R&D Technician

Stealth Mode; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace & defense startup in California is looking for an R&D technician to manage prototyping and fabrication operations. The successful candidate will possess over 5 years of experience in a manufacturing or R&D environment, demonstrating expertise in fabrication and leadership skills. This role involves mentoring a high-performance team, developing technical standards, and ensuring rigorous quality controls in a fast-paced and innovative setting. Competitive compensation and growth opportunities available.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a high-performance manufacturing or R&D environment.
• Experience in fabrication, machining, and welding.
• Strong problem-solving skills and leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate prototypes and support systems testing.
• Mentor a team of technicians and develop best practices.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

fabrication

machining

welding

problem-solving

team leadership

Job description

About The Company

We are a stealth-mode Aerospace & Defense startup headquartered in Gardena, CA. Our founding team hails from SpaceX, Anduril, and Lockheed Martin, and we are backed by Joint Staff-level military leadership and top-tier Silicon Valley rms. We're assembling a high urgency team committed to moving fast, solving hard problems, and defending what matters most. With a world-class business development & leadership team already in place, we are well positioned to capitalize on already overwhelming demand.

Role Overview

As an R&D technician, you will be at the forefront of our company’s critical operations in a fast-paced, innovative environment. You will take ownership of prototyping, machining, assembly, testing, and fabrication operations, ensuring attention to detail and proper documentation as we develop next-generation military equipment.

Key Responsibilities

Fabrication Skills

• Work closely with engineering to fabricate prototypes, build and operate systems while ensuring adherence to specifications, quality standards, and safety protocols.
• Collaborate with engineering to improve designs through rapid iteration to refine manufacturing techniques.
• Participate in design reviews, providing input on long term manufacturability, available resources, and design improvements.
• Autonomously spec, source, and commission equipment, research new best practices, coordinate resources, and report project status.
• Support critical system testing and validation efforts, ensuring products meet performance and reliability requirements. Some of these efforts will require off-site travel.

Team Development

• Build, lead, and mentor a team of ambitious, quality-focused technicians, fostering a culture of technical excellence, teamwork, and accountability.
• Develop and document best practices for machining, fabrication, assembly, and quality inspection.
• Identify and resolve technical challenges, implementing corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Train and upskill technicians on new processes, tools, and industry best practices.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment.

Who You Are

• You thrive in ambiguity and enjoy solving hard problems with limited resources.
• You believe quality and speed are not mutually exclusive.
• You take ownership and drive continuous improvement without waiting for permission.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a high-performance manufacturing or R&D environment with experience in multiple of the following areas: fabrication, machining, welding, pneumatic/hydraulic systems, test processes, test stand development.
• Deep understanding of aerospace-grade production/quality standards and a demonstrated track record of enforcing them.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings and technical specifications & processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a hands‑on approach to technical challenges.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to build and coordinate a high‑performing team.
• Experience developing complex systems from scratch and the corresponding manufacturing processes.
• Experience in aerospace, nuclear, defense, or advanced manufacturing industries.
• Knowledge of materials science, precision machining, and quality inspection techniques.
• Hands‑on experience with fluid, gas, or high‑voltage systems.
• Experience with automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing techniques.
• Background in process optimization and lean manufacturing principles.
• Familiarity with PLM, ERP, and manufacturing planning systems.

ITAR Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.