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Senior R&D Technician,Composites

Oxnard, California, United States

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 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. 

As a Senior R&D Technician, you will collaborate closely with our engineering team to develop and test new materials and processes for aircraft manufacturing. Your responsibilities will include operating and maintaining manufacturing and testing resources such as equipment and tooling, fabricating and testing components, and documenting procedures and results.

What you'll do:

  • Construct state-of-the-art aircraft components and tooling using both conventional and cutting-edge manufacturing processes.
  • Collaborate with engineers to develop and optimize composite manufacturing processes with a focus on efficiency, quality, and scalability.
  • Develop shop procedures and protocols to ensure safety, quality, and efficiency. Foster an exceptional manufacturing culture.
  • Operate and maintain manufacturing and test equipment, ensuring proper calibration, troubleshooting, and adherence to safety protocols.
  • Conduct testing and characterization activities for composite materials and structures, including mechanical testing and material property characterization.
  • Communicate effectively with team members to coordinate tasks, share insights, and innovate continually. Actively contribute innovative ideas to solve engineering challenges.

Basic Qualifications:

  • 5+ years of experience in composite materials and manufacturing processes.
  • Proven problem-solving skills, organizational abilities, and attention to detail.
  • Successful track record as an owner of a process or an undefined project, and/or the ability to thrive in an unstructured environment.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Recognized as a manufacturing expert by teammates who seek your guidance.
  • Proactive and professional approach to tackling big challenges.

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   
  • Flexible work arrangement - remote/hybrid with regular collaboration in Oxnard  
  • 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 problems 

Compensation Range:

  • $60k-95k salary + Equity

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. 

To conform to U.S. Government controlled technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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