Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic
Swarm Aero
Oxnard, CA, USA
USD 30-55 / hour + Equity
Location
Oxnard, CA
Employment Type
Full time
Department
AircraftManufacturing
Swarm Aero is redefining air power, building the largest swarming UAV and the most versatile swarming aircraft network in the world. The company is moving quickly to launch the first aircraft designed specifically for swarming, as well as the Command & Control software to mobilize swarms of thousands of heterogeneous autonomous assets and empower human operators to achieve superhuman results.
The team has created and exited multiple startups, negotiated defense deals worth billions of dollars, and designed and built 30+ novel aircraft, with aerospace experience from Scaled Composites, Airbus, Archer Aviation, Blue Origin, and Boom Supersonic.
Swarm Aero is redefining air power, building the largest swarming UAV and most versatile swarming aircraft network in the world. The company is moving quickly to launch the first aircraft designed specifically for swarming as well as the Command & Control software to mobilize swarms of thousands of heterogenous autonomous assets and empower human operators to achieve superhuman results.
The team has created and exited multiple startups, negotiated defense deals worth billions of dollars and designed and built 30+ novel aircraft, with aerospace experience from Scaled Composites, SpaceX, Airbus, Archer Aviation, Blue Origin, and Boom Supersonic.
We need an A&P mechanic who wants to build aircraft, not just service them. You would be using a variety of the knowledge learned to obtain your A&P certificate. You will be working directly with our structures, propulsion, electrical, and autonomy engineers on the shop floor, turning designs into real hardware. The drawings will change. The procedures will evolve. This is the job.
A typical week might involve fabricating composite structure in the morning, fitting and integrating avionics and electrical systems in the afternoon, and supporting a ground test at the end of the week. When something does not fit right or behave right, you will be the one working with the engineering team to figure out why and what to do about it.
We are also looking for someone who can help train and bring up the next technicians we hire as the team grows.
What You Will Be Doing
Fabricating, assembling, and integrating prototype unmanned aircraft from engineering drawings and work instructions that are actively being revised
Working side by side with structures, propulsion, electrical, and autonomy engineers throughout the build process, flagging issues and feeding practical knowledge back into the design
Troubleshooting mechanical, structural, and systems problems and working with the engineering team to root-cause and resolve them
Fabricating, assembling / installing systems and components (fuel, oil plumbing), landing gear, flight controls and sub-structures.
Composite fabrication and repair, including wet layup, prepreg, honeycomb, and bonded structure
Supporting ground and flight test campaigns, conducting pre- and post-flight inspections and executing modifications to develop the test vehicle
Interpreting engineering drawings, CAD outputs, redlines, and evolving work instructions as the aircraft matures
Keeping accurate build records, test logs, and configuration documentation
Contributing to written procedures and assembly instructions as the program moves from prototype toward production
Training and mentoring junior technicians as the team grows
Traveling to flight test locations and field sites as needed
Assisting with the general set-up / development of the facility
What We Are Looking For
Required
FAA A&P certificate
7+ years working on aircraft, across more than one type (a variety of aircraft, systems, structures).
Experience building or modifying aircraft, in addition to maintaining them
Experience with composite fabrication and repair
Experience fabrication of tubing, hoses, metallic structures / supports.
Comfortable reading and working from drawings and documentation that are still being revised
Able to work closely with engineers and speak up when something does not look right
Able to lift 50 lbs. and work in varied indoor and outdoor environments
Eligible to obtain a U.S. Secret security clearance (U.S. citizenship required)
Willing to travel to test locations to support active flight campaigns
Preferred
Experience with prototype, experimental, or R&D aircraft programs
Background supporting ground and flight test operations
Familiarity with build documentation and configuration management on developmental programs
Compensation: $30.00/hr. - $55.00/hr. + equity
What we Offer:
Meaningful equity stake in a high-growth defense technology company
Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401k
PTO and Paid Sick Time
Monthly Wellness Stipend
Daily catered lunch to office
Paid parental leave
Direct impact opportunity - be a key leader in building a critical technology for national security
World-class team - work alongside exceptional engineers and operators solving hard problem
As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and trustworthy work environment, Swarm Aero conducts a thorough screening of prospective employees. Candidates will be subject to a comprehensive background verification process as a prerequisite for employment.
What We Offer
Meaningful equity in a high-growth defense technology company
Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
Medical, dental, vision, and 401k
PTO and paid sick leave
Monthly wellness stipend
Daily catered lunch (office)
Paid parental leave
Direct impact on a critical national security mission
A world-class team of engineers and operators solving genuinely hard problems