Instrumentation Wiring Technician

Industry: Aerospace / Space Launch & Vehicle Manufacturing

We're looking for a hands-on Instrumentation Panel Wiring Technician to build and test wiring harnesses and instrumentation panels for rockets, spacecraft, and ground support equipment (GSE). This is a fast-paced, iterative manufacturing environment where you'll work directly with engineers to build flight and test hardware that flies within months, not years. You'll need to be comfortable with rapid design changes, tight tolerances, and a "build it, test it, fly it" culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Fabricate, assemble, and terminate wire harnesses and instrumentation panels for flight vehicles, engines, and GSE per engineering drawings and internal work instructions
• Install and wire sensors, transducers, thermocouples, pressure transducers, strain gauges, and other instrumentation used for vehicle health monitoring and test data acquisition
• Perform crimping, soldering, splicing, and connector assembly (D-sub, circular MIL-spec, and high-density connectors) to IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class 3 or higher standards
• Route and secure wiring in tight, weight-sensitive spaces while maintaining bend radius, separation, and chafe-protection requirements
• Conduct continuity, hipot, insulation resistance, and functional checkouts; troubleshoot and rework wiring discrepancies on the fly
• Support integration with avionics, engine controllers, and data acquisition systems
• Work closely with design and test engineers to implement same-day drawing changes/ECOs during active build and test campaigns
• Maintain meticulous build records, traveler documentation, and non-conformance reporting in a paperless/digital MES environment
• Support hardware-in-the-loop and pre-launch/static-fire test operations as needed
• Participate in root-cause investigations for wiring-related anomalies or failures
• Maintain FOD (Foreign Object Debris) control and clean-room/ESD discipline

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in wire harness fabrication, panel wiring, or instrumentation assembly (aerospace, defense, or high-reliability electronics)
• Working knowledge of IPC/WHMA-A-620 (Class 2/3) or J-STD-001
• Ability to read and interpret complex wiring diagrams, schematics, and mechanical drawings
• Skilled with hand tools, crimpers, solder stations, and continuity/hipot test equipment
• Comfortable working in a high-iteration environment with evolving requirements and tight deadlines
• Strong attention to detail and a "quality first" mindset — this hardware flies
• Must be a U.S. Person (citizen, permanent resident, or protected individual) as defined by ITAR, due to export control regulations
• Willingness to work extended hours and flexible shifts, including during test/launch campaigns

Preferred Qualifications

• IPC/WHMA-A-620 or J-STD-001 certification (or ability to certify quickly)
• Experience with cryogenic, high-vibration, or thermal-vacuum environments
• Familiarity with instrumentation for propulsion test stands or vehicle health monitoring systems
• Experience in a startup, rapid-prototyping, or vertically integrated manufacturing environment
• Prior experience supporting test campaigns, static fires, or launch operations

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, kneel, and work in confined spaces (vehicle bays, engine sections) for extended periods
• Fine motor skills for precision wiring, soldering, and inspection work
• Ability to lift up to 25–35 lbs.
• Comfortable working around active test hardware, cryogenic systems, and low-voltage equipment under proper safety protocols

What Sets This Apart from Traditional Aerospace Roles

• Faster design-build-test cycles than legacy aerospace primes
• Direct, daily collaboration with design engineers on the production floor
• Hardware you build may fly within weeks — high visibility, high accountability
• Flat organizational structure; technicians are expected to flag issues and propose fixes, not just execute drawings

Staff DFW is seeking talented, reliable individuals.