The Test Technician – Mechanical role focuses on assembling, testing, and troubleshooting small unmanned aerial system products in a manufacturing environment. You will follow released drawings, assembly instructions, and work order protocols to build high-quality electro-mechanical assemblies and support continuous improvement of production processes.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical assembly of subassemblies using hand and power tools in accordance with released drawings and assembly instructions.
• Complete final assembly of ground control equipment and air vehicles, ensuring all components meet established quality standards.
• Test and troubleshoot subassemblies and final assemblies, identifying and resolving issues to ensure reliable product performance.
• Follow work order protocols and accurately complete all work order documentation as tasks are performed.
• Collaborate with production technicians and engineering to correct and improve assembly documentation and processes.
• Conduct in-process quality checks to verify that assemblies meet defined specifications and high-quality standards.
• Train other technicians on established assembly processes and best practices as needed.
• Work with manufacturing engineers to improve assembly efficiency, enhance product quality, reduce manufacturing costs, and validate released assembly and fabrication documentation.
• Follow established procedures on routine work and seek instruction on new or non-routine assignments.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in accordance with company standards.
• Support new product development efforts by working with engineering when documentation and assembly instructions are not yet finalized.
• Work on semi-routine assignments that require attention to detail and adherence to process controls.
• Use soldering techniques as part of the assembly and test process when required.
• Handle wire harnesses, including wire stripping, crimping, and routing, to support electrical and electro-mechanical assemblies.
• Use basic test and measurement equipment such as multimeters and oscilloscopes as needed for troubleshooting and verification.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support production goals and project timelines.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment in electronics or electro-mechanical assembly and test, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Hands-on experience with hand tools, including crimpers, drills, taps, torque wrenches, power tools, and air tools.
• Ability to perform soldering as part of assembly functions and duties.
• Good manual dexterity to handle small components and detailed assembly work.
• Basic computer operation skills for work order systems and documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Experience in electronics, troubleshooting, soldering, and using soldering tools.
• Experience with electrical and mechanical assembly, including wiring and wire harness assembly.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where small teams share a broad variety of duties.
• Strong oral and written communication skills to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Demonstrated initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
• Willingness to take ownership and responsibility for current and past work products.
• Commitment to learning from mistakes and continuously improving performance.
• Team-oriented mindset with a focus on collaboration and placing team success above individual interests.

• Vocational training in electronics is preferred.
• Solder certification is preferred.
• Certifications such as IPC-610, J-STD-001, and IPC/WHMA-A-620 are a plus but not required.
• Ability to read blueprints and schematics is desired.
• Familiarity with safety and ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) practices is desired.
• Experience with wire harness work, including wire stripping and crimping.
• Experience with medical device assembly is considered a plus.
• Ability to use basic electrical test equipment such as multimeters and oscilloscopes.
• Experience reading and interpreting electrical schematics and blueprints.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing methodologies is desired.
• Comfort working with both electrical and mechanical assembly tasks.
• Experience with assembly and test of electronics or electro-mechanical systems in a production environment.

You will join a team-oriented environment that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional growth. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; critical illness, accident, and hospital plans; a 401(k) retirement plan with both pre-tax and post-tax contribution options; voluntary life and AD&D insurance for employees and dependents; and short- and long-term disability coverage. You can also take advantage of a Health Spending Account (HSA), transportation benefits, and an Employee Assistance Program. A structured time-off program with PTO, vacation, and sick leave supports work-life balance while you contribute to innovative products and solutions.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing facility focused on small unmanned aerial system products, involving hands-on mechanical and electro-mechanical assembly and test work. You will regularly use hand and power tools such as crimpers, drills, taps, torque wrenches, power tools, and air tools, as well as soldering equipment and basic electronic test instruments like multimeters and oscilloscopes. The position follows a 9/80 work schedule on the first shift, generally Monday through Friday from approximately 5:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with every other Friday off and the possibility of Saturday work when needed. Over a two-week period, you typically work four 9-hour days and one off day in the first week, and four 9-hour days plus one 8-hour day in the second week, totaling 80 hours. The environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and adherence to established procedures, with a focus on teamwork, quality, and efficiency.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Petaluma, CA.

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $28.00/hr.

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 Petaluma,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 1, 2026.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

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

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall 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 applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.