Lead Aircraft Maintenance Technician (eVTOL)

ODys; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Odys is seeking a highly skilled Lead Maintenance Technician with a strong avionics background to join our team as a Crew Chief for eVTOL programs. You will bridge development engineering and flight operations, fabricating and integrating avionics, payloads, and HV systems on our aircraft, with a focus on mission‑critical payloads.

The ideal candidate has hands‑on HV experience, a rapid‑prototype flight‑test mindset, and a military rotorcraft avionics background.

Qualifications

• FAA A&P license required and active.
• 3+ years of avionics, aerospace electrical systems, or unmanned systems experience.
• Hands‑on soldering, crimping, and harness building skills.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Familiarity with CAN, ARINC, Ethernet data links and testing.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate and install avionics wiring harnesses and interconnects.
• Lead payload integration with diverse sensors and comms interfaces.
• Install and maintain high‑voltage distribution, BMS, and motor controllers.
• Inspect/maintain eVTOL airframe and propulsion components.
• Document work, support flight tests, and troubleshoot anomalies.
• Lead maintenance teams and manage GSE for quick‑turn operations.

Skills

FAA A&P

Avionics experience

Soldering & harnessing

Read electrical schematics

CAN/ARINC/Ethernet familiarity

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree in Avionics Technology

Tools

Soldering tools

Test equipment (multimeters, scopes)

Job description

About Odys

At Odys, we’re mobilizing power, with Hybrid Power Systems developed for aerospace and in-demand everywhere. It’s the kind of mission diversity that demands a fresh way of thinking.

We began with an early bet on hybrid, when the mobility industry was focused on batteries. We designed, tested, and validated our first 1 MW high-speed generator in 12 months. And then we pushed further, developing systems with greater power density in less time. Today, our Hybrid Power Systems offer outputs ranging from 20 kW to 4 MW, with applications in the air or on the ground.

One of those applications is Laila, an unmanned drone designed for critical logistics and defense missions. With its 100 kW-class onboard Hybrid Power System, Laila can support medical cold-chain transport or serve as an aerial platform for counter-UAS measures.

The market interest has been overwhelming: Over 30 inbound requests from leading US and global manufacturers, and 14+ DoD contracts.

Our team comes from deep tech and aerospace, with backgrounds spanning drone and aircraft development, high-volume production, and electrified mobility.

We operate with urgency and ownership at every level. We validated high-speed generator technology faster than our peers, not because we skipped steps, but because we've been doing this long enough to know which ones matter most.

Creating the future of power, in the air and on the ground, is a challenge we’ve been training our entire lives for. If that sounds like you, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Odys is looking for a highly skilled Lead Maintenance Technician with a strong avionics background to join our team as a Crew Chief. In this role, you will bridge the gap between development engineering and flight operations. You will be responsible for the fabrication, installation, and troubleshooting of complex avionics systems on our eVTOL aircraft, with a specific focus on integrating mission‑critical payloads (sensors, cameras, communications). You will also be responsible for airframe level inspections and maintenance.

The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience with high‑voltage electric propulsion systems, has the adaptability required for a rapid‑prototyping, flight‑test environment, and has previous military rotorcraft avionics technician background.

Key Responsibilities

1. Avionics & Electrical Fabrication

• Fabricate, route, and terminate complex aircraft wiring harnesses (crimping, soldering, shielding).

• Read and interpret engineering schematics, wiring diagrams, and interconnect drawings to build and install avionics suites.

• Perform modifications and repairs to existing electrical and mechanical systems during flight test campaigns.

2. Payload Integration

• Lead the mechanical and electrical integration of diverse payloads, including EO/IR cameras, LiDAR, Radar, and experimental communication links.

• Fabricate custom interface cables for non‑standard payloads to interface with the aircraft's CAN bus, Ethernet, or serial (RS-232/422) networks.

• Troubleshoot data and power issues between the Flight Control System (FCS) and auxiliary payloads.

• Work with the engineering team to design temporary mounting solutions for rapid testing.

