Lead, UAV Integration Technician

Rainmaker is pioneering a modern cloud seeding system to solve water scarcity and inclement weather problems. We develop and incorporate radar validation, weather-resistant UAS, numerical weather modeling, and sustainable cloud seeds into an effective precipitation enhancement solution.
The Production team at Rainmaker builds our UAS platforms, assembles dispersion payloads, and integrates in-situ/remote sensing systems into every vehicle we deliver. As a UAV Maintenance Technician, you'll be on the front line of keeping our fleet mission-ready — executing maintenance work instructions with speed and precision to get aircraft back in the field. If you thrive in a hands-on, fast-paced environment where your work has a direct, immediate impact on mission success, this is a great opportunity.

What You'll Do

- Coordinate integration efforts. Assign and sequence build tasks across the integration team to hit production schedules and delivery deadlines.

- Own the build process. Oversee assembly of UAVs from individual components into complete systems, ensuring each aircraft meets quality and workmanship standards before leaving production.

- Draft and maintain build procedures. Write, standardize, and update assembly work instructions, wiring diagrams, and integration checklists to ensure consistency and repeatability across builds.

- Lead electrical integration quality. Set standards for wiring harness construction, electrical assemblies, and connection troubleshooting; review and sign off on completed work.

- Communicate field and build gaps. Surface recurring issues, design flaws, or integration challenges seen during assembly or field testing to engineering and program stakeholders.

- Train and develop technicians. Onboard new integration techs, train the team on new components, configurations, or procedures, and build cross-training across mechanical/electrical skill sets.

- Drive quality inspection standards. Establish and enforce incoming parts inspection and final assembly QA processes to catch issues before aircraft reach the field.

- Improve production processes. Identify inefficiencies in the build process, lead process improvement initiatives, and capture lessons learned from each build to improve future ones as production scales.

- Manage parts and tooling. Coordinate with supply chain on parts availability and lead times; oversee tooling, 3D printers, machining equipment, and shop resources used in integration.

- Escalate and resolve blockers. Act as the point of escalation for technical, resourcing, or scheduling issues the integration team can't resolve independently.

- Enforce safety standards. Ensure all integration and field activities follow shop safety procedures and best practices for tool and equipment use.

Required Qualifications

- 7+ years of hands-on experience in UAV, aerospace, robotics, or similar mechanical/electrical maintenance environments

- 3+ years experience leading a technician team

- Strong experience with mechanical assembly and electrical integration

- Ability to read, interpret, and create technical drawings, wiring diagrams, and schematics

- Proven experience troubleshooting complex mechanical and electrical systems

- Experience writing or improving work instructions, build procedures, or assembly documentation

- Willingness to travel and support field operations and flight testing

- Strong attention to detail and craftsmanship, with the judgment to enforce quality standards across a team

- Ability to prioritize and coordinate work across multiple technicians in a fast-paced, evolving environment

- Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate field/build issues into clear feedback for engineering and leadership

- Comfortable taking ownership of team output and driving accountability

- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs regularly

- Familiarity with basic shop safety procedures, with experience enforcing safety standards for a team

Preferred Qualifications

- Familiarity with the use of 3D printers

- Familiarity with the use of torque drivers, power supplies, multimeters, and other diagnostic/hand tools

- Experience machining on 3 and 5 axis machines

- Experience with root cause analysis or corrective action processes

- Familiarity with production tracking, quality management, or maintenance documentation systems

- Experience scaling or standardizing processes in an early-stage or high-growth manufacturing environment

Benefits

- Significant stock options with high potential upside as an early-stage company

- 401(k) with employer matching

- Full health coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance)

- Relocation assistance provided (if applicable)

- Unlimited PTO

- Paid parental leave for both parents

- Lunch provided when working in-office and a fully stocked kitchenette

- Free EV charging at the HQ