UAV Build & Test Technician

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 Grid.aero

Grid.aero is building the next generation of autonomous aviation systems for defense and commercial applications. Led by experienced aerospace and technology operators and backed by leading venture investors, we solve hard operational problems at the intersection of autonomy, resilient logistics, and scalable air mobility. We move quickly, operate with urgency, and build systems designed for real-world deployment where small teams own meaningful problems end-to-end.

Read this, we mean it → Above all, we look for exceptional builders with deep internal drive, massive throughput, hopeless optimism, and a relentless growth mindset. The people who thrive at Grid operate with urgency, learn quickly, adapt fast, and are energized by hard problems with no obvious answers. We value individuals who continuously push themselves and the team around them to improve.

This is an opportunity to work on products with national and global impact alongside a collaborative team that values technical excellence, execution, and mission focus.

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.

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.

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)).