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

Convective; Sausalito (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity compensation

Comprehensive health coverage

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Unlimited PTO

Career development

Job summary

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.

The company backs this mission with strong investor support and a focus on safety and quality in production. The Electrical Technician will perform final assembly, wiring, and functional testing of complex UAV systems, ensuring adherence to ESD and safety protocols while collaborating with engineering on DFx

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in electrical/electromechanical assembly, preferably UAV/robotics/aerospace
• Demonstrated experience with UAV or robotics platforms (build, integration, 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 troubleshooting PCBs/PCBAs at the component level
• Ability to read wiring diagrams, schematics and assembly drawings
• Working knowledge of test and assembly equipment: multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies
• Understanding of basic electrical principles (voltage, current, resistance, power distribution)
• Commitment to quality and thorough documentation
• Able to work independently and manage multiple builds/tests in a fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

• Perform final assembly of electronics including wiring harnesses, power distribution, flight controllers, motors/ESCs, sensors, and payload electronics
• Solder and rework electronic components to high workmanship standards
• Crimp and terminate connectors for power and signal wiring
• Inspect and troubleshoot PCBs and PCBAs
• Conduct functional and systems-level testing with power-on tests and calibration
• Diagnose electrical faults with meters and scopes
• Document test results, non-conformances, and deviations per quality procedures
• Collaborate with engineering on DFx issues and provide feedback from the production floor
• Maintain calibration and organization of tools and workstations
• Follow ESD-safe handling for sensitive components
• Support root-cause analysis and corrective actions for recurring issues
• Adhere to safety protocols, especially battery handling (LiPo/Li-ion) and high-current systems

Skills

Electrical assembly

Soldering

PCB troubleshooting

Wire harnessing

Quality documentation

Safety procedures

Tools

Multimeters

Oscilloscopes

Power supplies

Job description

The 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.

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.