Lead Aircraft Maintenance Technician (eVTOL)

Key Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiar with IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards.
• Experience working with High Voltage energy systems.
• 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.