Electrical Technician - Final Assembly & Test, UAV/Drone Systems
$71k - $130k/yr+ Equity Compensation
Senior
Sausalito, CA, USA
In Person
Manufacturing & Production OperationsProduct Assembly
About the job
Requirements
- At least 5 years of hands-on experience in electrical or electromechanical assembly, ideally in UAV, robotics, aerospace, or similarly complex electromechanical systems.
- Demonstrated experience building, integrating, repairing, or testing UAV or robotics platforms.
- Proficiency in through-hole soldering and surface-mount technology rework to industry workmanship standards.
- Strong crimping and wire harness fabrication skills across multiple connector types and gauges.
- Experience troubleshooting printed circuit boards and printed circuit board assemblies at the component level.
- Ability to read wiring diagrams, schematics, and assembly drawings.
- Working knowledge of multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and hand tools.
- Understanding of basic electrical principles, including voltage, current, resistance, and power distribution.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple builds and tests in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods at a workbench, perform fine assembly tasks, and occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Visual acuity sufficient for detailed inspection, with corrective lenses if needed.
Responsibilities
- Perform final assembly of electronics, including wiring harnesses, power distribution systems, flight controllers, motors and electronic speed controllers, sensors, and payload electronics.
- Solder and rework electronic components and connections to high workmanship standards.
- Crimp and terminate connectors for power and signal wiring.
- Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair printed circuit boards and printed circuit board assemblies.
- Conduct functional and systems-level testing, including power-on tests, continuity and insulation checks, sensor calibration, motor and electronic speed controller verification, and communication link testing.
- Diagnose and resolve electrical faults using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and other diagnostic equipment.
- Document test results, non-conformances, and assembly deviations in accordance with quality procedures.
- Collaborate with engineering to troubleshoot design-for-assembly and design-for-test issues and provide production-floor feedback.
- Maintain the calibration and organization of tools, test equipment, and workstations.
- Follow electrostatic discharge-safe handling procedures for sensitive electronic components.
- Support root-cause analysis and corrective action processes for recurring build or test issues.
- Follow safety protocols, particularly those specific to lithium-polymer and lithium-ion battery handling and high-current systems.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with flight controllers, electronic speed controllers, motors, and UAV communication or telemetry systems.
- Familiarity with lithium-polymer and lithium-ion battery systems and associated safety handling procedures.
- IPC-A-610 and/or J-STD-001 certification, or working toward certification.
- Experience in a regulated or mission-critical industry such as aerospace, defense, or public safety equipment.
- Familiarity with electrostatic discharge control programs and cleanroom or controlled assembly environments.
- Basic experience with enterprise resource planning or manufacturing execution systems for build documentation and traceability.
- Exposure to firefighting, emergency response, or public-safety equipment standards.
About the company
Seneca builds autonomous aerial systems for wildfire resilience, led by an autonomous fire suppression drone system that can be launched remotely and respond to approximate fire locations within ten minutes. The drones are AI-powered, identify fire origins, navigate difficult terrain, and deliver over 100 pounds of high-pressure suppressant, with a single pilot able to control multiple drones using infrared and video for targeting. In addition to initial attack, the technology supports prescribed burns by helping manage perimeters and suppress embers. The company differentiates itself through large-scale funding and partnerships with U.S. fire agencies, enabling rapid fleet readiness, quick deployment, and a focus on rapid response and perimeter management, with a goal to shorten response times, improve firefighter safety, and prevent small sparks from becoming large disasters ahead of the 2026 fire season.
Company Size
11-50
Company Stage
Early VC
Total Funding
$60M
Headquarters
Sausalito, California
Founded
2024
Get referred to Seneca
See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- October 2025 funding raised $60 million, giving Seneca runway into the 2026 fire season.
- CAL FIRE trials and FireWERX validation broaden credibility beyond the Aspen foothold.
- The platform expands into prescribed burns, utilities, and inspections, widening budgets beyond wildfire response.
What critics are saying
- Aspen remains the only disclosed customer, making revenue concentration extreme through 2026.
- Seneca still depends on human approvals, sensors, and connectivity; a crash kills adoption momentum.
- If 2026 field performance disappoints, utilities and agencies will default to helicopters and Watch Duty.
What makes Seneca unique
- Seneca's February 2026 Aspen contract proves first U.S. autonomous wildfire-suppression deployment.
- Its five-aircraft strike team uses one pilot for multiple drones, boosting firefighter leverage.
- Ouster's October 2026 lidar partnership strengthens navigation in smoke, terrain, and darkness.
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Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
- Unlimited Paid Time Off
- Company Equity