Drone Assembler / UAV Production 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.