Build Technician

Stealth Mode; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A stealth-mode Aerospace & Defense startup seeks a Build Technician to lead prototyping and production efforts. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in a high-performance manufacturing environment and possess strong mechanical and electrical assembly skills. Responsibilities include fabricating prototypes, collaborating with engineering, and ensuring adherence to aerospace-grade production standards. This role requires excellent problem-solving abilities and the capability to work in a demanding environment, supporting project milestones and training technicians.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in high-performance manufacturing or R&D environment.
• Deep understanding of aerospace-grade production/quality standards.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate prototypes and build test systems.
• Collaborate with engineering to improve designs.
• Participate in design reviews and provide input on manufacturability.
• Document best practices for machining and assembly.
• Support critical system testing and validation.

Skills

High-performance manufacturing experience

Mechanical assembly skills

Electrical assembly skills

Problem-solving skills

Technical communication

Job description

About The Company

We are a stealth-mode Aerospace & Defense startup headquartered in Gardena, CA. Our founding team hails from SpaceX, Anduril, and Lockheed Martin, and we are backed by Joint Staff-level military leadership and several Silicon Valley firms. With a world-class business development & leadership team already in place, we are well positioned to capitalize on already overwhelming demand.

Role Overview

As a Build Technician, you’ll be at the heart of our prototyping and production efforts. This is a dual‑discipline role requiring a solid foundation in both mechanical and electrical assembly. You’ll be assembling and testing complex hardware. You’ll work closely with engineering, test, and production teams to ensure quality, performance, and on‑time delivery of mission‑critical systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with engineering to fabricate prototypes, build and operate test systems while ensuring adherence to specifications, quality standards, and safety protocols.
• Collaborate with engineering to improve designs through rapid iteration to refine manufacturing techniques.
• Participate in design reviews, providing input on long‑term manufacturability, available resources, and design improvements.
• Develop and document best practices for machining, fabrication, assembly, and quality inspection.
• Identify and resolve technical challenges, implementing corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support critical system testing and validation efforts, ensuring products meet performance and reliability requirements. Some of these efforts will require off‑site travel.
• Train and upskill technicians on new processes, tools, and industry best practices.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment.

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years in a high‑performance manufacturing or R&D environment with experience in multiple of the following areas: fabrication, machining, welding, pneumatic/hydraulic systems, test processes, test stand development.
• Deep understanding of aerospace‑grade production/quality standards and a demonstrated track record of enforcing them.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings and technical specifications & processes.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience developing complex systems from scratch and the corresponding manufacturing processes.
• Experience in aerospace, nuclear, defense, or advanced manufacturing industries.
• Background in process optimization and lean manufacturing principles.
• Familiarity with PLM, ERP, and manufacturing planning systems.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with a hands‑on approach to technical challenges.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to build and coordinate a high‑performing team.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones.
• The job may require frequently lifting up to 50 lbs and performing physically demanding tasks as needed.