UAV Integration Technician

Job Description

Job Description

UAV Integration Technician

Job Description

The UAV Integration Technician builds unmanned aircraft from parts, kits, and subassemblies through final integration, system checkout, and preparation for flight readiness. This hands-on role performs mechanical assembly, wiring, avionics installation, propulsion and power system integration, configuration updates, documentation, troubleshooting, and pre-flight support to deliver complete aircraft ready for test or operational use. The technician follows detailed engineering build instructions across mechanical, electrical, and systems domains to deliver fully integrated aircraft on schedule in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Responsibilities

• Assemble unmanned aircraft system (UAS) airframes from subcomponents through full system integration.
• Read and follow engineering drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, work instructions, and 3D models to complete builds accurately.
• Execute build instructions, engineering drawings, and configuration changes as directed by engineering.
• Complete build travelers, production logs, and all required documentation accurately and on time.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment with proper tool control and adherence to safety procedures.
• Conduct in-process quality checks and report any deviations or nonconformances immediately.
• Support transition from prototype builds to repeatable production processes and low-rate production.
• Install and integrate avionics systems, autopilots, sensor payloads, and mission systems into the airframe.
• Set up communications systems, including radios, antennas, and ground control station (GCS) interfaces.
• Install and manage power systems such as battery stacks, fuel systems, and power distribution networks.
• Integrate propulsion systems, including engines, electronic control units (ECUs), fuel systems, ignition systems, and related controls.
• Perform aircraft retrofits and upgrades across existing fleet configurations as required.
• Implement engineering change orders (ECOs) and configuration updates in accordance with configuration control practices.
• Modify wiring harnesses, mounting structures, and system layouts to support design changes and integration needs.
• Fabricate, route, and troubleshoot wiring harnesses to ensure proper function and reliability.
• Perform connector termination, continuity checks, and power validation to verify electrical integrity.
• Support integration and validation of power distribution and battery systems.
• Support ground testing, system checkout, and pre-flight preparation for test and operational missions.
• Assist with troubleshooting and rapid issue resolution during flight test operations.
• Deploy to test sites as required to support field operations and on-site integration activities.
• Diagnose integration issues across mechanical, electrical, and software interfaces and identify root causes.
• Work directly with engineering teams to resolve system-level issues and implement corrective actions.
• Perform rapid fixes and modifications in both lab and field environments to keep aircraft on schedule.
• Deliver fully integrated aircraft on schedule to meet test execution timelines and customer delivery requirements.
• Maintain configuration control and build documentation to ensure traceability and compliance.
• Assemble, integrate, troubleshoot, and validate aircraft and aerospace systems to deliver flight-ready platforms prepared for ground testing, flight testing, customer acceptance, or operational deployment.
• Support scaling activities from prototype builds to low-rate production as the program grows.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the broader defense and UAV program.

Essential Skills

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, integration instructions, and 3D models.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly and structural integration of complex systems.
• Hands-on experience with electrical systems, wiring, and basic avionics or embedded systems integration.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across mechanical, electrical, and system-level integration domains.
• Ability to follow safety procedures, quality standards, and tool-control practices consistently.
• Comfort working in fast-paced, evolving environments with iterative build, test, and refinement cycles.
• 3–8+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace, UAS, robotics, automotive, or a similar technical field.
• Strong attention to detail and craftsmanship in all aspects of assembly and integration.
• Experience with DoD or aerospace programs, including UAVs and avionics integration.
• Capability to support ground testing, pre-flight preparation, and flight test operations.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve integration issues across mechanical, electrical, and software interfaces.
• Willingness and ability to deploy to test sites as required to support field operations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certification in A&P, electronics, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering technology, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience supporting transition from prototype builds to repeatable production and low-rate production.
• Experience implementing engineering change orders (ECOs) and maintaining configuration control.
• Experience in UAV, avionics, or aerospace systems integration in a defense-related environment.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate build travelers, production logs, and configuration documentation.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with engineering and test teams.
• Interest in contributing to a growing defense-focused UAV program supporting maritime and naval applications.

Work Environment

The role is based in a new, modern facility in Rockville, MD, focused on building and integrating advanced unmanned aircraft systems for a defense-oriented program. The technician works primarily in a lab and production environment that combines mechanical assembly areas, electronics benches, and integration bays. The schedule follows a 9/80 work pattern, providing a structured workweek with periodic extended weekends. Work involves hands-on use of tools and equipment for mechanical assembly, wiring, avionics installation, propulsion and power system integration, and system testing. The environment is fast-paced and iterative, with close collaboration between technicians, engineers, and test personnel to support ground tests, flight tests, and field operations. Occasional travel to test sites may be required to support on-site integration, troubleshooting, and flight test activities.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rockville, MD.

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $40.00/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 Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Rockville,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.