Hands-On UAV Manufacturing Lead — Prototyping & Assembly

Draganfly Inc.; Merrifield (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Coverage Reimbursement

401(k) matching

Generous time-off

Professional development support

Job summary

Draganfly Inc. in Merrifield, Virginia is seeking a Manufacturing Team Lead to run a small prototyping/production team on the shop floor, while staying hands-on at the bench.

This in-person role involves setting daily plans, moving builds on schedule, and serving as the link between technicians and engineers. You will still build, test, and troubleshoot alongside your technicians, coach and train staff, and uphold safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; hands-on experience acceptable.
• Experience as a line technician or assembler in manufacturing.
• Skilled at soldering electronics and building wiring harnesses.
• Ability to read build plans and schematics with attention to detail.
• Organize work, set priorities, and keep a small team on schedule.
• Strong communication and collaboration with engineering.
• US Person per ITAR due to export‑controlled work.

Responsibilities

• Plan and sequence daily and weekly work for a two-person technician team.
• Provide on-the-floor direction, training, and coaching.
• Track output, quality, risks, and report to management.
• Handle timekeeping, scheduling, and performance feedback.
• Maintain safety, cleanliness, and workmanship standards.
• Assist with hiring and onboarding as the team grows.
• Build, test, and troubleshoot prototype and production sUAS.

Skills

Hands-on technician

Team leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Quality focus

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Soldering

Wiring harnesses

PCBs

Schematic reading

Job description

Draganfly Inc. in Merrifield, Virginia is seeking a Manufacturing Team Lead to run a small prototyping/production team on the shop floor, while staying hands-on at the bench.

This in-person role involves setting daily plans, moving builds on schedule, and serving as the link between technicians and engineers. You will still build, test, and troubleshoot alongside your technicians, coach and train staff, and uphold safety and quality standards.