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 Us:

Grid.aero is a VC-backed aviation startup tackling complex challenges in both defense and commercial markets. We are focused on solving real-world problems that will shape the future of the industry. Led by aerospace veterans and supported by leading venture firms, Grid is at the forefront of developing autonomous systems that will revolutionize how goods move through the skies.

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.

• 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.

• Mission‑Driven: You’re passionate about solving big, complex problems through technology and driven by the chance to change industries.
• Innovator: You thrive on the challenge of working with cutting‑edge technologies and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
• Builder: You enjoy the excitement and impact of working at an early‑stage startup where your contributions directly shape the future.
• Collaborative: You work well with diverse, cross‑functional teams and are excited to lead, mentor, and inspire others.
• Extreme Reliability: You understand that flight windows rely on "calm air," and you are willing to be on‑site for 6:00 AM starts to ensure mission success.

• 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…