Manufacturing Technician

Draganfly Inc.; Merrifield (MN); On-site; USD 58,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary 58k–70k USD

Health coverage reimbursement

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Professional development support

Job summary

Draganfly Inc. is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Technician to support assembly, testing, and maintenance of prototype and production small UAVs at our Merrifield facility.

You will work independently and with technicians to ensure neat, efficient workmanship on sensitive electronic and mechanical systems. The role focuses on soldering, wiring, assembly, calibration, and troubleshooting of sUAS, with onsite travel for events and technical support.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with hands-on skills; post-secondary education not required.
• Soldering small electronics and wiring harnesses for sUAS.
• Experience with basic mechanical assembly and use of hand/power tools.
• Familiarity with radio control/data transmission devices and drivers.
• Able to follow build plans and schematics with high attention to detail.
• US Person status for ITAR-controlled work.

Responsibilities

• Assemble mechanical/electronic components accurately and repeatably.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and test sUAS and related gear.
• Set up equipment to evaluate and modify electronic assemblies.
• Install and configure software/firmware for components.
• Fabricate parts with CNC, thermoforming, and 3D printing.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized workspace and records.

Skills

Soldering

Wiring harnesses

Mechanical assembly

Hand tools

Power tools

Electronics troubleshooting

CNC/machining basics

Ability to follow schematics

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CAD software

ArduPilot

BetaFlight

QGroundControl

3D printers (FDM/SLA)

CNC machinery

Job description

About Draganfly

Draganfly Inc. (the “Company”) has been a recognized technology leader within the commercial UAV space for over two decades. We helped establish the commercial market & adoption of multi-rotor helicopters for public safety, agriculture, aerial imaging, & more. As a leader who helped shape the industry, Draganfly’s focus is on the sale of drone products and services, contract engineering & custom integration product development, and health monitoring products and services.

Additional information on our expertise, projects, and culture can be found at https://draganfly.com/

About The Role

Draganfly is seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented Manufacturing Technician to support the construction, testing, and maintenance of prototype and production small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). You will work independently and alongside other technicians to assemble sensitive electronic devices and mechanical systems, with a focus on neat, efficient, and consistent workmanship.

This is an in-person role based at our manufacturing facility in Merrifield, Virginia, with occasional travel required to provide onsite technical support at events.

Assembly & Production

• Assemble mechanical and electronic components in a highly organized, repeatable manner.

Testing & Technical Support

• Maintain, operate, and troubleshoot sUAS and related equipment.
• Set up equipment to test, evaluate, and modify electronic components and assemblies.
• Install, configure, and troubleshoot software and firmware for electronic components.

Fabrication & Equipment Operation

• Solder and assemble wiring harnesses and printed circuit boards.
• Create and modify mechanical components using hand and power tools.
• Operate CNC machinery, thermoforming equipment, and 3D printers, with onsite training provided as needed.

Documentation, Quality & Workplace Safety

• Assist with manufacturing records, maintenance documentation, and inventory control processes.
• Finish components through sanding, painting, and other processes.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace.

Engineering & Event Support

• Support the engineering team with manufacturing, testing, revisions, and product development tasks as required.
• Occasionally travel to provide onsite technical support at events.

Who are you really?

• You are hands-on, detail-oriented, and take pride in clean, consistent, high-quality work.
• You are comfortable working with sensitive electronic devices, mechanical assemblies, and prototype systems.
• You can follow build plans, schematics, and technical instructions with a high level of accuracy.
• You are organized, dependable, and able to work independently while collaborating effectively with technicians and engineering teams.
• You enjoy troubleshooting, problem-solving, and learning new tools, systems, and manufacturing processes.
• You maintain a strong awareness of safety and cleanliness in a workshop environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED, with relevant hands-on skills or equivalent practical experience; formal post-secondary education is not required.
• Skilled at soldering small electronics and creating wiring harnesses.
• Knowledge of common mechanical assembly techniques used in drone construction, including threaded fasteners, adhesives, and related methods.
• Experience using common hand and power tools, including bench and portable versions.
• Basic troubleshooting experience with software on electronic devices, including drivers and communication protocols.
• Experience setting up and troubleshooting radio control and data transmission devices.
• Able to follow build plans and schematics with a high degree of attention to detail.
• Must be a U.S. Person as defined under ITAR (22 CFR 120.62), a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual, due to the export-controlled nature of the work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with computer-aided design software.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Experience with UAS configuration and operating software such as ArduPilot, BetaFlight, INAV, or QGroundControl.
• Experience using and maintaining FDM or SLA 3D printers and CNC milling equipment.
• Familiarity with composite or thermoforming processes.

Compensation Package

• Competitive salary: $58,000 – $70,000 USD
• Health Coverage Reimbursement: We reimburse the cost of your existing or preferred healthcare plan (amount varies depending on family size).
• 401(k) program with employer matching
• Generous time-off program, including vacation, wellness days, and the week off between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Professional development support, including assistance in obtaining or maintaining role-relevant certifications (e.g., FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, where applicable)

Why Join Us?

At Draganfly Innovations, you’ll join a collaborative team that values innovation, curiosity, and continuous improvement. We’re in an exciting growth phase, scaling our technologies, product lines, and teams as we continue to shape the future of UAV innovation. Joining us now means becoming part of a company with deep roots in the industry - and bold ambitions for what comes next.

You’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, work on diverse and cutting‑edge projects, and grow your skills alongside passionate experts. We offer competitive compensation, strong benefits, and a supportive environment where your contributions truly matter. Here, you won’t just join a company - you’ll help build what comes next.

As part of our hiring process, all candidates must successfully complete reference checks and a criminal background check.