Lab Operations Associate Jobs in Los Altos, CA (NOW HIRING)

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit compute to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we’re unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.

Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We’re moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.

As the Avionics Hardware Development Lab Manager, you will be the backbone of our engineering environment. You will oversee the daily operations, safety, and organization of our state-of-the-art avionics lab, ensuring our engineering teams have the tools, environments, and components they need to build the next generation of Avionics hardware.

This is a dynamic, hybrid role combining operational leadership, inventory management, and high-precision hands‑on technical execution (such as board rework, wire harness fabrication, and test setup).

• Maintain a clean, organized, ESD‑safe laboratory environment that supports rapid hardware development, integration, and testing.
• Manage the full lifecycle of laboratory equipment, including procurement, calibration, maintenance, asset tracking, and troubleshooting of engineering test equipment.
• Own laboratory safety by implementing and enforcing protocols for electrical safety, high‑voltage systems, hazardous materials, and general lab compliance.
• Perform precision board‑level assembly, soldering, rework, and repair of complex PCBAs, including fine‑pitch SMT, BGA, and other high‑density electronic components.
• Fabricate, modify, and repair custom wire harnesses, cable assemblies, and engineering fixtures from schematics, drawings, and engineering documentation.
• Apply conformal coatings, potting compounds, and other environmental protection processes to flight hardware as required.
• Manage inventory of electronic components, consumables, tooling, and raw materials, ensuring critical parts remain in stock and available for development activities.
• Support engineering teams by assembling prototypes, configuring test benches, integrating instrumentation, and preparing hardware for functional, environmental, and qualification testing.
• Assist with hardware integration, debugging, and validation while maintaining accurate documentation, equipment records, and lab procedures.
• Partner closely with electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and test engineers to improve lab operations, increase efficiency, and accelerate hardware development.

• Experience: 3+ years of experience managing a hardware development lab or electronics workshop, preferably within the aerospace, defense, or automotive industries.
• Soldering & Rework: Exceptional manual soldering skills with proven experience in board‑level rework of fine‑pitch surface mount technology (SMT).
• Harnessing: Demonstrated experience in building high‑reliability wire harnesses, including crimping, shielding, splicing, and connector termination.
• Materials Handling: Hands‑on experience with the application of conformal coatings, epoxies, and potting materials.
• Safety Training: Documented experience or certification in High‑Voltage Safety protocols and laboratory safety management.

• Inventory Tools: Experience utilizing inventory management software or ERP systems for component tracking.
• Technical Degree: Associate degree in Electronics Technology, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent practical experience).
• Experience supporting environmental test campaigns (thermal‑vacuum, vibration) for optical hardware.

The salary range for this position is $113,000 to $185,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job‑related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year
• Paid parental leave
• Relocation assistance if applicable
• Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

• Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all‑inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.’s discretion.

Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.