UAV Electronics & Integration Technician

Knightwerx; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Knightwerx seeks a UAV Electronics & Integration Technician to drive precision electronics manufacturing and full vehicle electrical integration for our unmanned aerial systems. You will solder PCBs, fabricate harnesses, and wire components from schematics and BOMs, ensuring high reliability and aerospace-grade quality.

You will handle high-current LiPo/Li-ion power lines, perform diagnostics with meters and scopes, and document build logs and deviations.

Qualifications

• 3+ years hands-on experience in electromechanical assembly, ideally in UAV/ robotics/ aerospace/ defense electronics sectors.
• Proven proficiency in precision micro-soldering (devices down to 0402 or smaller).
• Demonstrated expertise in custom wire harness fabrication and terminal crimping.

Responsibilities

• Perform precision through-hole and SMT soldering on multi-layer PCBA to aerospace standards.
• Execute component-level rework, trace repairs, and engineering modifications on flight controllers, ESCs, and power distribution boards.
• Inspect PCBAs using high-magnification microscopes to identify micro-fractures, cold joints, and solder bridging.
• Maintain an ESD-safe workbench and environment.
• Fabricate, modify, and repair aviation-grade wire harnesses and complex cable assemblies.
• Terminate diverse connector types (JST, Molex, XT series, circular connectors).
• Integrate internal modules (flight controllers, GPS, telemetry radios, sensors, payloads) into drone chassis.

Skills

3+ years exp

Micro-soldering

Wire harness fabrication

Education

Assoc degree in Electronics

Tools

Oscilloscope

Multimeter

Regulated power supply

Soldering irons

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled UAV Electronics & Integration Technician to join our engineering and production team. In this role, you will be responsible for the micro-level electronics fabrication and macro-level system integration that powers our unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The ideal candidate bridges the gap between precision electronics manufacturing and complex aerospace assembly, specializing in component-level PCBA soldering, custom wire harness fabrication, and full vehicle electrical integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform precision through-hole and surface-mount technology (SMT) soldering on multi-layer Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBAs) to strict aerospace standards.
• Execute component-level rework, trace repairs, and engineering modifications on flight controllers, Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs), and power distribution boards.
• Inspect PCBAs using high-magnification digital microscopes to identify micro-fractures, cold joints, and solder bridging.
• Maintain a strict Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)-safe workbench and environment.

2. Wiring & Harness Integration

• Fabricate, modify, and repair custom aviation-grade wire harnesses and complex cable assemblies.
• Perform high-reliability crimping, splicing, potting, pin insertion, and strain relief across multiple wire gauges.
• Terminate diverse connector types common in UAV ecosystems, including JST, Molex, XT series, and defense-standard circular connectors.
• Route, secure, and shield power and signal wires inside compact airframes to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI) and structural wear.

3. System Assembly & Integration

• Integrate internal electronic modules, including flight controllers, GPS units, telemetry radios, optical sensors, payloads, and high-output propulsion systems into the drone chassis.
• Work directly from schematics, wiring diagrams, blueprints, and engineering Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Manage and safely handle high-capacity lithium-polymer (LiPo) and lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery distribution lines and high-current power rails.

4. Diagnostics, Testing & Quality Control

• Conduct functional systems-level verification, including power-on checks, isolation/insulation testing, and continuity checks.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot electrical, electromechanical, and signal faults down to the component level using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and regulated power supplies.
• Calibrate onboard sensors (IMUs, compasses, barometers) and verify motor-to-ESC communication protocols.
• Thoroughly document build logs, non-conformances, and engineering deviations.

Qualifications & Skills

Required Experience

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in electromechanical assembly, ideally within the UAV, robotics, aerospace, or defense electronics sectors.
• Proven proficiency in precision micro-soldering (SMD components down to 0402 or smaller).
• Demonstrated expertise in custom wire harness fabrication and terminal crimping.

Technical Skills

• Deep understanding of basic electrical principles (Ohm’s law, voltage drops, AC/DC power routing, and signal integrity).
• Ability to interpret complex electrical schematics and mechanical drawings cleanly.
• Familiarity with UAV-specific components (flight logs, firmware, telemetry modules, and PWM/DShot protocols).

Preferred Certifications & Education

• IPC-A-610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies) or IPC/WHMA-A-620 (Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies) certifications.
• J-STD-001 certification (Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies).
• Associate degree or technical certification in Electronics Technology, Electrical Engineering, Avionics, or Robotics.

Physical Requirements

• High manual dexterity and visual acuity required for fine-motor component placement, pinning, and detailed microscopic inspection.
• Ability to stand or sit at an assembly bench for extended periods.

About Knightwerx

Knightwerx develops American-made, AI-powered unmanned aerial systems and remote sensing technologies that support human-machine teaming in mission-critical environments. We build next-generation aerospace and autonomy solutions for both commercial and government customers where performance, speed, and reliability matter.

As a growing company, we offer the opportunity to work close to the mission, close to the product, and close to the decisions that shape what gets built.

Industry Growth

The autonomous systems, defense technology, and unmanned aircraft industries are experiencing significant global investment and growth.

The global small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) market is projected to experience substantial growth over the next decade, driven by increasing demand for autonomous capabilities, intelligence gathering, force modernization, remote sensing, and next-generation unmanned platforms.

Knightwerx operates at the intersection of these rapidly expanding markets, developing advanced autonomous systems and mission-critical technologies that support the future of aerospace, defense, and national security.

Joining Knightwerx provides the opportunity to contribute directly to technologies shaping the future of human-machine teaming, autonomous operations, and mission success.

Mission & Impact

Join us at a pivotal stage of growth.

As Knightwerx continues to expand, you'll have the opportunity to influence products, shape technology, and help build the future of a company operating in one of the fastest-growing sectors of aerospace and defense.

If you're excited by meaningful technical challenges, rapid innovation, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.