Autonomous Drone Assembly Technician

Starling Inc; Temecula (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

401(k)

Job summary

Starling Inc. in Temecula, California is seeking a hands-on Drone Assembler to build advanced fixed-wing VTOL drones and Drone-in-a-Box systems. The role requires mechanical and electrical assembly skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and in a team.

Join a fast-paced startup with opportunities for growth, competitive salary, health benefits, and a chance to work on cutting-edge technology in autonomous aircraft.

Qualifications

• Experience assembling mechanical or electromechanical products.
• Comfortable using hand tools, torque tools, crimpers, and soldering equipment.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings and assembly instructions.

Responsibilities

• Assemble fixed-wing VTOL drone airframes and mechanical subsystems.
• Install motors, servos, landing systems, batteries, antennas, sensors, and payloads.
• Perform wiring, harnessing, connector installation, and cable management.

Skills

Mechanical assembly

Electrical assembly

Attention to detail

Independent work

Tools

Hand tools

Torque tools

Soldering equipment

Job description

Location: Temecula, California

Join Starling Inc. and help build the next generation of autonomous aircraft.

Starling designs and manufactures advanced fixed-wing VTOL drones and autonomous Drone-in-a-Box systems for defense, public safety, and critical infrastructure customers worldwide. We are looking for a hands-on Drone Assembler to join our growing production team.

What You'll Do

• Assemble fixed-wing VTOL drone airframes and mechanical subsystems.
• Install motors, servos, landing systems, batteries, antennas, sensors, and payloads.
• Perform wiring, harnessing, connector installation, and cable management.
• Build and integrate electrical and electromechanical assemblies.
• Read engineering drawings, work instructions, and assembly documentation.
• Perform functional testing and quality inspections.
• Troubleshoot assembly issues and work with engineering to resolve them.
• Maintain production records and follow quality procedures.
• Help improve manufacturing processes and assembly efficiency.
• Support prototype builds and low-rate production.

Qualifications

• Experience assembling mechanical or electromechanical products.
• Comfortable using hand tools, torque tools, crimpers, and soldering equipment.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings and assembly instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small, fast-moving team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with drones, RC aircraft, robotics, or aerospace manufacturing.
• Basic soldering and wiring experience.
• Familiarity with lithium battery handling.
• Experience with carbon fiber composite assemblies.
• Understanding of quality control and production documentation.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge autonomous aircraft.
• Small, highly skilled engineering and production team.
• Fast-paced startup environment with growth opportunities.
• Competitive salary; Health benefits; Paid time off; 401(k).

About Starling

Starling develops autonomous fixed-wing VTOL drone systems and Drone-in-a-Box technology designed and manufactured in Southern California. Our products enable fully autonomous operations, including precision landing, robotic battery swapping, remote deployment, and long-endurance missions for defense, public safety, and industrial customers.