, and able to follow written procedures precisely Licenses & Certifications •  Experience with, or willingness to learn, IPC standards (such as J-STD-001 or IPC-A-610); certification is preferred (see Preferred Qualifications) Other Legitimate Minimum Qualifications •  Must be able to obtain and maintain U.S. Citizenship verification required for access to ITAR-controlled hardware and technical data (see Citizenship / Export Control above) •  Able to work on-site at Aventra HQ in Herndon, VA (or the Northern Virginia / DC metro area) Preferred Qualifications •  IPC-A-610 and/or J-STD-001 certification (or willingness to certify) •  Exposure to fine-pitch SMD, connectors, or RF/coax termination •  Familiarity with oscilloscopes, bench supplies, and basic test equipment •  Interest in defense/aerospace hardware and in moving toward board debug and bring-up Schedule, Travel & Physical Requirements Full-time, 8-hour shifts scheduled within our Monday–Friday warehouse hours (7:00 AM–7:00 PM), with flexibility to fit your routine. Travel Requirement: None anticipated; work is performed on-site at Aventra Physical / Environmental Requirements •  Ability to perform fine-motor, close-detail work (SMD soldering, connector assembly, harness termination) for extended periods, including work under magnification •  Ability to sit or stand at an ESD-safe bench for extended periods & ability to periodically lift and carry up to 25 lbs.   •  Ability to work in a production and lab environment, including operation of SMT equipment (pick-and-place, reflow ovens) and exposure to solder, flux, conformal coating, and potting materials with appropriate PPE Application Deadline & How to Apply Application Deadline: This position will remain open until filled. How to Apply: Internal employees and external candidates interested in this opportunity should submit their application through the company's Lever careers portal by the application deadline listed above.   Equal Employment Opportunity & Reasonable Accommodation Aventra is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and job-related criteria. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, performance management, discipline, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Aventra is committed to maintaining a workplace free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, as well as reasonable accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs and practices and qualifying pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, as required by applicable law. Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation during the application, interview, or hiring process are encouraged to contact the HR Department. Aventra values diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where qualified individuals have an opportunity to succeed.