R&D Technician

Job description

Role Overview As an R&D technician, you will be at the forefront of our company’s critical operations in a fast-paced, innovative environment. You will take ownership of prototyping, machining, assembly, testing, and fabrication operations, ensuring attention to detail and proper documentation as we develop next-generation military equipment. Key Responsibilities Fabrication Skills Work closely with engineering to fabricate prototypes, build and operate systems while ensuring adherence to specifications, quality standards, and safety protocols. Collaborate with engineering to improve designs through rapid iteration to refine manufacturing techniques. Participate in design reviews, providing input on long term manufacturability, available resources, and design improvements. Autonomously spec, source, and commission equipment, research new best practices, coordinate resources, and report project status. Support critical system testing and validation efforts, ensuring products meet performance and reliability requirements. Some of these efforts will require off-site travel. Team Development Build, lead, and mentor a team of ambitious, quality-focused technicians, fostering a culture of technical excellence, teamwork, and accountability. Develop and document best practices for machining, fabrication, assembly, and quality inspection. Identify and resolve technical challenges, implementing corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives. Train and upskill technicians on new processes, tools, and industry best practices. Performs other related duties as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment Who You Are You thrive in ambiguity and enjoy solving hard problems with limited resources. You believe quality and speed are not mutually exclusive. You take ownership and drive continuous improvement without waiting for permission. Qualifications 5+ years in a high-performance manufacturing or R&D environment with experience in multiple of the following areas: fabrication, machining, welding, pneumatic/hydraulic systems, test processes, test stand development. Deep understanding of aerospace-grade production/quality standards and a demonstrated track record of enforcing them. Experience interpreting engineering drawings and technical specifications & processes. Strong problem-solving skills with a hands-on approach to technical challenges. Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to build and coordinate a high-performing team. Experience developing complex systems from scratch and the corresponding manufacturing processes Experience in aerospace, nuclear, defense, or advanced manufacturing industries. Knowledge of materials science, precision machining, and quality inspection techniques. Hands-on experience with fluid, gas, or high-voltage systems. Experience with automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Background in process optimization and lean manufacturing principles. Familiarity with PLM, ERP, and manufacturing planning systems. ITAR REQUIREMENTS: To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here . About the Company: We are a stealth-mode Aerospace & Defense startup headquartered in Gardena, CA. Our founding team hails from SpaceX, Anduril, and Lockheed Martin, and we are backed by Joint Staff-level military leadership and top-tier Silicon Valley rms. We're assembling a high urgency team committed to moving fast, solving hard problems, and defending what matters most. With a world-class business development & leadership team already in place, we are well positioned to capitalize on already overwhelming demand.