UAV Aircraft Assembler III

Zone 5 Technologies; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401k with company match

3 weeks paid time off

Sick time 40 hours

12 company holidays

Job summary

Zone 5 Technologies in California is seeking an experienced UAV Aircraft Assembler III to join our production team. You will perform high‑precision assembly, interpret engineering drawings, and support multiple programs to meet takt time and quality standards.

Responsibilities include assembling complex structures, executing first articles, mentoring Level I–II staff, and maintaining traceability and documentation across MES. This role offers growth in a cutting‑edge aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with advanced experience.
• 4–6 years of aircraft/aerospace/automotive manufacturing experience.
• Advanced understanding of aerospace/automotive fasteners, torque, sealing, and fit.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot production build issues.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Assemble complex aircraft structures and multi-system installations.
• Execute first-article and early production builds within released configurations.
• Interpret and resolve documentation discrepancies with manufacturing engineering.
• Perform detailed in-process inspections and support quality investigations.
• Identify recurring build issues and recommend process improvements.
• Mentor and support Aircraft Assembler I–II personnel.
• Maintain consistent workmanship across shifts or cells.

Skills

Aircraft manufacturing

Aerospace fasteners

Quality inspections

Documentation

Troubleshooting

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma

Technical certification (preferred)

Job description

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.

We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.

Role Summary

The UAV Aircraft Assembler III performs complex and high-precision assembly work and serves as a technical reference within the production team. Tasks and responsibilities expected for this role include those captured by lower role specific levels.

This role involves working closely with engineers, production technicians, and operations teams to support multiple programs and value streams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assemble complex aircraft structures and multi-system installations.
• Execute first-article and early production builds within released configurations.
• Interpret and resolve documentation discrepancies with manufacturing engineering.
• Perform detailed in-process inspections and support quality investigations.
• Identify recurring build issues and recommend process improvements.
• Mentor and support Aircraft Assembler I–II personnel.
• Maintain consistent workmanship across shifts or cells.

Responsibilities (Level II):

• Assemble aircraft structures and sub-assemblies to released engineering drawings.
• Perform drilling, reaming, fastening, torquing, and sealing operations independently.
• Install production-released mechanical and system components.
• Route and secure tubing, hoses, and cables per defined standards.
• Conduct in-process inspections and identify non-conformances.
• Maintain accurate as-built documentation and part traceability via MES.
• Execute standard work to meet takt time and schedule requirements.

Responsibilities (Level I):

• Assemble basic aircraft components and sub-assemblies using released work instructions.
• Perform drilling, fastening, and hardware installation using approved tools.
• Install basic brackets, panels, and structural components.
• Follow torque, sealant, and bonding procedures as directed.
• Perform visual self-inspection of completed work.
• Accurately complete work instructions and required production documentation.
• Maintain FOD, safety, and quality standards.
• Support senior assemblers as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent with advanced experience.
• 4–6 years of aircraft/aerospace/automotive manufacturing experience.
• Advanced understanding of aerospace/automotive fasteners, torque, sealing, and fit.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot production build issues.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Technical certification or equivalent.

#LI-MD1

Pay range for this role

$27 - $31 USD

What's in it for you:

• Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
• 401k with company-match
• 3 weeks of paid time off each year
• 40 hours of sick time
• 12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?

• Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov .

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in Zone 5 Technologies’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.