Maintenance Tech

Maintenance Technician – Drone Flight OperationsThis role supports flight operations by maintaining and troubleshooting drone body structures, mechanisms, and related ground equipment. You will build and assemble vehicle components from varying levels of documentation, execute and refine test procedures, and replace or repair parts while updating documentation and communicating findings to the engineering team. You will verify that test specifications are correct, ensure they can be executed with available resources, and help validate system improvements and new technologies through hands-on testing in a dynamic field environment.ResponsibilitiesMaintain the existing fleet of aircraft and ground equipment, ensuring all drones and support systems remain safe, reliable, and ready for flight operations.Maintain and support new systems built for function-specific flight tests, including prototype and test vehicles.Run tests to validate system improvements, new technologies, and new processes for performance and design verification.Perform tests and demonstrations related to US FAA Type Certification, following established procedures and safety requirements.Verify that test specifications are accurate, feasible, and executable with the available resources and equipment.Create test setups that match engineering specifications, including interpreting test procedures and diagrams, installing instrumentation, configuring data acquisition, and performing test article diagnostics.Perform front-line root cause analysis for test incidents and failures, identifying likely issues in structures, mechanisms, electronics, or integration.Accurately document and report test incidents and results in clear, layperson-friendly language, ensuring others can understand what occurred and why.Build, assemble, and test components of prototype drones, including electronics, drop door hatches, body structures, and fuselage assemblies.Troubleshoot and replace vehicle parts following written instructions, schematics, and technical documents, updating documentation as you refine processes.Use hand and power tools such as manual mills, bandsaws, screwdrivers, wrenches, torque drivers, drills, and calipers to perform mechanical fabrication, assembly, and repair.Use test equipment such as oscilloscopes and other diagnostic tools to test circuits, sensors, and electromechanical systems.Execute tests for reliability on drone body parts and mechanisms, documenting results and feeding back improvements to engineering.Organize and present test data in a clear, structured format so the engineering team can quickly understand outcomes and trends.Collaborate closely with engineering and flight operations teams to refine test methods, resolve issues, and continuously improve system reliability.Work predominantly in an outdoor, open-air hangar environment, supporting daily flight operations and field maintenance activities.Travel in field service vehicles (such as sprinter vans) to perform maintenance and testing at remote or field locations as needed.Adapt to changing operational needs, including shifting priorities, schedules, and test plans, while maintaining a focus on safety and quality.Lift and handle objects up to approximately 25 kg on a regular basis as part of assembly, maintenance, and field operations.Lead by example in safety, documentation, and teamwork, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and shared mission.Essential SkillsHands-on troubleshooting experience with electromechanical systems, including component-level fault isolation.Experience with maintenance, assembly, and repair of mechanical and electrical systems, ideally in aviation, aviation maintenance, or related fields.Ability to understand and interpret a wide variety of technical documents, including electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.Proficiency using hand tools and power tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, torque drivers, drills, bandsaws, manual mills, and calipers or other measurement tools.Experience testing circuits and executing test builds, including creation and execution of test setups for reliability and performance.Soldering skills for assembly and repair of electronic components and harnesses.Strong problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write clear test reports and incident descriptions.Ability to organize data in a way that is easy to understand and useful for engineering analysis.Comfort working with and testing body structures, mechanisms, and mechanical integrations on complex systems such as drones or similar platforms.Comfort reading and following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and technical instructions accurately.Strong attention to detail and a process-oriented mindset, ensuring consistent, repeatable work.Comfort asking questions and seeking clarification to ensure safe and correct execution of tasks.Ability to lift and regularly handle objects up to approximately 25 kg.Flexibility to work a variety of schedule structures, including days, swings, nights, weekends, and rotational shifts, based on operational needs.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience in commercial aviation or aviation maintenance; an A&P certificate is beneficial but not required.Prior flight test or hobbyist experience with Unmanned Aerial Systems, such as drones or remote-control aircraft.Familiarity with avionics systems, avionics repair, and avionics troubleshooting.Experience with 80/20 builds and modular mechanical framing systems.Exposure to production test and reliability environments, including test development and execution.Experience working with structures, mechanisms, and mechanical integrations in complex systems.Comfort working in an autonomous, dynamic, and sometimes unpredictable environment with minimal oversight.Ability to maintain vigilance and focus during extended daily flight operations, with a continuous improvement mindset.Strong collaboration skills and a track record of working effectively with cross-functional teams.Willingness to learn proprietary software and in-house sensor testing methods, with training provided.Why Work Here?You will contribute directly to a mission-driven organization focused on solving complex global access challenges and building a more equitable, resilient logistics system. The company leverages advanced robotics and autonomy to design, manufacture, and operate one of the world's largest automated delivery networks, serving tens of millions of people. You will join a culture that values initiative, collaboration, and continuous improvement, where hands-on work in the field directly advances a meaningful, real-world impact. The environment encourages asking questions, learning new technologies, and growing your skills while working alongside a dedicated team united by a shared purpose.Work EnvironmentThe role is primarily based in an outdoor, open-air hangar located in rugged foothill terrain in Northern California, where you will spend the majority of your day (around 85%) working hands-on with hardware and software in active flight operations. You will work with prototype and production drones, ground support equipment, and a range of test setups focused on production test and reliability. Daily work involves extensive use of hand tools and power tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, torque drivers, drills, bandsaws, manual mills, calipers, and other measurement tools, as well as test equipment like oscilloscopes and in-house sensor testing systems. The environment is dynamic and operationally driven, requiring flexibility to work various schedules, including day, swing, night, weekend, and rotational shifts, with frequent changes based on flight and test needs. You will split your time between the shop and field work, including traveling in sprinter vans to perform maintenance and testing at remote or field locations. The setting emphasizes safety, clear communication, and attention to detail, with a strong focus on reliable operations in real-world conditions.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Richardson, TX.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $30.00 - $30.00/hr.Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee