Production Technician II - Lead

Job Summary

A Production Technician II – Lead will support and guide manufacturing operations by coordinating team activities, ensuring production efficiency, assembling components, and upholding quality and safety standards. This is a working lead position, combining hands‑on production responsibilities with team leadership and oversight. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong technical skills, leadership capability, and the ability to drive team performance in a fast‑paced environment.

• Lead a team of Production Technicians, providing daily hands‑on support to develop and mentor team members.
• Ensure the team has necessary raw materials, tools, consumables, and equipment to meet daily deliverables.
• Monitor and report on quality metrics to support continuous improvement and adherence to standards.
• Verify technician timecards for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with organizational requirements; review and approve timecards in Paychex and Net Suite.
• Track training and skill development within the team to maintain required levels of skillset redundancy across assemblies.
• Identify, resolve, and escalate roadblocks or production issues, acting as a liaison between the Production Technicians and the Production Supervisor.
• Drive improvements in production efficiency by monitoring labor hours charged to assemblies relative to output.
• Remain actively involved in personal production work alongside the team.
• Support the manufacturing team with the fabrication of composite parts and/or electromechanical assemblies.
• Follow written work instructions to assemble and document the build of each assembly.
• Escalate any process or quality issues to appropriate stakeholders.
• Offer suggestions to improve safety, quality, on‑time delivery, and productivity.
• Build and set up test equipment.

• 2+ years of relevant experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Quick learner, hard‑working, with skilled hands and strong attention to detail.
• Technical hands‑on capability, including but not limited to wiring, soldering, parts fabrication, assembly, and general shop maintenance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or mentor peers in a production setting.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills; able to remain calm and professional in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency with basic hand tools and their safe operation.
• Ability to verbally communicate, read and comprehend work instructions, and perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and consistent attendance.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license.
• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Willingness to work overtime as required.
• Able to work onsite at ESAero office locations and relocate to San Luis Obispo, CA.

• Experience in composite fabrication.
• Experience assembling and/or testing complex electromechanical assemblies.
• Experience with parts and inventory management.
• SLO Partners UAV Completion Certificate.

• Health & Wellness:
  Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans – including a 100% employer‑paid option covering both employees and their families.
• Paid Time Off:
  Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off.
• Life Insurance: $25,000 employer‑paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families.
• Supplemental Coverage:
  Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
• Health Savings Account (HSA):
  Take advantage of a tax‑advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.
• Paid Holidays:
  Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
• Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
• Ideal
  
  Location:
  
  Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life – a perfect place to live, work, and play!

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a…