Drone Test Technician

Job Title: Drone Test Technician

As a Drone Test Technician, you will be responsible for Drone prototype assembly and hands-on support. You will assemble prototype bucks consisting of frames, mounts, fixtures, and electronics, and perform basic through-hole soldering tasks. Additionally, you will assist engineers with mechanical or electrical tasks, prepare and organize prototype components, and design and 3D print parts.

Responsibilities

• Assemble prototype bucks including frames, mounts, fixtures, and electronics.
• Perform basic through-hole soldering for wires and connectors.
• Assist engineers with mechanical or electrical tasks between test cycles.
• Prepare and organize prototype components and hardware for fast test iteration.
• Design and 3D print parts as needed.
• Conduct Drone flight testing and data capture by flying prototype quadcopters in controlled environments.
• Capture onboard data and video during flight experiments.
• Ensure safety during flight operations to prevent impacts or crashes.
• Set up prototype bucks on vibration test tables using fixtures and mounts.
• Install sensors as instructed and prepare units for data collection.
• Run pre-configured vibration test sequences and maintain data organization.
• Help optimize workflow during downtime between tests.
• Collaborate closely with product design engineers.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on mechanical or electrical assembly experience.
• Basic electronics and soldering skills, including through-hole wiring.
• Experience flying remote-controlled aircraft, particularly quadcopters or FPV drones.
• Comfort working outdoors in a safe and controlled environment.
• Ability to quickly learn new test procedures and operate autonomously.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience collecting sensor data from drones or other devices.
• Prior use of vibration test tables, test fixtures, or mechanical fixturing.
• Additional mechanical or electrical technician experience.
• Experience creating or modifying simple prototype mounts and brackets.

Work Environment

The role involves working in both outdoor and controlled environments, ensuring safety during flight operations. You will use various tools and equipment, such as soldering tools, CAD software, and 3D printers, and collaborate closely with engineers to achieve project goals. The position requires a proactive approach to learning and problem-solving.

This is a Contract position based out of San Mateo, CA.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $50.00/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 Mateo,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 12, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.