Build Development Technician (Engineering Test Technician)

As a Build Development Technician at Zipline, you will support advanced hardware builds across development, validation, production, and remanufacturing environments. This role combines build execution, system integration, hardware rework/recovery, and validation support for rapidly evolving hardware systems. You will work on complex builds where processes, configurations, and hardware requirements may still be changing, and you will support hardware builds, validation activities, hardware recovery efforts, and hands-on technical execution across Engineering, Manufacturing, Validation, Production, and Field Operations teams.

Responsibilities

• Build, integrate, rework, and support complex electromechanical hardware across development, validation, production, and remanufacturing environments.
• Perform hands-on electrical and mechanical work including wiring, soldering, system integration, composite work, machining, tester/fixture setup, and hardware rework activities.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, test, and system-level issues during hardware build and validation activities.
• Support hardware validation, functional testing, system checks, and hardware readiness activities across evolving hardware and production environments.
• Rework non-conforming or damaged hardware into build-ready, test-ready, or flight-ready condition when appropriate.
• Contribute to high-priority hardware builds, investigations, and non-standard execution efforts across Engineering, Manufacturing, Validation, Production, and Field Operations teams.
• Follow approved procedures, drawings, and engineering direction while maintaining strong documentation, traceability, and process discipline.
• Provide hands-on feedback to improve build execution, tooling, hardware recovery, and work instructions.
• Contribute to technical knowledge sharing and standardization of best practices across build teams.

Requirements

• Over 4 years of hands-on experience in UAV/drone, aerospace, robotics, automotive, manufacturing, or other complex hardware environments.
• Experience supporting hardware builds across prototype, development, validation, production, or remanufacturing environments.
• Strong hands-on electromechanical aptitude and troubleshooting capability.
• Experience working with complex mechanical and electrical assemblies, test equipment, fixtures, composites, machining, or integrated hardware systems.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, schematics, BOMs, and technical documentation.
• High level of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and ability to deliver under schedule pressure.
• Strong communication and documentation skills, with the ability to clearly communicate technical issues and tradeoffs.
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced hardware environments where systems, processes, and priorities may evolve rapidly.
• Strong ownership mindset, process discipline, and ability to adapt to changing hardware and build requirements.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with scripting or test automation tools (Python, C++, or similar).
• Ability to create or modify CAD models (NX, SolidWorks, Fusion 360).
• FAA Part 107 (or willingness to obtain)