Autonomous Aircraft Prototype & Assembly Technician

Socket.dev; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 100,289,000 - 128,943,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

FSA

401(k)

Paid holidays

PTO

Disability insurance

Commuter benefits

Free lunch

Job summary

Pyka is seeking an Assembly & Prototyping Technician in Alameda to help build, integrate, test, and iterate our autonomous electric aircraft. You'll translate designs into real hardware, assembling mechanical and electrical systems and fabricating prototype components.

Work with engineers, move between fabrication, systems integration, testing, and maintenance. A hands-on mindset, attention to detail, and collaboration are valued across aviation, automotive, and industrial environments.

Qualifications

• Experience in a technical build/assembly environment such as aviation or automotive.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and interest in building and troubleshooting systems.
• Proficiency with hand and power tools.
• Ability to follow technical instructions and maintain attention to detail.
• Collaborative, able to work with engineers and technicians.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Comfort in active shop with PPE and manual dexterity.
• Willingness to learn across prototype fabrication and systems integration.

Responsibilities

• Build & Assemble: Assemble mechanical components, structures, and aircraft systems using hand, power, pneumatic, and precision tools.
• Prototype & Fabricate: Build, modify, fit, and iterate on prototype parts and assemblies; may include composite layup, bonding, trimming, drilling, grinding, finishing.
• System Integration: Install and test mechanical and electrical subsystems, including actuators, sensors, wiring, connectors, and aircraft hardware.
• Troubleshoot & Repair: Diagnose mechanical and basic electrical issues, support aircraft maintenance, and perform repairs on prototype/test aircraft.
• Collaborate with Engineering: Provide hands-on feedback to engineers on fit, manufacturability, serviceability, and process improvements.
• Documentation & Process Improvement: Follow and improve work instructions, assembly guides, test procedures, and maintenance docs.
• Shop & Material Support: Maintain tools, equipment, supplies, and coordinate with Inventory for parts.
• Safety & Quality: Maintain a clean, safe workspace and adhere to safety procedures.

Skills

Hands-on experience

Mechanical aptitude

Tool proficiency

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Manual dexterity

Safety awareness

Tools

Torque wrenches

Calipers

Micrometers

Multimeters

Wiring knowledge

Job description

Pyka is seeking an Assembly & Prototyping Technician in Alameda to help build, integrate, test, and iterate our autonomous electric aircraft. You'll translate designs into real hardware, assembling mechanical and electrical systems and fabricating prototype components.

Work with engineers, move between fabrication, systems integration, testing, and maintenance. A hands-on mindset, attention to detail, and collaboration are valued across aviation, automotive, and industrial environments.