Drone Technician

Monolyth Technologies; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Monolyth Technologies in San Diego is seeking a hands-on Drone Technician to build, test, repair, and troubleshoot FPV drone systems and related support equipment. You will assemble airframes, propulsion, wiring, flight controllers, radios, and payloads, while soldering, crimping, and repairing cables and assemblies.

You will perform hardware debugging and contribute to documentation and testing. This role requires lifting up to 50 pounds, on-site work in Torrey Pines, and US citizenship for

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training preferred.
• Experience building, configuring, repairing, or testing drones or related electromechanical systems.
• Soldering, wiring, and electronic-assembly experience essential.
• Ability to read drawings, wiring diagrams, and BOMs.
• US citizenship due to defense-related work.

Responsibilities

• Build, configure, test, repair, and troubleshoot FPV drone systems and related equipment.
• Assemble airframes, propulsion, wiring, flight controllers, radios, and payloads.
• Solder, crimp, fabricate, and repair cables and assemblies.
• Perform hardware debugging with meters, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.
• Conduct inspections and verify labeling, firmware configuration, and workmanship.
• Manage battery handling, charging, and safety procedures.
• Support rapid prototyping, CAD work, and documentation.
• Assist with testing, validation, and field demonstrations.

Skills

Soldering

Cable assembly

Hardware debugging

3D printing

CAD tools

Documentation

Electronics testing

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or technical certificate

Military technical training

Tools

Multimeters

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Fusion 360

SolidWorks

3D printers

PX4/ArduPilot

Job description

Salary Range: $85,000 - $95,000 per year based on experience and qualifications

Monolyth Technologies is a fast-growing drone startup developing advanced unmanned systems for Special Operations Forces. We design and build compact aerial systems used for reconnaissance and tactical operations.

We are looking for a hands-on Drone Technician who wants real responsibility, fast learning, and the opportunity to build hardware that is actually used in the field.

This role is ideal for an early-career technician interested in drones, robotics, electronics, embedded systems, and defense technology.

What You'll Do

• Build, configure, test, repair, and troubleshoot FPV drone systems and related support equipment.
• Assemble drone airframes, propulsion systems, wiring, flight controllers, radios, payloads, and other mechanical and electrical components.
• Solder, crimp, fabricate, and repair cables, connectors, and electronic assemblies.
• Perform hardware debugging using multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other lab equipment.
• Complete pre-build, in-process, and final inspections; verify fasteners, connectors, routing, labeling, firmware configuration, and workmanship.
• Safely charge, discharge, inspect, store, cycle, and track lithium-based flight batteries.
• Use 3D printing and CAD tools to support rapid prototyping, fixtures, repairs, and hardware development.
• Support prototype builds, hardware integration, and low-volume manufacturing activities.
• Create and maintain manufacturing documentation, bills of materials, assembly procedures, inspection records, and work instructions.
• Assist with testing, validation, demonstrations, and iteration of new drone platforms.
• Maintain serial-number traceability, repair history, configuration status, and inventory transactions.
• Help improve internal build, test, inventory, and engineering-change processes.
• Travel as needed to support testing, demonstrations, and field operations.

Technical Areas You'll Work In

• FPV drone integration, configuration, and troubleshooting
• Flight controllers, ESCs, motors, radios, GPS, telemetry, and video systems
• Power distribution and battery systems for drones
• Electronic assembly, cable fabrication, and hardware debugging
• RF communication systems and antenna installation
• Rapid prototyping, 3D printing, and hardware iteration
• Prototype and low-volume manufacturing processes
• Configuration control, quality inspection, and assembly documentation

Tools & Technologies

• Soldering stations, crimpers, torque tools, hand tools, and electronic assembly equipment
• Multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and basic RF test equipment
• FPV flight controllers, ESCs, motors, radios, receivers, antennas, and video systems
• PX4, ArduPilot, Betaflight, or similar flight-control platforms
• Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or other CAD tools
• 3D printers and rapid-prototyping tools
• Bills of materials, work instructions, inventory systems, and engineering-change documentation

Who We're Looking For

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree, technical certificate, military technical training, apprenticeship, or equivalent hands-on experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience building, configuring, repairing, testing, or troubleshooting drones, robotics, electronics, RC aircraft, vehicles, or other electromechanical systems.
• Hands-on soldering, wiring, connector, and electronic-assembly experience.
• Experience building, configuring, repairing, or flying FPV drones.
• Experience with 3D printing and rapid prototyping.
• Ability to read and follow drawings, wiring diagrams, bills of materials, work instructions, and inspection checklists.
• Experience supporting manufacturing and developing clear assembly or repair documentation.
• Hands-on builder mindset—comfortable assembling hardware, diagnosing problems, and iterating quickly.
• Strong attention to detail, disciplined documentation habits, and a commitment to safe, high-quality work.
• Self-motivated and able to work on-site in Torrey Pines, San Diego.
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, work at a bench for extended periods, and perform occasional field work in varying conditions.
• Willing and able to travel as needed.
• Must be a U.S. citizen due to the nature of the work.

Bonus Experience

• Personal or professional FPV drone, RC aircraft, robotics, or electronics projects
• IPC/J-STD soldering training or certification
• Embedded firmware loading, configuration, or basic C/C++ experience
• PCB rework, hardware bring-up, or cable-harness fabrication
• Prototype or low-volume aerospace, defense, robotics, automotive, or electronics manufacturing
• Creating assembly procedures, bills of materials, inspection records, or technical work instructions

Why Join Monolyth

• Work directly on real systems used by Special Operations Forces
• Small team with high ownership and fast decision-making
• Exposure to hardware, firmware, and RF engineering
• Opportunity to gain experience building real-world drone systems