Electronics - Test Technician II

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 / Test Technician II is an advanced role bridging the gap between hardware assembly and engineering design. The technician takes the lead on complex prototype execution, intricate SMD rework, and critical board bring-up phases. This role requires strong analytical skills to troubleshoot failures, program manufacturing equipment, and collaborate directly with engineers to validate new designs. The Technician II also performs and runs in-house lab tests under the direction of the Engineering Team — including thermal-vacuum chamber tests, battery discharge/charge cycle tests, and other stress testing — helps set bench standards, maintains SMT and rework equipment, and mentors Technician I staff. Essential Functions Advanced Rework, Bring-Up & Debug •  Perform advanced SMD rework and reflow, including fine-pitch, QFN, and BGA removal/replacement under microscope using hot-air, preheat, and reflow profiles •  Lead board bring-up on prototype and first-article boards: rail-by-rail power-up, sequencing checks, functional verification, and iterative debug with the design engineer •  Diagnose and root-cause hardware faults to the component level — using DMM, oscilloscope, bench supplies, and logic/protocol tools — and implement and verify fixes In-House Lab Testing •  Perform and run in-house lab tests under the direction of the Engineering Team, including thermal-vacuum chamber tests, battery discharge/charge cycle tests, and other stress testing •  Develop and refine bring-up and test procedures; capture data and feed findings back to the engineering team SMT, Cable/Harness & Equipment •  Set up and operate in-house SMT assembly — pick-and-place programming and feeder optimization, stencil and paste process, and reflow profile development and tuning •  Build, modify, and repair complex cable and wire-harness assemblies, including RF/coax termination and interfaces for antennas and RF runs •  Maintain, track, and procure rework/soldering and SMT equipment; recommend consumables and tooling; document ECO changes Mentorship & Production Readiness •  Mentor and supervise Technician I staff; help set bench standards and enforce IPC workmanship and ESD standards •  Support production readiness — DFM/assembly feedback to engineering and manufacturing, first-article inspection, and manufacturing support •  Other duties as assigned by the supervisor Required Skills and Experience Education & Experience •  Associate degree in electronics/electrical technology or equivalent; additional trade or military electronics training a plus •  3+ years of hands-on electronics assembly, rework, and debug experience Skills & Knowledge •  Expert-level soldering and rework skills, with proven fine-pitch SMD and BGA/QFN rework skill under microscope •  Demonstrated ability to independently bring up boards and isolate faults to root cause •  Strong schematic, drawing, and datasheet literacy; able to work from red-lines with minimal direction •  Proficient with oscilloscope, DMM, bench supplies, and common debug/protocol tools Licenses & Certifications •  IPC-7711/7721 certification is a strong plus; working knowledge of IPC workmanship and ESD standards, which this role helps enforce 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 •  SMT line experience (pick-and-place setup, reflow profiling, stencil process) •  Experience bringing up microcontroller/SBC-based boards (e.g., STM32, Raspberry Pi) and probing digital interfaces (I²C, SPI, UART) •  Battery pack / BMS or power-electronics assembly and test experience •  RF/antenna bench experience •  Altium familiarity (reading layouts, netlists, pick-and-place/BOM outputs, assembly guides) •  Prior defense/aerospace or regulated-hardware environment 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 (fine-pitch SMD and BGA/QFN rework, RF/coax termination) for extended periods under microscope •  Ability to sit or stand at an ESD-safe bench for extended periods / ability to lift 25lbs. •  Ability to work in a production and lab environment, including operation of SMT equipment, thermal-vacuum chambers, and battery test setups, and exposure to solder, flux, and coating 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.