Assembly Lead

Assembly Lead

Flightwave - Torrance, CA 90503

Position Summary

The Assembly Lead will oversee and coordinate daily operations of an assembly team responsible for UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) systems and aerospace component builds. This role ensures safe, efficient, and compliant assembly processes while maintaining the highest standards of quality and on-time delivery.

The Assembly Lead is accountable for workforce training, adherence to aerospace/defense regulatory requirements, and setting the example for continuous improvement on the assembly floor. The ideal candidate has hands-on aerospace assembly experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily activities of assembly personnel, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and schedule requirements.
• Oversee the assembly of UAVs, subsystems, and precision aerospace components, ensuring adherence to engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
• Train, and mentor assembly technicians, promoting a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, supply chain, and program management teams to resolve technical or process issues affecting assembly operations.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO, ITAR, and other aerospace/defense regulatory requirements.
• Support lean initiatives such as 5S, standard work, visual management and process improvements to optimize assembly efficiency and reduce waste.
• Track and report key performance metrics (throughput, first-pass yield, rework, defects) and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Ensure assembly documentation, including work instructions and travelers, is followed and maintained.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field. An equivalent combination of education and hands-on aerospace assembly experience may be considered.
• Minimum 2-3 years of assembly or production leadership experience in aerospace, defense, or high-precision manufacturing environments.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience leading assembly or technical personnel.
• In-depth knowledge of aerospace assembly methods (mechanical, electrical, composites, subassemblies).
• Familiarity with aerospace/defense documentation, travelers, and build records.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, assembly diagrams, and specifications.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems for assembly scheduling and material tracking.
• Knowledge of quality and regulatory standards (AS9100, ISO, ITAR).

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt preferred
• Hands-on experience with UAV or defense-related system assembly.
• Knowledge of torque, bonding, sealing, and wiring practices common in aerospace assembly.
• Background in implementing lean assembly cells or automation solutions.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to work in an assembly/manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, noise, and airborne particles.
• May be required to stand, walk, and handle small tools or components for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds regularly.
• Flexible to support overtime, weekend, or shift work as required by production schedules.

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.

Compensation: $26.44 – $44 per hour, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.