3. eVTOL & High Voltage (HV) Systems

• Safely install and maintain High Voltage (HV) distribution systems, including cabling, busbars, and connectors for electric propulsion units.

• Assist in the integration and checkout of Battery Management Systems (BMS) and motor controllers/inverters.

• Execute pre‑flight and post‑flight checks on avionics and electric propulsion systems.

4. Mechanical Systems & Airframe Maintenance

• Inspect, service, and repair eVTOL airframe structures, including composite panels, booms, and motor mounts, in accordance with engineering specifications and maintenance manuals.

• Remove, install, and rigorously inspect electric propulsion motors, rotor assemblies, and drive components for wear, damage, or misalignment.

• Perform routine and unscheduled maintenance on landing gear, flight control surfaces, and associated mechanical linkages.

• Apply precision torque techniques and hardware installation practices (safety wire, thread‑locking compounds, and fastener control) per applicable standards.

• Conduct structural inspections for cracks, delamination, corrosion, and foreign object damage (FOD), escalating findings to engineering as appropriate.

• Support ground handling operations including aircraft towing, tie‑down, and hangar configuration.

• Maintain tooling calibration records and ensure all ground support equipment (GSE) is serviceable prior to use.

5. Testing & Documentation

• Perform continuity checks, insulation resistance tests, and power‑on system validation.

• Document all work performed, including harness build logs, red‑lining schematics for engineering updates, and maintaining configuration control.

• Collaborate with Flight Test Engineers to troubleshoot anomalies discovered during ground and flight operations.

• Support the development and implementation of aircraft maintenance and operations documents.

6. Operational Leadership

• Aircraft Maintenance Management: Lead engineering and technical support teams to perform all levels of maintenance. Responsible for maintaining aircraft configuration and all associated documentation.

• Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Management: Manage Mega‑Watt Charging Stations. Understanding thermal management of chargers and liquid cooling carts is vital.

• Quick‑Turn Optimization: eVTOL business models rely on 10-15 minute turnarounds. Experience running a pit crew‑style operation (simultaneous charging, loading, and inspection) is required.

• Safety Management Systems (SMS): Experience actively participating in an SMS (reporting hazards, risk mitigation) is desired.

Required Qualifications

• FAA A&P Certificate: An Airframe & Powerplant license is required.

• 3+ years of experience in avionics, aerospace electrical systems, or complex unmanned systems — military training and equivalent experience will be considered.

• Hands‑on proficiency in soldering, crimping (Mil‑Spec), and harness building.

• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical drawings.

• Familiarity with standard test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, milliohm meters).

• High School Diploma or GED required; A&P License or military avionics training highly preferred.

Desired Qualifications

• Inspection Authorization (IA): Highly desirable for a Chief role, allowing you to sign off on major repairs and annual inspections.

• Part 135 & 145 Experience: Experience in these regulated environments is often preferred over general aviation (Part 91). Or equivalent experience in a military role.

• eVTOL/UAV Knowledge: Demonstrated experience working with electric propulsion, lithium‑ion battery integration, or hybrid‑electric architectures.

• Technical Skills: High proficiency in soldering, crimping (Mil‑Spec), and harness building. Familiarity with standard test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, milliohm meters).

• Technical Skills: Familiar with troubleshooting complex aircraft mechanical and electrical systems.

• Documentation: Ability to read and red‑line complex electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiar with IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards.

• Experience working with High Voltage energy systems

• Background in R&D or flight test environments.

• Knowledge of communication protocols (CAN, ARINC 429, Ethernet, Serial).

• Experience integrating C2 (Command and Control) datalinks and mesh radios.

• Associate degree in Avionics Technology, Electronics or Aircraft Maintenance.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to work around high‑voltage systems (training will be provided, but safety consciousness is mandatory).

• Ability to stand, bend, and work in tight spaces within an airframe for extended periods.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

• Willingness to travel to flight test ranges if required (up to 75% travel). The majority of time in this role will be spent onsite at our flight test range in Buttonwillow, CA.