Manufacturing Technician

Manufacturing Technician – UAV Systems

Build the hardware that drives mission success.

We’re looking for a hands‑on Manufacturing Technician to help assemble, inspect, and integrate cutting‑edge UAV systems. In this role, you’ll work side‑by‑side with engineers and technicians to turn designs into flight‑ready hardware. If you thrive in a fast‑paced, precision‑driven environment and take pride in building things that matter, this is the role for you.

What You’ll Do

• Assemble UAV structures, mechanical sub‑systems, and components to detailed engineering specs
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, and wiring diagrams
• Perform mechanical and basic electrical integration (servos, sensors, harnesses, avionics)
• Conduct functional and fit checks to verify build quality and performance
• Support part prep (deburring, trimming, polishing, cleaning) and additive manufacturing post‑processing
• Maintain accurate build records, logs, and checklists
• Support prototyping, rework, teardowns, and iterative build cycles
• Uphold 5S, FOD, ESD, and safety standards on the shop floor

What You Bring

• 2+ years of hands‑on mechanical assembly experience (UAV, aerospace, automotive, machining, or similar)
• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort with hand tools, power tools, and precision instruments
• Ability to follow detailed work instructions and maintain clean documentation
• Detail‑oriented, accountable, and comfortable in a fast‑moving environment
• Able to lift up to 75 lbs and stand for extended periods
• U.S. Citizenship required

Nice to Have

• UAV, drone, or experimental aircraft experience
• Aerospace assembly methods (riveting, bonding, nut plates, sealing)
• Exposure to additive manufacturing or CNC workflows
• Experience in prototyping or low‑rate production environments
• Flexible to support off‑shift or weekend work as needed

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Work on advanced, mission‑critical UAV platforms
• High‑impact role with real ownership of the hardware you build
• Collaborative, fast‑moving team environment
• Hands‑on work with cutting‑edge manufacturing technologies

Work Environment

Based on‑site in San Diego, CA, this role is fully hands‑on in a manufacturing setting. You’ll work with power tools, 3D printing equipment, and mechanical assemblies while following strict safety and PPE requirements.

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

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/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 San Diego,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 13, 2026.

About Aerotek:

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.