Senior Operations Engineer (Hardware)

Flightwave Inc.; Carson (CA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

FlightWave, a leader in drone technology, is seeking a Sr. Operations Engineer to design and build tools for production. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in a manufacturing environment, focusing on hardware and electronics integration, and will work on innovative projects in unmanned aircraft systems.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in a manufacturing-oriented engineering environment.
• Experience with PCB test development and electrical harnessing.
• Proficiency in reading schematics and using electrical debug tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and build board-level test jigs and fixtures for electronics testing.
• Develop and document test procedures for PCBs and integrated assemblies.
• Support troubleshooting and debugging of flight hardware during production.

Skills

PCB test development

Electrical harnessing

Fixture design

Reading schematics

Using electrical debug tools

Basic scripting (e.g., Python)

Production test and quality processes

Education

B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Industrial Systems

Tools

Altium

SolidWorks

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Carson, CA

Salary Range: $132000.00 - $165000.00 Salary

Description

FlightWave, a wholly owned subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings, is looking to fill a Sr. Operations Engineer position with a focus on hardware/electronics integration. We are a dynamic and growing drone technology company focused on the manufacturing of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS drones) for use in defense, public safety, and other government security organizations.

In this role, you will be responsible for designing and building tools and fixtures used in the production of FlightWave aircraft and ground systems. This may include tools used for process automation, board-level testing, wire harness testing, mechanical assembly and inspection, etc. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in a production environment and versatile skills that span electrical and mechanical domains.

Location Note: This role is onsite in Carson, California.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and build board-level test jigs, harnesses, and fixtures for electronics testing in production.
• Develop and document test procedures for PCBs, integrated assemblies, and full system electrical validation.
• Support bring-up, troubleshooting, and debugging of flight hardware during production.
• Collaborate with hardware and software design teams to align on jigging, tooling, and test objectives, and drive design improvement feedback loops.
• Define and implement automation solutions for repetitive electrical and mechanical tasks; improve repeatability.
• Maintain documentation including MBOMs, electrical work instructions, and change control processes.
• Train technicians and engineers on test setup, execution, and troubleshooting procedures.
• Identify and deploy new equipment to streamline production operations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in a manufacturing oriented engineering environment
• B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial Systems, etc.
• Experience with PCB test development, electrical harnessing, and fixture design.
• Proficiency in reading schematics, using electrical debug tools (e.g., oscilloscope, multimeter), and basic scripting (e.g., Python).
• Familiarity with production test and quality processes for hardware products.
• Experience with ECAD, preferably Altium
• Experience with MCAD, preferably SolidWorks

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in unmanned systems, robotics, or aerospace electronics.
• Experience with custom test automation platforms or embedded system validation.

• Experience with statistical process qualification tools such as Gage R&R, process capability analysis (Cp, Cpk), SPC, or measurement systems analysis (MSA).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds independently, including tools, equipment, and hardware.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, crouch, and move around production and lab environments for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity required for handling small components, wiring, tools, and testing instruments.
• Visual acuity to read schematics, inspect assemblies, and operate electrical and mechanical test equipment.
• Comfortable working in both office and production environments, including occasional exposure to noise, dust, or assembly-related materials.
• Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed.
• May occasionally be required to sit at a desk or workstation to perform computer-based tasks or documentation.

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Salary range: $132,000 – $165,000 DOE, complemented by a generous equity award and annual target bonus.

Qualifications