UAV Build & Test Technician

Grid Aero; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity stake

Hotel accommodations for early test days

Mileage reimbursement for test site travel

Job summary

Grid Aero is looking for a UAV Build & Test Technician to develop the next generation of autonomous cargo aircraft. This onsite position entails fabricating airframes, wiring systems, and supporting flight tests both in San Leandro and a test site in Merced. Deep understanding of mechanical assembly is crucial. Candidates with a relevant degree or significant experience in R&D roles are encouraged to apply. Compensation ranges from $90k to $110k with equity options.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in R&D technician or similar roles.
• Ability to read schematics and build clean wiring harnesses.
• Experience with large-scale RC aircraft or industrial drone hardware.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate airframes and wiring systems at San Leandro HQ.
• Travel to Merced flight-test site for evaluations.
• Perform routine inspections and upgrades on the test fleet.

Skills

Mechanical Assembly

Electrical Proficiency

Field Operations

Sheet Metal Fabrication

Machine Shop Skills

Education

A.S. or B.S. in Mechanical/Electronics Technology or Aviation Maintenance

Tools

Pneumatic Rivet Guns

Manual Lathe

Band Saw

Job description

Job Title: UAV Build & Test Technician

Company: Grid.aero
Location: Onsite 5 days/week [San Leandro, CA / Merced, CA]

This position requires 2 to 3 days a week travel to Atwater Castle Airport.

About Us:

Grid.aero is a VC-backed aviation startup tackling complex challenges in both defense and commercial markets. We are focused on solving real-world problems that will shape the future of the industry. Led by aerospace veterans and supported by leading venture firms, Grid is at the forefront of developing autonomous systems that will revolutionize how goods move through the skies.

Be part of a fast-growing, high-impact startup from day one. At Grid, your work will shape critical industries, driving innovation at the intersection of national security and global commerce.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a versatile, hands-on Build & Test Technician to join our team in developing the next generation of autonomous cargo aircraft. This isn't a "sit-at-a-desk" job; you will be the bridge between engineering designs and a flying reality.

You'll spend your time at our San Leandro HQ fabricating airframes and wiring systems, then transition to our Merced flight-test site to see your work take to the skies. This position requires 2 to 3 days a week travel to Atwater Castle Airport. While we don't require an A&P license, we do require the precision, discipline, and mechanical intuition of a master builder. If you have a deep understanding of mechanical assembly—whether you've built a kit plane (like a Van's RV), restored a classic car, or built combat robots—you'll fit right in.

What you'll do:

• Sheet Metal Fabrication: Drill, deburr, dimple, and rivet aluminum airframe components, taking responsibility for the structural integrity of the vehicle.
• Systems Integration: Build and install high-quality wiring harnesses, utilizing proficiency in soldering, crimping, and routing to ensure clean, reliable connections.
• Field Operations: Act as the primary hardware support during flight tests in Merced, including pre-flight inspections, rapid "field-fix" troubleshooting, and vehicle recovery.
• Fleet Maintenance: Perform routine inspections and upgrades on our test fleet to ensure every bird is flight-ready.
• Prototyping & Machining: Use manual lathes, mills, and band saws to create custom brackets or fixtures as needed by the engineering team.
• Shop Stewardship: Maintain expert-level comfort with pneumatic rivet guns, bucking bars, and precision measuring tools while managing hardware inventory (AN/MS bolts, rivets).
• Collaborate on "Calm Air" Windows: Maintain extreme reliability for 6:00 AM starts in Merced to hit critical flight test windows.

Who you are:

• Mission-Driven: You're passionate about solving big, complex problems through technology and driven by the chance to change industries.
• Innovator: You thrive on the challenge of working with cutting-­edge technologies and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
• Builder: You enjoy the excitement and impact of working at an early-­stage startup where your contributions directly shape the future.
• Collaborative: You work well with diverse, cross‑functional teams and are excited to lead, mentor, and inspire others.
• Extreme Reliability: You understand that flight windows rely on "calm air," and you are willing to be on-site for 6:00 AM starts to ensure mission success.

Key Qualifications:

• Education & Experience: A.S. or B.S. in Mechanical/Electronics Technology, Aviation Maintenance, or a related technical field; or 5+ years of experience in R&D technician or similar roles.

• Mechanical Mastery: Expert-level comfort with pneumatic rivet guns, bucking bars, Clekos, and precision measuring tools.

• Electrical Aptitude: Ability to read schematics and build clean, robust harnesses that can handle the vibrations of flight.

• Machine Shop Skills: Proficiency using a manual lathe, mill, or band saw to create custom brackets or fixtures.

• UAV/RC Background: Experience with large-scale RC aircraft or industrial drone hardware.

• Bonus Points: Specific experience with Van's RV-series or other all-metal kit aircraft; basic knowledge of composite repair (fiberglass/carbon fiber); or prior military experience as a structures (Airframe) or avionics technician.

• Logistics & Support

• Location: Primarily based in San Leandro, CA, with required travel to Merced, CA.

• Travel: All mileage for trips to the Merced test site is fully reimbursed.

• Lodging: For early‑morning test days, we provide and pay for hotel accommodations in Merced the night before.

Why Join Grid.aero:

• Mission First: Tackle some of the most important national security issues of the day.
• Ownership: Receive a significant equity stake and help build the future of Grid.aero.
• Impact: As one of our first hires, you'll have a direct and visible impact on the success of the company.
• Innovation: Lead the architecture of a game‑changing product that will redefine the air logistics industry.
• Growth: Work alongside experienced aerospace founders and grow with the company as a key technical leader.

Compensation: $90k - $110k / 0.1 - 0.25% Equity

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Grid.aero is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Legal Notice:

Grid.aero is committed to complying with U.S. export control laws. Due to the nature of our work, candidates must be U.S. persons (U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).