Senior Staff Technician (R5289)

About the role

Shield AI is seeking a highly skilled Sr. Staff Technician to support the development and build of V-BAT unmanned aircraft system across mechanical, electrical, and propulsion systems. This is a hands-on, cross-disciplinary role for an experienced technician who thrives in a fast-paced engineering environment and partners closely with engineers to bring new designs to life.

Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on build, integration, and rework of V-BAT prototype mechanical, electrical, and propulsion systems.
• Serve as the primary technician partner to engineering during development cycles, translating engineering intent into high-quality hardware.
• Execute complex mechanical and electrical assemblies, including harnessing, avionics integration, propulsion installs, and structural builds.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot system-level issues across vehicle subsystems, driving root cause identification and corrective actions.
• Support rapid prototyping efforts, including custom fabrication, modifications, and iterative design feedback.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and propulsion engineers to improve design for manufacturability, reliability, and serviceability.
• Develop and refine build processes, work instructions, and best practices for prototype and low-rate builds.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior technicians, setting standards for quality, efficiency, and workmanship.
• Maintain strict adherence to safety, quality, and configuration control processes in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Requirements

• 12+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace, robotics, defense, or a related field.
• Deep experience with both mechanical and electrical assembly in complex systems (air vehicles, UAVs, or similar highly integrated platforms preferred).
• Strong troubleshooting skills across multiple domains (mechanical, electrical, propulsion).
• Ability to work from engineering drawings, schematics, and CAD models with minimal supervision.
• Experience with avionics integration, wiring/harnessing, connectors, and test equipment.
• Proficiency with standard shop tools, fabrication techniques, and prototype build environments.
• Proven ability to operate independently while also collaborating effectively with engineering teams.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with UAS/UAV platforms, especially Group 2–3 systems.
• Familiarity with propulsion systems (including electric and/or hybrid).
• Background in rapid prototyping or R&D environments versus production-only roles.

Pay

The hourly rate for this position is $42 - $64. Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location.

Schedule

This is a full-time regular employee position. Temporary employee offer packages are also available, with pay within the listed range and temporary benefits package applicable after 60 days of employment.

Benefits

The full-time regular employee offer package includes pay within the listed range, bonus, benefits, and equity. The temporary employee offer package includes pay within the listed range and temporary benefits package.