Lead, UAV Integration Technician in El Segundo, California at Rainmaker Technology Corporation

Rainmaker is pioneering a modern cloud seeding system to solve water scarcity and inclement weather problems. We develop and incorporate radar validation, weather-resistant UAS, numerical weather modeling, and sustainable cloud seeds into an effective precipitation enhancement solution.

The Production team at Rainmaker builds our UAS platforms, assembles dispersion payloads, and integrates in-situ/remote sensing systems into every vehicle we deliver. As a Lead, UAV Integration Technician, you'll be on the front line of keeping our fleet mission-ready — executing maintenance work instructions with speed and precision to get aircraft back in the field. If you thrive in a hands-on, fast-paced environment where your work has a direct, immediate impact on mission success, this is a great opportunity.

• Coordinate integration efforts. Assign and sequence build tasks across the integration team to hit production schedules and delivery deadlines.

• Own the build process. Oversee assembly of UAVs from individual components into complete systems, ensuring each aircraft meets quality and workmanship standards before leaving production.

• Draft and maintain build procedures. Write, standardize, and update assembly work instructions, wiring diagrams, and integration checklists to ensure consistency and repeatability across builds.

• Lead electrical integration quality. Set standards for wiring harness construction, electrical assemblies, and connection troubleshooting; review and sign off on completed work.

• Communicate field and build gaps. Surface recurring issues, design flaws, or integration challenges seen during assembly or field testing to engineering and program stakeholders.

• Train and develop technicians. Onboard new integration techs, train the team on new components, configurations, or procedures, and build cross-training across mechanical/electrical skill sets.

• Drive quality inspection standards. Establish and enforce incoming parts inspection and final assembly QA processes to catch issues before aircraft reach the field.

• Improve production processes. Identify inefficiencies in the build process, lead process improvement initiatives, and capture lessons learned from each build to improve future ones as production scales.

• Manage parts and tooling. Coordinate with supply chain on parts availability and lead times; oversee tooling, 3D printers, machining equipment, and shop resources used in integration.

• Escalate and resolve blockers. Act as the point of escalation for technical, resourcing, or scheduling issues the integration team can't resolve independently.

• Enforce safety standards. Ensure all integration and field activities follow shop safety procedures and best practices for tool and equipment use.

• 7+ years of hands-on experience in UAV, aerospace, robotics, or similar mechanical/electrical maintenance environments

• 3+ years experience leading a technician team

• Strong experience with mechanical assembly and electrical integration

• Ability to read, interpret, and create technical drawings, wiring diagrams, and schematics

• Proven experience troubleshooting complex mechanical and electrical systems

• Experience writing or improving work instructions, build procedures, or assembly documentation

• Willingness to travel and support field operations and flight testing

• Strong attention to detail and craftsmanship, with the judgment to enforce quality standards across a team

• Ability to prioritize and coordinate work across multiple technicians in a fast-paced, evolving environment

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate field/build issues into clear feedback for engineering and leadership

• Comfortable taking ownership of team output and driving accountability

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs regularly

• Familiarity with basic shop safety procedures, with experience enforcing safety standards for a team

• Familiarity with the use of 3D printers

• Familiarity with the use of torque drivers, power supplies, multimeters, and other diagnostic/hand tools

• Experience machining on 3 and 5 axis machines

• Experience with root cause analysis or corrective action processes

• Familiarity with production tracking, quality management, or maintenance documentation systems

• Experience scaling or standardizing processes in an early-stage or high-growth manufacturing environment

• Significant stock options with high potential upside as an early-stage company

• 401(k) with employer matching

• Full health coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance)

• Relocation assistance provided (if applicable)

• Unlimited PTO

• Paid parental leave for both parents

• Lunch provided when working in-office and a fully stocked kitchenette

• Free EV charging at the HQ