UAS Fabrication Technician Build & Integrate Flight Systems

Systems Planning & Analysis; Bowie (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) in Bowie, MD seeks an entry-level UAS Builder to join our on-site team. You will construct Group 1–3 fixed-wing and multirotor aircraft from airframe to wiring, working alongside engineers and flight crews to integrate avionics, propulsion, and testing hardware.

No prior piloting experience is required; prior UAS or aviation maintenance exposure is a plus. This hands-on role emphasizes safety, accuracy, and documentation in a dynamic government-focused

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen with a high school diploma or GED and able to obtain and maintain a security clearance if required.
• Two years of hands-on experience building, assembling, repairing, or maintaining RC aircraft or UAS.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, parts lists, and work instructions.
• Proficiency in soldering and building wire harnesses to established standards.
• Ability to lift over 35 pounds and work on-site in Bowie, MD.

Responsibilities

• Build, assemble, and integrate Group 1–3 fixed-wing and multirotor UAS using drawings, wiring diagrams, and parts lists.
• Fabricate and repair aircraft structures using carbon fiber, fiberglass, wood, foam, adhesives, vacuum bagging, and 3D-printed components.
• Assemble wiring harnesses and power distribution systems; install battery systems safely.
• Install and integrate flight control systems, GPS/GNSS, telemetry radios, RC systems, video equipment, servos, and payloads.
• Configure ArduPilot and PX4 firmware; calibrate sensors, radios, ESCs, and failsafes.
• Test aircraft systems and verify motor thrust, current draw, control surfaces, CG, and radio range.
• Document test results and support flight crews during test flights; inspect, troubleshoot, and repair post-incident.
• Maintain build records, configuration data, serial numbers, and nonconformance documentation.

Skills

RC aircraft

UAS maintenance

Aviation assembly

Reading drawings

Soldering

Electrical wiring

Multimeters

Education

High school diploma or GED

UAS program or aviation maintenance training

A&P or FAA cert (desired)

Engineering education/technical projects (desired)

Tools

Calipers

Torque drivers

Multimeters

Wiring diagrams reading

Job description

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) in Bowie, MD seeks an entry-level UAS Builder to join our on-site team. You will construct Group 1–3 fixed-wing and multirotor aircraft from airframe to wiring, working alongside engineers and flight crews to integrate avionics, propulsion, and testing hardware.

No prior piloting experience is required; prior UAS or aviation maintenance exposure is a plus. This hands-on role emphasizes safety, accuracy, and documentation in a dynamic government-focused