Lead LRU Technician

About the Job:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead LRU Technician to join our maintenance team. The Lead LRU Technician will be responsible for providing technical expertise, guidance, and mentorship to LRU Technicians, while also actively participating in the assembly, repair, testing, and replacement of complex Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) used in critical systems. This role demands an individual with exceptional technical proficiency, strong leadership capabilities, a meticulous attention to detail, and a proven ability to drive operational excellence and ensure compliance with the highest quality and aerospace standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a team of LRU Technicians, providing technical guidance, training, and support to ensure high-quality workmanship and adherence to procedures.
• Plan, prioritize, and assign daily tasks to the LRU technician team, managing workflow and ensuring timely completion of projects.
• Execute and oversee precise electromechanical assembly of flight and development avionics hardware, including the fitting and integration of PCBAs, torquing, sealing, alignment, harness routing, thermal interface installation, and enclosure assembly to deliver fully integrated avionics units.
• Ensure team adherence to strict military and aerospace cleanliness standards for component preparation, cleaning, and handling.
• Interpret, apply, and train team members on detailed engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, and work instructions, verifying accuracy and compliance.
• Lead the identification, documentation, and resolution of non-conformances or build issues, conducting root cause analysis and collaborating with engineering and quality teams to implement corrective actions.
• Oversee and ensure the consistent maintenance of accurate build records and full traceability of parts and workmanship, consistent with aerospace standards.
• Perform advanced functional testing and validation on avionics assemblies, verify compliance with stringent specifications, document all results, and provide expert troubleshooting guidance to the team.
• Lead or oversee polymeric process applications such as potting, encapsulation, bonding, and conformal coating on electronic assemblies and harness terminations, developing and refining application techniques.
• Lead or oversee conformal coating touch-ups on PCBAs, including masking, application, curing, and inspection, ensuring consistent quality in accordance with applicable standards.
• Initiate, lead, and implement continuous improvement efforts aimed at increasing assembly efficiency, quality, process repeatability, and overall team performance.
• Guide the team in adapting effectively to a fast-paced, high-mix production environment with frequent design changes, especially related to flight hardware, proactively managing and communicating changes.
• Instill and mentor team members on strong attention to detail, quality, and rigorous documentation discipline.
• Facilitate effective communication across cross-functional teams, representing the team's technical perspective and fostering seamless collaboration.
• Assist in the development and update of work instructions, procedures, and training materials.
• Conduct quality checks and inspect work performed by the team to ensure adherence to all standards and specifications.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certification or associate degree in electronics, avionics, or a related field strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of direct LRU technician experience in aerospace, defense, telecommunications, or related industries, with demonstrated technical leadership abilities.
• Expert-level knowledge of electronic, electrical, and mechanical systems related to LRUs, including complex fault isolation and diagnostic techniques.
• Ability to read, interpret, and train others on technical documentation, schematics, wiring diagrams, and maintenance manuals.
• Advanced proficiency with test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, and functional test systems, including their application in complex troubleshooting.
• Advanced diagnostic and root-cause analysis skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and excellent communication skills, with the ability to motivate, guide, and develop team members.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and potentially on-call if required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technology, or a related field.
• Proven experience as a Lead or Senior Technician in a high-reliability production environment.
• Expert mechanical assembly skills, including advanced torque methodologies, bonding, and integration of electronics into complex enclosures or chassis.
• Extensive hands-on experience assembling electro-mechanical avionics components, prototypes, and development hardware with iterative design updates.
• Highly skilled in advanced harnessing techniques, PCBA handling, electromechanical assembly, specialized coatings, and staking.
• Practical and theoretical knowledge of polymeric processing for electronic assemblies.
• Extensive experience working in military or aerospace production environments with the highest standards for quality, traceability, and regulatory compliance.
• Current certifications in NASA-STD-8739.3, IPC-A-610 (Class 3), IPC/WHMA-A-620 (Class 3), J-STD-001 (Class 3), and IPC-CC-830 (Conformal Coating) or equivalent.
• Proficient with a wide variety of precision hand tools and assembly equipment used in avionics manufacturing.
• Experience utilizing MES/ERP systems for advanced tracking of work orders, material usage, and nonconformances, and generating reports.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to handle small parts and operate fine motor tools with precision for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing or maintenance environment, which may include standing, bending, and reaching.