Electrical Technician - Final Assembly & Test (UAV/Drone Systems)

Transition Ventures; Sausalito (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Coverage

Equity

Unlimited PTO

HSA

Job summary

Seneca is building cutting‑edge drone and sensor technology for wildfire suppression, aiming to eliminate wildfire risk across 500 million acres in the U.S. and allied territories.

The company develops mission‑critical UAV systems and partners with notable investors and leaders in tech. We seek an experienced Electrical Technician to join our production team in Sausalito, handling final assembly, wiring, and testing of UAV hardware.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on electrical/electromechanical assembly in UAV/robotics/aerospace
• Proficiency in soldering (through-hole and SMT) to workmanship standards
• Crimping and wire harness fabrication across connectors/types
• Experience reading wiring diagrams, schematics, and assembly drawings
• Ability to perform functional and systems-level testing of assemblies
• Comfortable using diagnostic tools (multimeters, oscilloscopes) to troubleshoot faults
• Attention to detail and documentation discipline

Responsibilities

• Perform final assembly of electronics and wiring harnesses
• Solder and rework components to high workmanship standards
• Crimp and terminate connectors for power and signal wiring
• Inspect and repair PCBs/PCBAs
• Conduct functional and systems-level tests including power/on, sensor calibration, communication link tests
• Diagnose electrical faults using diagnostic equipment
• Document test results and deviations per quality procedures
• Collaborate with engineering on design-for-assembly/test feedback
• Maintain calibration and organization of tools and workstations
• Follow ESD-safe handling procedures and safety protocols

Skills

Soldering

Crimping

PCB testing

Electrical assembly

Diagnostics

Documentation

Quality control

ESD safety

Tools

Multimeters

Oscilloscopes

Power supplies

PCBAs

Soldering irons

Job description

Location

Sausalito

Employment Type

Full time

Location Type

On-site

Department

Engineering

Compensation

• $71K – $130K

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Electrical Technician to join our production team, responsible for final assembly, wiring, and functional testing of complex unmanned aerial systems (UAS) built for firefighting and other mission‑critical applications. This role sits at the intersection of hands‑on electromechanical assembly and quality-driven testing, ensuring every drone that leaves our facility meets rigorous performance and safety standards.

The ideal candidate has deep experience with UAV or robotics hardware, is comfortable working at the component and system level, and takes pride in precision craftsmanship — from a clean solder joint to a fully validated flight‑ready system.

What You’ll Do

• Perform final assembly of electronics, including wiring harnesses, power distribution systems, flight controllers, motors/ESCs, sensors, and payload electronics
• Solder and rework electronic components and connections to a high level of workmanship standards
• Crimp and terminate connectors (e.g., JST, Molex, XT, Deans, MOLEX Micro‑Fit) for power and signal wiring
• Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair printed circuit boards (PCBs) and PCB assemblies (PCBAs)
• Conduct functional and systems‑level testing of assembled units, including power‑on tests, continuity/insulation checks, sensor calibration, motor/ESC verification, and communication link testing
• Diagnose and resolve electrical faults using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and other diagnostic equipment
• Document test results, non‑conformances, and assembly deviations in accordance with quality procedures
• Collaborate with engineering to troubleshoot design‑for‑assembly and design‑for‑test issues, providing feedback from the production floor
• Maintain calibration and organization of tools, test equipment, and workstations
• Follow ESD‑safe handling procedures for sensitive electronic components
• Support root‑cause analysis and corrective action processes for recurring build or test issues
• Adhere to all safety protocols, particularly those specific to battery handling (LiPo/Li‑ion) and high‑current systems

Background And Experience

• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in electrical/electromechanical assembly, ideally within UAV, robotics, aerospace, or similarly complex electromechanical systems
• Demonstrated experience with UAV or robotics platforms (build, integration, repair, or test)
• Proficiency in soldering (through‑hole and SMT rework) to industry workmanship standards
• Strong crimping and wire harness fabrication skills across multiple connector types and gauges
• Experience working with and troubleshooting PCBs/PCBAs at the component level
• Comfortable reading wiring diagrams, schematics, and assembly drawings
• Working knowledge of test and assembly equipment: multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, hand tools
• Understanding of basic electrical principles (voltage, current, resistance, power distribution)
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality/documentation discipline
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple builds/tests in a fast‑paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with flight controllers, ESCs, motors, and UAV communication/telemetry systems
• Familiarity with battery systems (LiPo/Li‑ion) and associated safety handling procedures
• IPC‑A‑610 and/or J‑STD‑001 certification (or working toward)
• Experience in a regulated or mission‑critical industry (aerospace, defense, public safety equipment)
• Familiarity with ESD control programs and cleanroom/controlled assembly environments
• Basic experience with ERP/MES systems for build documentation and traceability
• Exposure to firefighting, emergency response, or public‑safety equipment standards

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods at a workbench
• Manual dexterity sufficient for fine assembly work, including soldering, crimping, and small connector mating
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 50 lbs when handling drone units and equipment
• Visual acuity sufficient for detailed inspection work, with corrective lenses if needed

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary – Reflective of your skills and experience
• Equity Compensation – Be a part‑owner in the company’s future
• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA) – Optional pre‑tax savings for medical expenses
• Unlimited PTO – Flexible time off to recharge, plus paid company holidays

About Us

Seneca is building cutting‑edge drone and sensor technology for wildfire suppression, aiming to eliminate wildfire risk across 500 million acres of high‑risk U.S. + allied territory. Backed by top‑tier investors, including Convective Capital, Caffeinated Capital, First Round Capital, Slow Ventures, Nextview Ventures, Transition Capital, Bullpen Capital, Stepstone Group, Roar Capital, Offline Ventures, and leaders from Palantir, Google, Meta, and many others, the company has raised $110M in Series A funding and is valued over $500 million. Founded by Stu Landesberg (former Founder & CEO of Grove Collaborative — IPO in 2022 at $1.7B) and fire industry experts, Seneca is a mission‑driven company dedicated to climate resilience and fire prevention.

Compensation Range: $71K - $130K