Job Title: Maintenance Technician – Drone Flight Operations Job Description This 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. Responsibilities Maintain 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 Skills Hands-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