Lead Aircraft Maintenance Technician (eVTOL)

Job description

ABOUT ODYS Our mission at Odys is simple - we build safe, sustainable aircraft to cut travel time in half on the world's busiest corridors. Our flagship aircraft Alta enables travelers to skip the big-airport hassle https://youtu.be/fyI4XMsF2rM by using city helipads and local airports to connect cities less than 1,000 miles apart (approx 40% of flights). And on average cut CO2 by 76% on tens of billions of flight miles globally. To get there, we start with our UAV called Laila for commercial logistics, medical transport, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and defense missions. We’re deploying aircraft with launch partners (Fiji Airways https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-09-20/fiji-airways-plans-connect-pacific-islands-laila-vtol, Honeywell https://aerospace.honeywell.com/us/en/about-us/press-release/2024/07/honeywell-odys-aviation-to-collaborate-on-uncrewed-aircraft-operations-in-the-middle-east-and-pacific, Aramex https://evtolinsights.com/2024/01/odys-aviation-aramex-announce-collaboration-to-develop-cargo-operations-in-uae-and-oman/, US Navy) beginning in 2026 and already have firm orders for aircraft under contract. We’re a team of expert engineers from deep tech and aerospace that focus on fast iterations loops (completed transition flight https://youtu.be/AffdzQDUv2U faster than our peers) combined with mastery of the aircraft certification process. Previously, our team developed custom drones, brought multiple automotive platforms into production, and electrified transportation vehicles that magnetically levitate, that roll, that fly. Together, we’ve been learning, developing, building, testing, and preparing for this challenge our entire lives. Odys is looking for a highly skilled Lead Maintenance Technician with a strong avionics background to join our team as a Crew Chief. In this role, you will bridge the gap between development engineering and flight operations. You will be responsible for the fabrication, installation, and troubleshooting of complex avionics systems on our eVTOL aircraft, with a specific focus on integrating mission-critical payloads (sensors, cameras, communications). You will also be responsible for airframe level inspections and maintenance. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with high-voltage electric propulsion systems, has the adaptability required for a rapid-prototyping, flight-test environment, and has previous military rotorcraft avionics technician background. Key Responsibilities 1. Avionics & Electrical Fabrication - Fabricate, route, and terminate complex aircraft wiring harnesses (crimping, soldering, shielding). - Read and interpret engineering schematics, wiring diagrams, and interconnect drawings to build and install avionics suites. - Perform modifications and repairs to existing electrical and mechanical systems during flight test campaigns. 2. Payload Integration - Lead the mechanical and electrical integration of diverse payloads, including EO/IR cameras, LiDAR, Radar, and experimental communication links. - Fabricate custom interface cables for non-standard payloads to interface with the aircraft's CAN bus, Ethernet, or serial (RS-232/422) networks. - Troubleshoot data and power issues between the Flight Control System (FCS) and auxiliary payloads. - Work with the engineering team to design temporary mounting solutions for rapid testing. 3. eVTOL & High Voltage (HV) Systems - Safely install and maintain High Voltage (HV) distribution systems, including cabling, busbars, and connectors for electric propulsion units. - Assist in the integration and checkout of Battery Management Systems (BMS) and motor controllers/inverters. - Execute pre-flight and post-flight checks on avionics and electric propulsion systems. 4. Mechanical Systems & Airframe Maintenance - Inspect, service, and repair eVTOL airframe structures, including composite panels, booms, and motor mounts, in accordance with engineering specifications and maintenance manuals. - Remove, install, and rigorously inspect electric propulsion motors, rotor assemblies, and drive components for wear, damage, or misalignment. - Perform routine and unscheduled maintenance on landing gear, flight control surfaces, and associated mechanical linkages. - Apply precision torque techniques and hardware installation practices (safety wire, thread-locking compounds, and fastener control) per applicable standards. - Conduct structural inspections for cracks, delamination, corrosion, and foreign object damage (FOD), escalating findings to engineering as appropriate. - Support ground handling operations including aircraft towing, tie-down, and hangar configuration. - Maintain tooling calibration records and ensure all ground support equipment (GSE) is serviceable prior to use. 5. Testing & Documentation - Perform continuity checks, insulation resistance tests, and power-on system validation. - Document all work performed, including harness build logs, red-lining schematics for engineering updates, and maintaining configuration control. - Collaborate with Flight Test Engineers to troubleshoot anomalies discovered during ground and flight operations. - Support the development and implementation of aircraft maintenance and operations documents. 6. Operational Leadership - Aircraft Maintenance Management: Lead engineering and technical support teams to perform all levels of maintenance. Responsible for maintaining aircraft configuration and all associated documentation. - Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Management: Manage Mega-Watt Charging Stations. Understanding thermal management of chargers and liquid cooling carts is vital. - Quick-Turn Optimization: eVTOL business models rely on 10–15 minute turnarounds. Experience running a pit crew-style operation (simultaneous charging, loading, and inspection) is required. - Safety Management Systems (SMS): Experience actively participating in an SMS (reporting hazards, risk mitigation) is desired. Required Qualifications - FAA A&P Certificate: An Airframe & Powerplant license is required. - 3+ years of experience in avionics, aerospace electrical systems, or complex unmanned systems — military training and equivalent experience will be considered. - Hands-on proficiency in soldering, crimping (Mil-Spec), and harness building. - Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical drawings. - Familiarity with standard test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, milliohm meters). - High School Diploma or GED required; A&P License or military avionics training highly preferred. Desired Qualifications - Inspection Authorization (IA): Highly desirable for a Chief role, allowing you to sign off on major repairs and annual inspections. - Part 135 & 145 Experience: Experience in these regulated environments is often preferred over general aviation (Part 91). Or equivalent experience in a military role. - eVTOL/UAV Knowledge: Demonstrated experience working with electric propulsion, lithium-ion battery integration, or hybrid-electric architectures. - Technical Skills: High proficiency in soldering, crimping (Mil-Spec), and harness building. Familiarity with standard test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, milliohm meters). - Technical Skills: Familiar with troubleshooting complex aircraft mechanical and electrical systems. - Documentation: Ability to read and red-line complex electrical schematics and mechanical drawings. Preferred Qualifications - Familiar with IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards. - Experience working with High Voltage energy systems - Background in R&D or flight test environments. - Knowledge of communication protocols (CAN, ARINC 429, Ethernet, Serial). - Experience integrating C2 (Command and Control) datalinks and mesh radios. - Associate degree in Avionics Technology, Electronics or Aircraft Maintenance. Physical Requirements & Work Environment - Ability to work around high-voltage systems (training will be provided, but safety consciousness is mandatory). - Ability to stand, bend, and work in tight spaces within an airframe for extended periods. - Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. - Willingness to travel to flight test ranges if required (up to 75% travel). The majority of time in this role will be spent onsite at our flight test range in Buttonwillow, CA.