UAV Integration Technician

UAV Assembly & Integration Technician

Position Overview

The UAV Assembly & Integration Technician is responsible for building unmanned aircraft from parts, kits, and subassemblies through final integration, system checkout, and flight-readiness preparation. This hands-on role supports mechanical assembly, electrical wiring, avionics installation, propulsion and power system integration, troubleshooting, documentation, and pre-flight support to deliver complete aircraft ready for testing and operational use. This position requires a versatile technician capable of working across mechanical, electrical, and systems disciplines while following engineering drawings, work instructions, and configuration requirements to deliver fully integrated aircraft on schedule.

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Key Responsibilities

- Assemble unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) from subcomponents through full system integration
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, work instructions, and 3D models
- Execute build instructions, engineering changes, and configuration updates
- Complete production logs, build documentation, and travelers accurately and on time
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment with proper tool control
- Perform in-process quality inspections and report deviations as needed
- Support the transition from prototype development to repeatable production builds
- Install and integrate avionics systems, autopilots, sensors, payloads, and mission equipment
- Configure communication systems including radios, antennas, and ground control station interfaces
- Install and integrate power systems, battery assemblies, fuel systems, and power distribution networks
- Integrate propulsion systems including engines, electronic control units (ECUs), ignition systems, and related controls
- Perform aircraft retrofits, modifications, and upgrades across existing configurations
- Implement engineering change orders (ECOs) and configuration updates
- Fabricate, route, modify, and troubleshoot wiring harnesses
- Perform connector termination, continuity testing, and power validation
- Support ground testing, system checkout, and pre-flight preparation activities
- Assist with troubleshooting and issue resolution during flight test operations
- Deploy to test sites as needed to support field operations
- Diagnose and resolve integration issues across mechanical, electrical, and software interfaces
- Collaborate closely with engineering teams to resolve system-level problems
- Perform rapid modifications and repairs in both laboratory and field environments
- Maintain configuration control and build documentation throughout the assembly process
- Support production scale-up activities from prototype through low-rate production
- Assemble, integrate, troubleshoot, and validate aircraft systems to ensure flight readiness for testing, customer acceptance, and operational deployment
- Perform other duties as assigned

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Required Qualifications

- Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent hands-on experience in Aerospace, Electronics, Mechanical Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, Aviation Maintenance, or a related technical field preferred
- 3 to 8+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace, unmanned systems (UAS/UAV), robotics, automotive, defense, or a similar technical environment
- Strong attention to detail, craftsmanship, and quality standards
- U.S. Citizenship required due to federal contract requirements

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Required Skills

- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, and integration instructions
- Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly and structural integration
- Experience installing and troubleshooting electrical systems, wiring, and wiring harnesses
- Familiarity with avionics systems, sensors, embedded systems, or related technologies
- Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills across mechanical, electrical, and system-level integration challenges
- Ability to work safely and follow quality standards, procedures, and tool-control requirements
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment supporting iterative build, test, and refinement cycles

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Preferred Experience

- UAV/UAS assembly, integration, or maintenance experience
- Aircraft assembly, avionics, or aerospace manufacturing experience
- Flight test support experience
- Experience working in prototype, R&D, or new product development environments
- Experience implementing engineering change orders (ECOs) and configuration management processes
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rockville, MD.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $40.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Rockville,MD.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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 process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law
shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,
including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications
and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you
acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.