Assembly Technician

Picogrid; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary $70,000–$120,000

401(k) with employer matching

Full health coverage

Unlimited PTO

Lunch provided

Free EV charging

Job summary

A leading defense technology company in El Segundo is seeking an Assembly Technician to be part of their hardware engineering team. In this role, you will oversee the mechanical assembly process for innovative systems, engage in design discussions, and ensure quality throughout production. Ideal candidates should have a background in electrical mechanical assembly, strong collaborative skills, and a minimum of 2 years' experience. This position offers competitive pay, stock options, and a hybrid working environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience with electrical/mechanical assembly.
• Background in military, aerospace, or automotive sectors.
• Demonstrated leadership through management or community organizing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee mechanical assembly processes and ensure quality.
• Participate in design discussions as a manufacturing expert.
• Develop manufacturing jigs for improved efficiency.
• Maintain production documentation and safety compliance.
• Travel 10–25% for equipment installation and servicing.

Skills

Electrical/mechanical assembly

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Associate degree

Tools

3D CAD software

Manufacturing tools

Job description

Who We Are

Picogrid builds hardware and software infrastructure to connect and control the systems that power critical industries. Our platform unifies sensors, platforms, and operators to power mission planning, autonomous system control, and real‑time decision‑making.

We partner directly with operators, technology companies, and federal agencies to deliver rapidly deployable, mission‑critical capabilities where they’re needed most, often on short timelines and in challenging conditions. Our technology is trusted in active operations, not just test environments, and we move quickly to close real‑world capability gaps for those on the front lines.

Joining Picogrid means working on high‑impact problems at the intersection of autonomy, national security, and cutting‑edge technology. You’ll be part of a small, elite team that builds and ships systems used by the leading organizations around the world. We operate with urgency, ownership, and a deep respect for the mission.

About This Role

Picogrid is seeking an Assembly Technician to help build the next generation of American defense technology. As a core member of Picogrid’s hardware engineering team, you will help define our engineering culture and product roadmap.

As an Assembly Technician, you will work on the enclosures and structural systems comprising Picogrid's current and future hardware platforms, enabling the deployment of unmanned and autonomous systems into operations around the world.

You will own the mechanical assembly process, from design documentation and work instructions to in‑field troubleshooting. You will work collaboratively alongside Picogrid’s world‑class engineering team coming from leading technology companies including SpaceX, Google, Twitter, and more.

Responsibilities

• Assume ownership over the mechanical assembly process, working with the rest of the engineering team in assembling, maintaining, and operating mechanical and electrical systems.
• Participate in collaborative design discussions as a SME on manufacturing and assembly practices.
• Obsess about quality, look for improvements that speed up and simplify processes.
• Perform a variety of mechanical and wiring tasks, including repetitive and bespoke fabrication, final end product assembly, and field maintenance. Use in‑house manufacturing capabilities to fabricate custom parts.
• Develop manufacturing jigs to increase speed and yield of the manufacturing process.
• Follow 3D CAD and assembly drawings to complete assembly and fabrication tasks including:
  • installing fasteners, rivets, and fittings
  • building enclosures and brackets
  • applying gaskets, adhesives, and coatings
• Document your work and keep traceable as‑built documentation for each piece of hardware you build. Assist in keeping source‑of‑truth CAD up to date by providing red‑line feedback.
• Leverage modern software tools to increase productivity and improve visibility.
• Troubleshoot design proposals and provide engineering feedback as a key member of the development team.
• Manage and maintain stock levels for BOM parts and related materials.
• Keep your working space tidy and organized. Be responsible for maintenance and upkeep of manufacturing equipment and space.
• Respect workplace safety guidelines and take LV DC safety seriously.
• Travel 10–25% of your time across interesting and unique parts of the country to perform equipment installations and servicing.

Some Types of Experiences

• 2+ years of experience with electrical/mechanical assembly
• Associate degree
• Military, aerospace, or automotive background
• Track record of leadership demonstrated through management, public service, community organizing, or similar experience

Why Join Us

• Base salary range: $70,000–$120,000 per year. Base salary is just one part of your total compensation package at Picogrid.
• Significant stock options with a high potential upside as an early‑stage company
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Full health coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance)
• Relocation assistance provided
• Unlimited PTO (two‑week minimum) and 11 paid holidays per year
• Paid parental leave for both parents
• Lunch provided when working in‑office and fully stocked kitchenette
• Remote/hybrid‑friendly work environment
• Free EV charging at the office
• Unique office in downtown El Segundo, CA stocked with quality coffee, snacks, and craft beer

Interview Process

• You apply
• Intro conversation
• Interview with our engineering team about your work experience
• On‑site technical interview: Short project working alongside Picogrid engineers
• We make you an offer 🎉

Export Control Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C., (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. and be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.